Source for better turn signal switches???

[str12-340]

I need to replace the broken turn signal switch in my column (1970 Dart). It was a new repop 3 years ago and the cancel mechanism is already toast. This has the spring loaded post to contact the copper plate in the steering wheel. I heard rumors awhile ago that somebody was going to offer switches with the brass wheel like the originals. Any word on that? Any suggestions about whether one source/brand is better than others?

 

[toolmanmike]

I need to replace the broken turn signal switch in my column (1970 Dart). It was a new repop 3 years ago and the cancel mechanism is already toast. This has the spring loaded post to contact the copper plate in the steering wheel. I heard rumors awhile ago that somebody was going to offer switches with the brass wheel like the originals. Any word on that? Any suggestions about whether one source/brand is better than others?

NOS. The re-pop switches are not good. @slantsixdan had some good ones made a few years back but because of the trade issues right now, he is unable to get any made.

 

[slantsixdan]

My switches were (and will be again, if all goes well) for the pre-'70 cars.

The '70 cars have some one-year-only details to their switch. Most of them don't matter because they're hidden. The one you can see is the shape of the hazard flasher knob. If yours is a points-type show car and you have to have every detail exactly per 1970, then the only answer is "go fish for NOS, and bring along your wallet".

The '71-up switch can be installed in a '70 car with some minor fiddling. Getting a good-quality switch is not easy; about the least-worst of the lot is the Shee-Mar SM-111.

As for roller wheel versus slider button/brush for the horn contact: don't fret or sweat on that; it's not important. What's important is installing the switch properly (thin film of graphite lube so the slider button rides smoothly on the horn contact ring on the back of the steering wheel). Even Chrysler themselves went to the slider button type of arrangement:

 

[toolmanmike]

Ordinarily I'd have the switch you want, on shelf: OE-quality because made by one of Chrysler's original suppliers, to the final Chrysler blueprint.

Right now, unfortunately I can't help. I'm out of those switches, and President Trump's tariffs are making every step in getting them more expensive and more difficult, veering close to impossible. I haven't given up, but it's just a whole lot steeper uphill slog to get them than it's always been before.

I refuse to handle the poor-quality Chinese fall-apart dreck that's all over the (rest of the) internet, so until I can get more of the good switches in, there are none on this continent. :-(

Thanks Dan. We really appreciate your effort.

 

[str12-340]

My switches were (and will be again, if all goes well) for the pre-'70 cars.

Dan - if you have a list, please add me to it. All but one of my Darts are extensively modified in most mechanical systems, so the shape of the knob is immaterial as long as it fits in the 1970 column and is dependable. Put me down for 4 switches.

 

[str12-340]

OK, one last question. The Shee-Mar SM-111 is available from a large number of sources. They range in price from $20 to over $80. I'd pay more for a better switch, but they all claim to be from Shee-Mar. This includes RockAuto that actually lists Shhe-Mar as the manufacturer for $22. Any reason to pay more???