Steering Wheel Headlight Flasher Circuit - Mystery

[Neville Heal]

I have a 1959 356A and am in the process of reinstalling the steering wheel after a re build. I have the horn ring operating, but NOT the head light flasher button.

When I touch the flasher wire coming up through the steering column to earth the light relay is activated and the headlights flash. The steering wheel button on its own is in working condition. The relay, wiring and column bush are all good.

I have installed a new rubber ring between the horn ring and the steering wheel body and the horn works perfectly.

I have studied the numerous previous postings on the forum for this subject for A's but with no resolution to my problem.

The circuit to flash (dipping) the head lights is functional (when the button is bypassed) but when I install the button into the horn ring and press it the flasher it does not work, nothing happens.
In the assembles state I can understand why it does not work. The button mounts in the horn ring and the horn ring is separated from the steering wheel body (earth) by the rubber ring. So when you press the button the circuit is not complete as the path to earth is isolated by the rubber ring.
This is confirmed because when I press the horn ring and the button together (circuit to earth is complete) and both the horn and flasher work.
So what am I missing that provides the path to earth for the flasher circuit.

Any help advice much appreciated.

[Matthew Devereux]

I rebuilt my horn ring assembly last winter but I was still a little fuzzy on the flasher option. My latest research shows that not all cars may have this option. Here is a reply I found from Joe Leoni about the flasher.

https://porsche356registry.org/archive/1536

...Look on the column, is there two brushes. If there is
two brushes there will be both flashing lights and horn.
Not all cars had two brushes. My Speedster had only the Horn.
Now remove the two wires and ground one and the Horn
blows, ground the other and the Light Signal Relay will pick-up.
Check your books for this info.
Regards,
Joe
356 Electrics

[Neville Heal]

Problem solved with perseverance.

The correct assembly, is with the horn ring assembled to be permanently in contact with the steering wheel body (via the two copper contacts) to provide the path to earth. The cup fitted in the horn ring is electrically insulated. When you push down on the horn ring it moves via the combination of the rubber ring and sponge rubber seal, so that the cup lip contacts the horn ring to complete the circuit. And TOOT results.

Numerous adjustment of the rubber ring and sponge rubber seal sizes are required to get it to work.

A pretty agricultural design and definitely not Porsches finest work.

But it works!!!

[Matthew Devereux]

Good job. Do you have the 2 brushes on your column? Mine just had the one.

[Neville Heal]

Hi Matthew

I have two brushes on the column.

[Mike Wilson]

Speaking of brushes, can anyone offer an explanation why on some steering columns, the sockets for the contact brushes are in line with each other and on others, they are offset? Difference in years, models?

Mike

[Jim Liberty]

Mike, I've had both also, and don't have an answer. The Pre - A column is made up of a VW piece with the last 6"+ welded on. I'm working on a '52 and '54 now, and both have only one socket.

……………………………………………….Jim.

[Neville Heal]

Hi Mike

No explanation why.

My 1959 356A has two, offset at 90 degree.

Put it down to "Porsche built by hand"

[Mike Wilson]

Thanks for the info, Jim and Neville. As I like to say, "Porsche...consistently inconsistent..."

Mike