The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
General Category => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: philco@gmail.com on December 14, 2012, 07:48:14 AM
-
Hi! First post!
I have a 1980 r65 that I'm slowly restoring. I'd like to fix the bent up front turn signal stalk but I'm having trouble finding info on if I can replace the stalk on it's own, or if I have to find a replacement head light bracket. It appears as though the turn signal stalks are crimped right onto the main bracket. There doesn't appear to be any info on this assembly on the Max BMW fiche.
I have attached a couple images I found online supporting my confusion. There seems to be a grey area for parts right here?
Any help would be appreciated!
Phil
-
Welcome to the herd, Phil.
Regarding that complex headlight/instrument/turn signal bracket... you really don't want to but a new one. BIG $$$ they are.
Backing up a bit, the turn signal housings have a clamping component inside the plastic shell. The stalks have a matching, square-shaped, alignment notch cut in the ends to secure the lights in their correct position. This alignment "key" is needed to prevent stripping the threads in the plastic pod caused by heavy-handed over-tightening.
Both your photos show modified brackets.
The left photo reveals stalks cut away. Most likely, there is a leftover section of tubing running across the bottom of the bracket.
The right photo looks as if someone has "fixed" the missing stalks by riveting a section of chrome tubing in place. To correctly mate to the turn signals, the o.d. of the replacement tubing must match the turn signal requirements.
These brackets occasionally show up on eBay and the IBMWR marketplace. Undamaged parts most often go for eye-watering money.
Replacing the missing stalks would be pretty simple once you Dremel out the remaining bit of tubing. Rather than rivets or screws, simple brazing would secure the new tubing, then you could clean up the bracket and rattle can some fresh paint.
BTW, the notches on the end of the tubing should match up with what you see inside the plastic turn signal pod.