Question on 79 Special turnsignals

[WSL91]

Looked in archives but couldn't find what I was after. My 79 came with a loose rear turn signal light housing that was loose on the shaft. I couldn't see how to fix it so I backed it out numerous threads, wrapped a couple threads with foil and a couple more with JB weld and put it together and problem solved.

Today while working on the bike I accidentally leaned on one of the rears and it broke off at the frame. As easily as it broke it would suggest that it has been cracked anyway. Considering I already don't know how to take the housing off the stem can someone explain how that works? I'm pretty mechanical and it frustrates me that I can't figure this out. It looks like there is a small hole that should have a set screw but can't see one.

I'm debating replacing the XS signal or getting a set of rear XJ signals and which locate on the square holes. Whatever direction I go I want something very clean looking. Any opinions as to whether or not to convert to XJ signals? I already have a spare perfect set of front XJ signals so if I convert the back I'll do the front as well so the lenses match, I'm kinda OCD about details like that I like XJ parts as they tend to be a little newer and in better shape, generally speaking

[Rooster]

Well i don't have the same OCD qualities as others it is frustrating that the hole is not filled with a set screw it's some form of plug that is to stop the spinning of the signal lens part because of friction. I say change the lights to whatever you want I'm also not a chalk mark resto guy either so float your boat your way.

Removal is not an option I believe they were not really meant to be repaired, and when when I dropped my 79 Special all I did to the signal on the front was bend the hollow threaded tube that the wire goes through so if leaning on your signal broke it, it was totally screwed already.

[trdriver71]

I like the idea of the xj signals for 2 reasons one is that it uses the same bulb as the xs so the signal lights will still flash without any problem and two if you want to convert back it is easy as well they look similar anyway.

[xs11lover]

I'll bet this won't help at all but, I made these rear signals from a broken set of xs11 special signals.......I just don't remeber how Too much fun in my youth I guess. I sold the bike so can't even go look.

[DGXSER]

Turn signals for all the specials is the same. It is a bit of a sandwhich thing though. There is the bulb holder round part which attaches to a stem. On the end of the stem is a smaller ring with a keyway in it. The trim ring has a mating stub to go in the keyway that orients the signal to face the right direction with the square end of the trim ring that mates with the rubber gromet on the bike.

You can purchase new turn signals at Parts-n-more.