Turn signal unit replacement on an 87 AC Cobra Mk IV

[CobraAddict]

fellow Cobra Addicts!

I'm looking to change the indicator unit on my 1987 Mk IV Cobra (AK1201) to the original VW type used on the Mk III's. Currently the steering wheel height is a couple of cm's lower than it could be because of clearance issues with the existing indicator unit. The extra lift could make a huge difference in driver comfort.

The indicator unit was changed when the dash was redone to a more period correct unit emulating an AC 289 Roadster dash (the original Brian Angliss unit is not the best looking at all IMHO) but as seen in the photo's its shape causes it to butt up against the steering column recess in the dash. The column cannot be moved any further to the left and I can't really cut the whole any bigger as it will then be off centre and too close to the RPM gauge.

I’m pretty sure I have a Ford steering column with the triangular end design. Has anyone mounted a VW indicator turn signal to a Ford column and if so what modifications would be required.

I will also need to replace my 'steering column hub' if I am to change to the VW style turn signal switch. What steering column hub is used when installing the VW turn signal switch? Does anyone sell them?

I've attached a couple of pics that may help.

Best Regs from Oz

[1985 CCX]

Very interesting change...
I have not pulled mine apart at any point other than to put on the correct steering wheel which did require an adapter change.

The correct steering wheel is 16", yours looks like 15" however Simon at Moto-Lita can make the adapter that will fit as he did mine. I remember them cutting the unit and re-machining the splines to match the column in my car #85.

The rest is nuts and bolts....

As for the VW unit use, I will be watching your post... Assume its a shaft as normal and the VW unit should fit, it may be more a wiring project?
Keep us flush with pictures...

[indianamoon]

Here’s a rabbit hole you might go down…..https://www.talkcobra.com/threads/ea...project.20867/

[CobraAddict]

Originally Posted by indianamoon

Here’s a rabbit hole you might go down…..https://www.talkcobra.com/threads/ea...project.20867/

Ohhh hell no

That's way over the top for what I want to do !?

[CobraAddict]

Yes mine is a 15" wheel and that's plenty big enough for me! Not sure how your leg room is with the 16".

I already have the turn signal unit which I sourced locally from a VW wreckers and have reconditioned. Now I'm just sourcing a period correct steering wheel hub. I see both 'Superformance' and 'Cobra Performance Parts' have them, the later being allot cheaper. Once I have that I shall pull off the wheel and the fun will begin!

I'll keep you updated.

[CobraAddict]

I see there is a video of one fellow who shows how to setup the indicator turn switch 'return trigger bar' on a steering column for a Mk IV. Will be interesting to see what will be involved on my Ford column.

[CobraAddict]

Originally Posted by 1985 CCX

Very interesting change...
I have not pulled mine apart at any point other than to put on the correct steering wheel which did require an adapter change.

The correct steering wheel is 16", yours looks like 15" however Simon at Moto-Lita can make the adapter that will fit as he did mine. I remember them cutting the unit and re-machining the splines to match the column in my car #85.

The rest is nuts and bolts....

As for the VW unit use, I will be watching your post... Assume its a shaft as normal and the VW unit should fit, it may be more a wiring project?
Keep us flush with pictures...

I just had a look at the Moto-Lita site and for the Cobra they only sell a 15" or a 14" for original and reproduction cars. Are you sure yours is 16"?

[PDUB]

...my Moto Lita is 16", too, and Jeff can verify it!

[1985 CCX]

Yes
They are the 16” split, except different style on the worm sector cars.
All Cobras from 60’s were 16”
I am a fat guy and never had an issue.
Wheel pictured above is not a Cobra Wheel from AC terms.
AC wheel below

[CobraAddict]

Ahhh yes I see the difference now. Moto-Lita also sell the split wheel design. I know my wheel is a little lower than it should be because of the current turn signal unit hence the change to the smaller 'rounder' VW style. Then O will be able to get my wheel up higher.

[CobraAddict]

Well well turns out I was looking at the wrong steering wheel. I too have the split wheel all be it the 15" option!!

Always learning about my car

May change to the original 16" depending on how much leg room I get from changing the indicator unit.

[CobraAddict]

I have managed to source and renovate a 68-70 VW turn signal unit which includes a HB flasher stalk button (or horn, normally a dash button.) which I plan to use. Steering hubs seem to be available so waiting on one of these now.

Just got to figure out where to put the HB switch now as I lose that function off the indicator stalk which currently turns on the HB as well as flashes it.

[strictlypersonl]

With the VW signal switch, high/low beam change is done through a VW relay: 111 941 583

[CobraAddict]

Originally Posted by strictlypersonl

With the VW signal switch, high/low beam change is done through a VW relay: 111 941 583

Thanks for that. I shall source one now. I see a few for sale on ebay as well.

[strictlypersonl]

Wiring:
https://www.erareplicas.com/427man/wiring/signal.htm

[CobraAddict]

Originally Posted by strictlypersonl

Wiring:
https://www.erareplicas.com/427man/wiring/signal.htm

Thanks for that. I want to try to reproduce a Mk III dash as close as possible so I've sourced an original VW relay 111 941 583 from a wreckers that is still in great condition and will use this for the HB on/off and have a horn button on the dash like to originals.