356B Indicator challenge

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David Austin
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356B Indicator challenge

#1 Post by David Austin »

Hi,
My turn signal needs the chrome lever re plating.
Anyone ever done this ?
A company called type356a run by Doug in Illinois offers a service (you have to wait) has anyone used them?
I am a stickler for originality which I know sometimes is stupid but thats the way I am ! I can but a complete new signal cheaper !
Thanks
David

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Greg Bryan
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Re: 356B Indicator challenge

#2 Post by Greg Bryan »

I have done this a couple of times - the correct shiny black plastic paddle is available if yours will not come off or is otherwise damaged.
I drilled out the rivet to remove the handle from the switch - be very careful not to lose the 'dogbone' and spring that gives the lever its two positions for low/high beam. I reinstalled the handle using a small bolt and nylock nut - either 3mm or 2.5mm, can't remember which. The nut and bolt can't be seen when reinstalled in the housing.
Greg Bryan

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David Jones
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Re: 356B Indicator challenge

#3 Post by David Jones »

If the guy in Illinois is Doug Feisthamel then I have heard he does first class work. Shipping is probably the biggest hurdle.
If I had known I would live this long I would have pushed the envelope a little harder.
Cymru am byth
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Jim Clement
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Re: 356B Indicator challenge

#4 Post by Jim Clement »

Doug did mine, first rate, first class.
 

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John Brooks
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Re: 356B Indicator challenge

#5 Post by John Brooks »

I have one in Illinois with Doug right now. He has a superb reputation, I expect mine back in about 60 days, its a detailed overhaul and he takes his time to get them right.
John Brooks

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getting pushed around in porsches since 1965

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Graeme Langford
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Re: 356B Indicator challenge

#6 Post by Graeme Langford »

I bought a new turn signal assembly for my A and the return mechanism broke within three roundabouts and about three miles of use.
That said it works but I will be sending my original off to Doug for repair.
1958 356A
1967 911S

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Jules Dielen
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Re: 356B Indicator challenge

#7 Post by Jules Dielen »

I had the stalk rechromed on my A without disassembly. I only took the knob off, the stalk was stripped and rechromed. Works like a charm!
Jules

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Greg Bryan
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Re: 356B Indicator challenge

#8 Post by Greg Bryan »

Here’s a couple of pictures since I just happen to have a couple of these around
F12B372A-4D1B-4E09-9FFC-F6DD38187C30.jpeg
F12B372A-4D1B-4E09-9FFC-F6DD38187C30.jpeg (2.88 MiB) Viewed 424 times
Notice the rivet that must be drilled out
Here’s one where I rechromed the stalk after removing it.
C6CE9CFC-CCA0-4164-B102-FEB9C42945C9.jpeg
C6CE9CFC-CCA0-4164-B102-FEB9C42945C9.jpeg (2.83 MiB) Viewed 424 times
I replaced the rivet with a 2.5mm screw and nylock nut
When reassembling, there’s a bit of swearing involved to get the dog bone, through bolt spacer and lever all lined up to get the screw in - can’t be too hard though since I did it
Greg Bryan

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Greg Bryan
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Re: 356B Indicator challenge

#9 Post by Greg Bryan »

I also did one as per Jules where the plater dipped the stalk in while still attached to the assembly
Don’t lose the little dog bone link - it’s small and scarce if you have to find another - it’s the shiny piece in the upper left by the plastic piece
Greg Bryan

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Harlan Halsey
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Re: 356B Indicator challenge

#10 Post by Harlan Halsey »

I have long wondered whether an A stalk could be plated without disassembly. It had occurred to me to pot the works in candle wax, but maybe platers have seen this sort of thing before, and have tape or some other way of protecting the works. Anybody know? (The only difference between the 356 Porsche unit and the concurrent VW unit is that the VW stalk is painted.)

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John Weyand
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Re: 356B Indicator challenge

#11 Post by John Weyand »

Doug did mine a couple years ago. It is very well done and operates perfectly. One could not find any fault with the work. I would recommend him to anyone who expects/demands quality work.
John W
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Mike Wilson
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Re: 356B Indicator challenge

#12 Post by Mike Wilson »

Similar in procedure, I have had my plater chrome window cranks with the black knobs still attached. Beige knobs may be a bit discolored. I would think the turn signal indicator stalks could be plated as an assembly. I would be concerned about cleaning the unit and any fumes that might have a negative effect on the works.

Mike
Mike Wilson
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Greg Bryan
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Re: 356B Indicator challenge

#13 Post by Greg Bryan »

With the two methods, disassembling the stalk and doing as a unit without disassembly, the disassembled part quality was better for sure. Down side is possibility of losing small parts and difficulty of reassembly.
Greg Bryan

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Mike Wilson
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Re: 356B Indicator challenge

#14 Post by Mike Wilson »

Good points, Greg.

Mike
Mike Wilson
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Jeffrey Gamble
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Re: 356B Indicator challenge

#15 Post by Jeffrey Gamble »

At the end of the day, I polished the metal and clear coated w/quality product.. Judge doesn't know the difference.

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