Headlight Stalk Replacement

[philmeup1]

Hey there folks. It's been a while since I've posted anything on here, so I thought I'd post this....

With summer finally here in Ontario I've been looking forward to my first camping trip with my Delica. I'm headed to the Mariposa Folk Festival next weekend in Orillia with some VW Bus buddies. I have removed the original interior and installed a Z Bed outta an old westfalia. A retired wood shop teacher friend did all the work. When you open the rear hatch, there's cabinetry under the bed made from reclaimed cherry wood he had in his garage. The set ups pretty sweet and it works quite well overall.

I've had to do a few things to my van this year to keep it working well. My rear hatch struts were shot so I sent them out to Frank at Strut Wise. Man, a big shout out to him and his business. His reconditioned struts are now back on my van and the rear hatch works as new. He was even able to beef them up some as I have a Terzo ladder on the rear.

So the next thing I need to tackle is the headlight/signal stalk. Mine has finally died and needs replacing. I know you can rebuild them, but not being overly mechanical, I've bought a new replacement (at $$$$ I might add) to fix the issue. I've been on here looking at threads on replacement of this part. I was hoping I might tackle this job myself. But again, not being overly mechanical, I'm not sure I'm up to the task. I've read a steering wheel puller might be necessary for removal of the wheel. I didn't even know they existed.....

Anyway, before I dig into this little slice of work, I thought I'd see if anyone else wanted to share their experiences if they've done this job themselves. In my past efforts at fixing things, sometimes all it takes is a few beers to get the job done:) Hope everyone's having a great summer so far. I'll post some pics in the appropriate section soon.

Cheers, Phil

[Growlerbearnz]

Falco made a great post in the Reference Library showing how to repair/replace a combination switch: http://www.delica.ca/forum/viewtopic.php?f=98&t=11284

He glosses over the "removing the steering wheel" bit. It can be daunting the first time you do it.

Loosen the big 17mm nut until it's almost all the way off, but don't remove it entirely. Grasp the steering wheel on either side, and pull it towards you firmly while rocking it from side to side. To give you an idea of how hard you might have to pull, when I do it I'm almost standing up, leaning backwards, and rocking my entire body side to side. You should feel the steering wheel flexing if you're pulling and rocking hard enough. Eventually the wheel will come free with a "pop", but the nut will catch it before it hits you in the face. If it won't come off, it means you're not trying hard enough. If it *really* won't come off, then you're going to need a steering wheel puller because someone has overtightened the nut in the past.

Once the steering wheel is off, take note of the circular black plastic ring around the steering column. It should have three plastic nubs which engage in three holes on the back of the steering wheel- the ring is the thing that turns your indicator off after you go round a corner, so it needs to be replaced in the same orientation. Taking photos is a good idea.

Regarding the 6 screws holding the shroud together: 3 are long, and 3 are short. Try to keep track of which ones go where.

[philmeup1]

Thanks Growlerbearns,

I'd already decided to tackle this job myself, but it's still nice to hear from someone who's already done the job. It's kind of a dull day here in Peterborough and its Canada Day. It's the perfect day to do repairs on my Canadian van from Japan.

Cheers, Phil

[FalcoColumbarius]

When I did that job my steering wheel just slipped off. Blew Jay's mind that it was just that easy. Since that time I've come across some difficult ones so you might need an extractor, a useful tool set to have and can be found for around $100.00, give or take. Partsouq has the unit new for $249.40 (US) and Amayama has it for $261.72 or $248.28 (both US). The $261.72 ($338.41 CDN) is from Mitsubishi Japan and the other price is from the UAE.

Also, one thing to remember is when I did that job, I had another broken switch to cannibalize from.

Falco.

[philmeup1]

Well I did the job yesterday. Started out in my driveway and ended up at my friends shop, Platnium Auto.... Lol. The steering wheel wouldn't come off with out the removal tool. Even with the tool, the t was insane how hard it was on there. When the wheel finally came free of the shaft, there was a large bang like we had broken something, but thankfully didn't.

The rest of the job wasn't too difficult. I did get a new Mitsubishi OEM Switch from Amaya Trading, which I think you recommend Falco. I bought it a while back knowing I'd need it sooner or later. It was a little pricy, but still very reasonable compared to other quotes I received for that part. Anyway, that's was the best part installing a nice, new switch. Especially for someone who's mechanically declined like myself. I just don't have the mad skills that many on here have. There's no way I could have rebuilt the old one. Anyway the job got done nonetheless. Thanks for your input guys. I'm taking my buddy out for some beers and a bite to eat on Tuesday for his always appreciated help. I'd say come join us if you were close to Peterborough.

Cheers, Phil

[FalcoColumbarius]

... I just don't have the mad skills that many on here have. ...
Cheers, Phil

Sure you do ~ you just haven't discovered them yet. When you hang out with the mechanically minded knuckleheads on this site it eventually draws the magical mechanical powers from deep in your core via osmosis. Trust me, I'm a painter.

Falco.

[philmeup1]

That's true Falco. I've learned quite a bit from owning my Delica, and of course all my old VW Westfalias. Learn or burn is what I always say. The Lemon Aid Used Car Buyers Guide says, You'll be comfortable waiting for the tow truck in a Westy. I always was that too:)