1970 Beetle and hazard flasher.

[NTM1970]

I recently purchased a 1970 Beetle. Being relatively new to Bugs, I have a noob question. The dashboard has three knobs in the upper center. The left is for the wipers. The right is for the headlights. The center one is missing completely. I assume the center one is for the hazard flasher? I am curious because I cannot figure out how to turn on the flashers any other way, so I figure the missing switch is for the hazards. If this is the case, how hard would it be for me to find a replacement switch and replace it myself? I am wanting to turn this into a project car, but I am starting from scratch, and learning as I go. So any information would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[boschmann]

The hazard switch should be there. I would suggest finding a junked vehicle to get it even though they are widely available new. You will need to make a diagram of the wiring connections as there are quite a few of them and you may also need the correct flasher relay. I suspect that is why it is missing.

[BoatCop]

Originally Posted by NTM1970

I recently purchased a 1970 Beetle. Being relatively new to Bugs, I have a noob question. The dashboard has three knobs in the upper center. The left is for the wipers. The right is for the headlights. The center one is missing completely. I assume the center one is for the hazard flasher? I am curious because I cannot figure out how to turn on the flashers any other way, so I figure the missing switch is for the hazards. If this is the case, how hard would it be for me to find a replacement switch and replace it myself? I am wanting to turn this into a project car, but I am starting from scratch, and learning as I go. So any information would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Not to start a war, But I'll respectively disagree with boschmann.

The component that goes in the upper center hole is the brake warning light. This light is designed to light up when one of the circuits in the dual brake system fails, by detecting electrical impulse (or lack therof) from the brake light switch(s) on the master cylinder.

The hazard switch will be below, to the right (passenger) side of the ash tray.

Missing the brake warning light won't do the car any harm, since lack of braking is almost evident without a little light telling you. Most of these lights don't work anyway after all these years, but having it will plug the ugly hole in the dash, and give a more original look to the dash.

But boschmann IS correct that you'll probably only find a replacement at a junk yard or from a donor, since I can't locate any new ones or aftermarket replacements at any of my sources.

[boschmann]

That is correct, I didn't mean to be misleading. He stated he couldn't find the hazard flasher knob so it is probably missing also. Hopefully he will go to a fairly complete junker & find all the parts he will need as I suspect there are a few missing items.