Hi all - now that the car is running properly, stops, and the new interior is sitting pretty, I'm looking for new things to do because keeping the car in one piece is difficult for me haha

My indicator switch doesn't click and hold into place like others do which is to say I need to hold the stalk up to make a right turn and when I let go it falls back down into the neutral position. The indicator electrical functionality works perfectly well, it's just the physical portion where I need to hold the switch up is the issue. Is this a 'you need to replace it' issue or is there something in there that I need to bend or something?

@jfa.series1 might be able to pass on some knowledge. It certainly isn’t as intricate as the headlight switch.

Over time (50 years!), the mechanical swing arms on the switch tend to get dirty and gummed up. The small "flippers" at the end of the arms also will stick and not move smoothly.

A quick fix might work: remove the switch and hold it mechanical side down, electrical side up. Spray the arms with silicone lube aerosol, avoid getting it on the electrical bits, and work the swing arms until they move freely. Spray the fliippers and work them unitl they also move freely. An old toothbrush works great to dislodge dirt from the tiny springs. Wipe down all the excess silicone lube.

Operate the lever to see if it will hold at the two signal positions. If so, reinstall the switch and check the operation again. If it does not operate properly, a full refurb may be needed.

4 minutes ago, jfa.series1 said:

Over time (50 years!), the mechanical swing arms on the switch tend to get dirty and gummed up. The small "flippers" at the end of the arms also will stick and not move smoothly.

A quick fix might work: remove the switch and hold it mechanical side down, electrical side up. Spray the arms with silicone lube aerosol, avoid getting it on the electrical bits, and work the swing arms until they move freely. Spray the fliippers and work them unitl they also move freely. An old toothbrush works great to dislodge dirt from the tiny springs. Wipe down all the excess silicone lube.

Operate the lever to see if it will hold at the two signal positions. If so, reinstall the switch and check the operation again. If it does not operate properly, a full refurb may be needed.

Understood, thanks!

Super common issue. If you look at the switch separately (separated from the assembly) you'll notice that it will move solidly in both directions and kind of snap into position at it's extremes. When attached to the assembly, you'll notice that the switch itself doesn't and can't move to it's maximum travel in either direction. But it generally does travel far enough to make the "tetter totter" inside to fall and make the circuit both ways. Except when it gets gummed up AND/OR worn. If you look close once it's cleaned up, you'll probably see a lot of "slop" in the components that engage, slide, and interact with that little nubbin that pokes out of the switch. That little plastic shuttle the lever uses to move the switch wears much faster than the metal parts. In the right turn position, the assembly is also fighting gravity so at some point wear and grunge will cause it to lose.

I repaired mine several times before I had to abandon it. Finally I found one on ebay that served me well for 4 or 5 years before it started to get flakey. Than I replaced the switch with a toggle like I saw someone else do. I should say that I've daily driven my 260Z for most of the time I've had it which puts a lot of use on the turn signals...