[Smol]

Just joined the forum and this is my first post, so if I'm in the wrong place, please let me know. I've also tried searching in the forums but everything I have ran across is very old.

I bought a 1965 Pontiac Bonneville Tuesday and I am absolutely in love with this thing.

But I ran into a problem with the brake lights, and after doing some chasing I have discovered that the turn signal switch in the column has broke at the cam, AND two wires are broke. I think this is causing the left brake lights and turn signal to not work, even though everything back there is good.

Looking around online I can NOT find the switch for this thing, only a switch for a GTO/Tempest. Does anyone know where I can get one, or if I can use something different?

[TXSTARFIRE]

2 different switches depending on if you have a tilt column. Without tilt is P/N 9777251 and fits only big cars from 1965-1966. If you have a tilt column, P/N 1993624. This switch fits all models with tilt from 1965-1966. Also fits 1964 tempest with tilt. If your car has tilt you may be in luck, more cars that if fits and may be reproduced. Otherwise may get lucky on E-bay. Good luck and welcome to the forum!

[Smol]

Yeah, it's a non-tilt.

Thank you!

[mgarblik]

Welcome to the forum. You may find as you get into the Pontiac hobby, that some fabrication may be required to fix things like this on your car. There is some good news on things like steering columns and such. Pontiac produced a huge number of full size cars in 1965-66. So you may be able to find a good used one or even an NOS one. It's possible, the parts of the cancel mechanism you need were used in a Chevy switch, Olds, Buick or even a Cadillac. So you have some options. People on this forum love pictures. Posting a few pics of exactly what is broken and what you need is very helpful. There is tremendous talent among the members here. Several people are producing 3D printed little parts as needed for stuff like this. On a side note, 65-66 Pontiacs have lots of issues with rear lighting grounds. Make sure each and every bulb is grounded to the housing and the housing to the body. Also that the 2 filament bulbs are not shorting internally. That causes all kinds of weird lighting issues and feedback loops in the turn signals and brake lights. Good luck with it.

[Smol]

I did check ground and cleaned everything really good with a wire brush and QD electrical connector cleaner and all that was good after testing. Bulbs are good too. Her is the only picture I have of the broken part right now. If you or anyone needs more, I can take it back apart when I get home from work and take some more pictures.

[stevep]

It may be easier to find a used 65-66 straight column than finding a good used switch

[Smol]

That's what it's feeling like. I am curious if there is a switch I can retrofit for the time being. I have heard that a 1965 Chevrolet Impala turn signal switch might fit.

[stevep]

All I know is that it is 65-66 B body Pontiac non tilt only as a direct fit.
You may be able to make a Chevy switch work

[TXSTARFIRE]

I checked the P/N and it is a Pontiac only number. This does not mean that a Chevrolet switch wont work. It could be substantially the same with a very minor difference. Also do a search on 9777251, there are a couple of older threads with information that may be helpful to you.

[mgarblik]

Just a reminder that the Big Norwalk Pontiac event is in just a few weeks. If your still looking for that turn signal switch, this is your best chance to find one in person. The swap meet is the largest all Pontiac swap in the country. There is a good chance you will find a good used switch, an NOS switch, or a good replacement steering column tilt or non-tilt. Best hunting for tough to find parts is on Friday.