column dimmer switch rod

jerry burt

New member
Feb 13, 2016
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I finally got around to converting my upper steering column for electric wipers, cruise, and dimmer. Everything is going fine but... I got a column
from an older full size van because the t/s lever closely matched the looks of our stock lever. Everything was going swimmingly until I got to the
dimmer rod. The van column was considerably shorter than a passenger car column. Richard Sower's tutorial mentioned having to extend his rod and slot
the mounting bracket. My problem is, I need to add about 6 inches to my rod and that would mean I would have to slot my bracket almost the entire
length. (The photo looks like his is a shorter addition ?about 1 1/2 inches?)
Does everyone have to slot the bracket and extend the rod or are there different rod lengths? I wanted to check with the rest of you before I head
back to the men's mall to find a longer rod.
Thanks, Jerry
--
Patti & Jerry Burt Fresno, CA.
73 Gmc 26' Canyon Lands
77 Palm Beach - Parts Coach - SOLD
Members: FMCA - GMCMI - GMCWS
A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
 
Sir, yes there is one the correct length for the motor home but I don’t know what it came out of. I have found 2, one I believe was out of a Jeep
or Mopar cause of the Dana type cruise control switch. What I do is make a sleeve out of brake line and drill both ends to hand press the dimmer rod
in it. I make it at least an inch to long. I also make an insert the exact length I need. Mark the orientation of the dimmer rod before cutting it
an inch or so from dimmer switch. After checking fit with extension rod inside the sleeve and dimmer rod in both ends I mix up a little JB 5 min
epoxy and pack the ends in place in correct orientation. I’m not a good welder but if you are you could weld in an extension and grind down the
knot. The switch does have an adjustment and should be considered when measuring and fitting. I have not had to slot the bracket.

> I finally got around to converting my upper steering column for electric wipers, cruise, and dimmer. Everything is going fine but... I got a
> column from an older full size van because the t/s lever closely matched the looks of our stock lever. Everything was going swimmingly until I got
> to the dimmer rod. The van column was considerably shorter than a passenger car column. Richard Sower's tutorial mentioned having to extend his rod
> and slot the mounting bracket. My problem is, I need to add about 6 inches to my rod and that would mean I would have to slot my bracket almost the
> entire length. (The photo looks like his is a shorter addition ?about 1 1/2 inches?)
> Does everyone have to slot the bracket and extend the rod or are there different rod lengths? I wanted to check with the rest of you before I head
> back to the men's mall to find a longer rod.
> Thanks, Jerry

--
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
 
Thanks for the info, it helps. I don't weld either so JB Weld, of course. Sometimes a person just gets to close to see the obvious. Thanks again.
--
Patti & Jerry Burt Fresno, CA.
73 Gmc 26' Canyon Lands
77 Palm Beach - Parts Coach - SOLD
Members: FMCA - GMCMI - GMCWS
A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.