Repairman,

Rapid flashing, extremely slow flashing, or no flashing can all be caused by poor ground connections or broken wires or corroded connections almost anywhere in the circuit. If the turn signal indicator is the only portion of the turn signal circuit effected, look at the connections from the blinker mechanism, through the turn signal switch to the indicator light.

"but I found that a short bit of hard brakeline fit perfectly"

But don't do that. That fuse is the only protection you have for the delicate electronics that make the meter work.
--
Mr. Shannon DeWolfe -- (I've taken to using Mr. because my name tends to mislead folks on the WWW. I am a 51 year old fat man ;-) -- KD5QBL