Dash removal with Russ Thompson Signal

[BornWestUSA]

I need to remove my dash for speedo issues, and I did not install it.

What are the steps for the removal with the Russ Thompson turn signal unit?

Also I can feel some slop between the upper and lower steering shafts, is that normal?

[cc2Arider]

I have yet to permanently install my Russ Thompson "Tribute" turn signal assembly, but I can tell you that 1st you need to remove the steering hub from the assembly. Not sure the best way to do that with a "cinched down" hub nut, though. I believe some have success by extracting the whole upper shaft...

Then, you can remove the turn signal switch collar by carefully loosening the phillips head on the 8o'clock position. You don't want to completely unscrew it -- just loosen it. The collar should slide off...

Craig C

[ProfessorB]

Hi-jacking this thread (slightly). Is the Russ Thompson turn signal still available? I thought I had heard they're no longer available...

[weendoggy]

I need to remove my dash for speedo issues, and I did not install it.

What are the steps for the removal with the Russ Thompson turn signal unit?

Also I can feel some slop between the upper and lower steering shafts, is that normal?

There's a couple of ways. One is to remove the steering wheel (you need to do that regardless) and then disconnect or unplug the wires (should wire them into a separate plug), remove the underdash support tube bracket if you can, and then pull the TS and dash off. If you can fish it out of the dash hole, so much the better. The other way is to do all of the same, EXCEPT, don't remove the support tube bracket, but on the side of the TS is a small screw. Whatever you do DON'T remove it all the way, but simply loosen it and the TS housing and mechanism will come off, leaving the tube behind. The screw is there to swedge a tab to the housing. This is also how you rotate the hub.

If you have slack in teh steering shafts, you may not have installed the wavy washer in the double-D tube.

[weendoggy]

Hi-jacking this thread (slightly). Is the Russ Thompson turn signal still available? I thought I had heard they're no longer available...

Yes, they are continuing with TJ at https://www.mountain-metalworks.com/ Get a hold of him. He's made some nice adjustments as well.

[Jeff Kleiner]

If by chance you have the FFR/Speedhut gauges you don’t have to pull the dash. If you unscrew the front bezel and glass you can push the speedo through and take it out from behind.

Jeff

[BornWestUSA]

There's a couple of ways. One is to remove the steering wheel (you need to do that regardless) and then disconnect or unplug the wires (should wire them into a separate plug), remove the underdash support tube bracket if you can, and then pull the TS and dash off. If you can fish it out of the dash hole, so much the better. The other way is to do all of the same, EXCEPT, don't remove the support tube bracket, but on the side of the TS is a small screw. Whatever you do DON'T remove it all the way, but simply loosen it and the TS housing and mechanism will come off, leaving the tube behind. The screw is there to swedge a tab to the housing. This is also how you rotate the hub.

If you have slack in teh steering shafts, you may not have installed the wavy washer in the double-D tube.

Ahh, are the "wavy washers" a standard hardware part I can get locally?

[edwardb]

Ahh, are the "wavy washers" a standard hardware part I can get locally?

They're called Belleville washers. Back when I needed some, I measured and determined the FFR supplied washers were the same as these from McMaster: https://www.mcmaster.com/9712K62/. I'm sure they are available elsewhere, but that's my go-to source for specialty stuff and they're service is top notch. For me, order one day, on my porch the next.

[BornWestUSA]

OK, I got the Speedo out, I'm sending it to Speedhut for a GPS conversion.

I pulled out the upper steering shaft, NO Belleville washers! So that is why it has "play".

Washers on order from above McMaster link.

[weendoggy]

OK, I got the Speedo out, I'm sending it to Speedhut for a GPS conversion.

I pulled out the upper steering shaft, NO Belleville washers! So that is why it has "play".

Does anybody want to mail me a few before I order from McMaster? I'll Pay!!

You can also try a 8mm wavy washer and accomplish the same thing. One on each side of the shaft flats.