So the turn signals work fine on my 57 but they don’t automatically cancel after turning.
It’s not clear to me from the diagram in the service manual or the pictures that I took when I disassembled the steering mast what would cause the signals to cancel.
Maybe they aren’t supposed to automatically cancel.
Can anyone enlighten me?
Bill

 

I "thought" turn signals came out in the 50's, but the "cancelling" feature came later. This is a good question for Charlie, Ozzie, Tedd, Glenn and others.

 

I don't know when they started the canceling function but they were canceling like crazy by the mid-fifties, seems that I remember early fifties, 50-51 canceling also. That would be a strong I am not sure, try Charlie or Glenn....Tedd

 

Turn signals were first offered on Oldsmobiles in 1941 as an option.
They did not offer a self cancelling feature until 1949.
In 1951 they became standard.

In the 1957 model a pin is pressed in the bottom of the steering wheel hub .
This trips the mechanism in the turn signal actuator.
This is an illustration of the actuator:

 

Thanks for that!
At least I know I’m not chasing something that doesn’t exist.
Anyone with a picture of an unmolested steering hub?
Bill

 

Found one on eBay…..

 

Bill, i just had to removed my steering wheel and lubed mine last week.They worked and then the left one stopped returning fully. I cleaned and just lubed it good. It works great now.I thought my return spring was failing but i guess not. I have been watching one on fleabay and thought about buying it. https://www.ebay.com/itm/383783432351 There was also complete index assembly on there which i sure can't find now. And here is a picture of my spare old steering wheel, and to match yours.

 

Thanks Mark.
Because I knew what to look for, I was able to find the roll pin that goes into the back of the steering wheel hub. It was the only thing left in a bag labeled Steering Mast.
That’s what happens when 6 years go by between tear down and reassembly. I remember thinking “I wonder what this is for?” At least I didn’t throw it away…
Thank you all
Bill

 

Just curious, how is the build coming? Interior yet?

 

The interior has been kind of a nightmare but I found a shop nearby that while being expensive, has been outstanding. They do mostly high end SEMA cars but had a little gap in their schedule in April and were able to get the seats, top and carpets done in the time slot that I had. The car is going back in next month to finish the rear arm rests, trunk and tonneau cover.
Thanks for asking!
Bill

 

Excellent Bill.