Thread: Help Me Identify my GM Tilt Column

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Hello folks,

I have a 1947 Plymouth with a GM tilt steering column.
I need to replace the turn signal switch, and I don't know the specific application of the column, so I don't know which turn signal switch to order.

It is a column shift, for an automatic, without the shift indicator. It just has the hazard switch, no headlight or cruise control stalks. Based on the style of the hazard knob and the shift lever (chrome knobs - see attached pictures) I'm thinking it is from 1972 or earlier. One other clue, it also has the key-warning buzzer switch which gives it ten wires (as opposed to the earlier versions, which only had eight). Still, I have no idea if it is from a mid-size, full-size, truck, etc.

I have removed the switch but could not find any part numbers. I also inspected every inch of the column and could not find any part numbers or other unique characteristics.

I have found many different AC Delco switches on line, and they all appear the same, but have different part numbers and applications. Any tips or tricks on how to determine the specific application of my tilt column?

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

hazard knob.jpgshifter 1.jpg
sw 1 smaller.jpgshifter 1.jpgSC smaller.jpgsw 2 smaller.jpg

They're pretty cheap. Find a company with an accommodating return policy and order a few of your best guess.

There are plenty here, take your pick. https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...witch&_sacat=0

That appears to be the same as the one in my 46. It came out of a 76 Chevy truck, but as far as I know they were all the same at the top from about 73 to the 80's. Only the bottom length changed for each application.

The connectors are slightly different for different years. The 76 truck replacement I ordered (AC Delco) came with an adapter harness that plugged into the switch and mated up to the plug on my harness. However, I depinned the new switch and my old switch and swapped the connectors. I didn't want the extra adapter. If you don't mind swapping the connector bodies like that, it won't really matter what year you get. Just order one for a 76 pickup with tilt.

If you need it, I can post a pic of the tool I made to extract the pins from the connector. Nothing fancy. Just a 3/32 stainless welding rod thinned up on the grinder to make a narrow flat tool. The retaining clip in the connector just pushes out of the way and the wire connector pulls out the bottom. Then you just stick the wire in the new connector.

Unless you need the key detection wiring, don't worry about it.

Originally Posted by Hotrod46

That appears to be the same as the one in my 46. It came out of a 76 Chevy truck, but as far as I know they were all the same at the top from about 73 to the 80's. Only the bottom length changed for each application.

The connectors are slightly different for different years. The 76 truck replacement I ordered (AC Delco) came with an adapter harness that plugged into the switch and mated up to the plug on my harness. However, I depinned the new switch and my old switch and swapped the connectors. I didn't want the extra adapter. If you don't mind swapping the connector bodies like that, it won't really matter what year you get. Just order one for a 76 pickup with tilt.

If you need it, I can post a pic of the tool I made to extract the pins from the connector. Nothing fancy. Just a 3/32 stainless welding rod thinned up on the grinder to make a narrow flat tool. The retaining clip in the connector just pushes out of the way and the wire connector pulls out the bottom. Then you just stick the wire in the new connector.

Unless you need the key detection wiring, don't worry about it.

Hello Hotrod46,

I appreciate the thoughtful reply. You answered the one nagging question I had, which was why there are so many different GM part numbers for what appears to be the same turn signal switch...apparently it is because of different pinouts and differing wire lengths.

Thanks for the offer of a picture, but that won't be necessary, as I have the necessary tools and I have had lots of practice re-arranging pins and assembling Molex-style connectors.

Thanks again.

It looks the same as my 69 nomad too.