Electrical: Brake light switch

[Jeffry Cassel]

Couple days ago, I noticed the 58 Packard was in need of an oil change, In the process of doing that, I also discovered it had no brake lights. Not good. The wires were too short and the connectors were worn out. Extending the wires 4" and replacing the connectors did not give me lights so ,checking the wires with handy current detector, I found current to the switch. I jumped this wire to the other and the brake lights lit up, Therefore the switch was bad. Replaced it and the brake lights work again. On this car it is necessary to remove the battery and the battery tray to get to the brake light switch. The morals are:
1) get in the habit of checking the brake light switch. I just step on the brake with the garage door closed. It is easy to see the reflection of the brake light on the door.
2) when you park it , be sure the brake lights are off as the switch can stick in the on position too. And the mc check valve can malfunction holding too much back pressure thus not allowing the switch to open when the brake is released.
3) Checked the others and the 64 GT also had a bad switch. Much easier to replace ,tho.
4) My last switch was a Standard SLS27 and in the box was a yellow slip of paper that said that this switch probably was not going to work with silicone brake fluid. So if you expect to have brake lights, don't use silicone brake fluid.

[64V-K7]

It will work, if you fill the switch with DOT3/4 before it's installed in a silicone system

[JoeHall]

If you wanna use DOT 5, install a 1990s and later, Harley Davidson switch. They screw right in, and were made for DOT 5, used by Harleys then. But beware, at the Harley stealer, HD stands for Hundred Dollars. LOL

[StudeRich]

Much better for all to install the mechanical lever switch under the floor and to the pedal on the under the floor master cylinder '47-60 Sedan type and '53 to '64 C and K models.

On the Firewall M/C Lark Types and Avantis a small Ford plastic plunger switch on the brake pedal stop bracket under the dash works great.
You do Not have to run any new wires to the old switch location, a short jumper wire under the dash will do it, disconnecting the hot wire to the old switch, so you can keep the old switch and wires on the M/C looking original.

Then you can use the better brake fluids or not, and not worry about switch failure.

[64V-K7]

Much better for all to install the mechanical lever switch under the floor and to the pedal on the under the floor master cylinder '47-60 Sedan type and '53 to '64 C and K models.

On the Firewall M/C Lark Types and Avantis a small Ford plastic plunger switch on the brake pedal stop bracket under the dash works great.
You do Not have to run any new wires to the old switch location, a short jumper wire under the dash will do it, disconnecting the hot wire to the old switch, so you can keep the old switch and wires on the M/C looking original.

Then you can use the better brake fluids or not, and not worry about switch failure.

>>>>>>> This is the answer <<<<<<<

[StudeRich]

I guess I was not too concerned about all the details, since I thought most of you had seen all the Posts here about those.
And someone who has also done that might help.
Currently I do not have a spare plunger type Ford switch on hand for one of my '61 to '66's or to add one to another Car.
These are normally Closed switches, used now on most all cars.

But I do have the Number of one of the many lever type mechanical switches for other makes that will work for under the floor applications.
One is the '49-'55 Chev. Truck Stop Light Switch from NAPA: SL-128

I am sorry Bob, aren't the Part Numbers and instructions of some of the two type switches on your Website ?

[JoeHall]

Rich, I bought one of those switches after discussion a couple years ago, then discovered it would be a PITA to install on a Hawk. Most logical location I found was under the floorboard, adjacent to the where the brake pedal pushes through the floor. I did not wanna remove the big tin shield for access, so the switch is in the round-to-it bin.

[64LarkLover]

Your point #1 checking the brake light switch or brake bulbs I can add this-outside of a garage I'll lay a broom handle against my taillight to see if it "lights" up when I press the brakes. I usually do this at dusk when the handle illuminates well.

[StudeRich]

Your point #1 checking the brake light switch or brake bulbs I can add this-outside of a garage I'll lay a broom handle against my taillight to see if it "lights" up when I press the brakes. I usually do this at dusk when the handle illuminates well.

That's a pretty cool and unusual method. I could see how one could carry that idea a bit farther.
Use a piece of round, clear plastic Tubing that would transmit the red light it's full length !

I have used Mirrors in the past, but now most of My Studes. have Ammeters, so it's easy to read that, because I do not have LED Bulbs yet.

[64V-K7]

I am sorry Bob, aren't the Part Numbers and instructions of some of the two type switches on your Website ?

yes....

http://studebaker-info.org/rjtechjan2023p1.html#BRAKELIGHTSW