I thought I had a burnt out turn signal...

[Matt Chapter]

but nope.



Got most of the repair done last night, still need to add the beer can shim back in, and bolt the turn signal stalk back on.  I'm pretty sure this was caused by not beer can shimming the turn signals years ago when they first got loose.

[montmil]

 Ghetto!  

[BPT]

Obviously I can see the disconnected wire.  Could you explain more about the beer can shim fix a(for a new guy)?  Is this something that I need to make note of?  Or a common problem that should be rigged pre-emptively?        Thanks  

[montmil]

BPT, Note the steel clamp that grips the turn signal's metal stalk. Age, vibration and weird vibes can cause loss of grip. Spot that little golden-colored shim? Beer can custom fix to improve grip. I've used this fix. Another reason Airhead owners are usually beer drinkers.

[Matt Chapter]

 Is this something that I need to make note of?

When you're tired of drinking enough beer to make your turn signals look straight, use a slice of can folded two or three times to shim the stalk so the clamp clamps better.

I didn't really understand until I took it apart, even after Monte's explanation.  The important thing to know is that once the turn signal falls off the stalk, you've reached the critical point.

[montmil]

I've always disliked how wide the rear signals stick out. Constantly bumping them, usually during dismount. Pretty sure that's how they end up all whomper-jawed. (that's Texican for messed up)

So... I removed the assembly and cut down the chrome tubing to bring the signals closer to the bike's centerline. You will need to cut another alignment notch to correctly position the turn signal body, but a Dremel tool makes short work of that.

[BPT]

I think that I can see what it is now that you mentioned it's the gold part in the pic.  Is this something that you wait until they're whomper-jawed to shim up?  Or will adding one ahead of time prevent the whomper-jawing?

I'll empty some shim containers just in case while I wait for your answers.........

[montmil]

I believe the reason for so many having loosely-goosey aft signal pods is PO's over tightening the two screws securing the clamp. Steel screws into plastic, plus a few decades of bumps, results in a case of the floppies. Pre-shimming couldn't hurt. Over tightening, well...

[BPT]

So far I haven't noticed any slop.  But I am about to get into my lights, checking, connections, etc. so was wondering if it was something I should do while I'm messing around in there.  I'll check and see and if all is snug, at least I know about it for the future.  Thanks.

[Kookaburra]

What a good trick the beer can shim is. Have had loose rear rt hand turn indicator since acquiring the bike. It annoyed me and tightening the screw didn't work. Thanks fixed in 10 minutes after reading this thread.

[montmil]

Woah! Kookaburra takes the floppy turn signal beer can shim fix international.  [smiley=idea2.gif]

A fine way to enter the New Year, it is. Plus, I've always wanted to use this particular 'smilie'. Don't forget to post up your NYD Airhead ride photo. I know I will. Post. Not forget!

[Matt Chapter]

Thanks fixed in 10 minutes after reading this thread.

I actually re-did this repair in a friend's driveway.  Hardest part was emptying the shim stock fast enough to do the job.

[montmil]

Thanks fixed in 10 minutes after reading this thread.

I actually re-did this repair in a friend's driveway.  Hardest part was emptying the shim stock fast enough to do the job.

Drinking your buddy's beer, too. That scores as a double.