Brake light switch Brake lights don't work


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By Rudder2fly - 8 Years Ago
I have moved my brake light switch to the rear brake line at the frame rail. The circuit is hot. I suspect not enough pressure to activate the switch. Switch is new. It came with the disc brake conversion. Is there a switch available that would require less pressure? I may have to move the switch elsewhere. This is the conversion sold by Auto City Classics.
By charliemccraney - 8 Years Ago
There are reduced pressure brake switches.

The best option is a pedal activated mechanical switch.  That is what a lot of newer ('70s on?) vehicles came with.  It activates the brake lights the moment pedal moves, rather than once enough pressure is built up in the system.  Much safer.  I have one for a '70s or '80s Ford truck that I will be using once I get to rewiring the truck.
Removing the pressure switch altogether can eliminate up to 3 possible areas for a leak to occur, making the brake system that much more reliable, in theory.
By Rudder2fly - 8 Years Ago
Yeah I thought of that too but I am frankly quite tired of this overhaul and took the easy way out so I thought. Where can I get one of these lower pressure switch?
By charliemccraney - 8 Years Ago
Look for Low-Pressure in the description:

https://www.summitracing.com/search/part-type/electrical-switches/switch-type/brake-light/universal/yes/switch-actuation-style/fluid-pressure?N=4294947093%2B4294945061%2B4294951518%2B4294945070&SortBy=BestKeywordMatch&SortOrder=Ascending
By Rudder2fly - 8 Years Ago
Thanks. I have a low pressure switch ordered.
By paul2748 - 8 Years Ago
went to a mechanical switch in my 54 Victoria, 56 Bird and 64 Fairlane.  Wouldn't go back - they are super.
By oldcarmark - 8 Years Ago
paul2748 (8/8/2017)
went to a mechanical switch in my 54 Victoria, 56 Bird and 64 Fairlane.  Wouldn't go back - they are super.

What Application or Part # did You use and how did you make it fit?
By MoonShadow - 8 Years Ago
I also am using a lever mechanical switch. Hardest part was making a bracket for it. I've also heard of people using a switch from a Harley Davidson. It is said they screw into the same spot but require much less pressure to activate.
By DryLakesRacer - 8 Years Ago
Oldcarmark, many have used the under floorboard switch from a GM trucks from 49-59 they have a place to bolt them to a bracket you need to make which can attack under the dash. I've seen them mounted to the steering column. These arm switches are very robust since they are normally under the car in the weather.
By paul2748 - 8 Years Ago
Here's some pics
http://forums.y-blocksforever.com/uploads/images/25431c75-ba80-4bb2-9e3a-cfe0.jpghttp://forums.y-blocksforever.com/uploads/images/83132be6-dd45-48a6-aa48-5405.jpghttp://forums.y-blocksforever.com/uploads/images/a6857b00-4e7c-4161-b77d-fe66.jpghttp://forums.y-blocksforever.com/uploads/images/913f719b-c366-4d81-9979-5c25.jpghttp://forums.y-blocksforever.com/uploads/images/da6be720-949b-4f1f-92b5-dc3d.jpghttp://forums.y-blocksforever.com/uploads/images/03478b3b-0fdf-4e71-868f-9dee.jpghttp://forums.y-blocksforever.com/uploads/images/f3918a64-cba7-43d0-8e7a-3b26.jpg
For electrical connections, one goes to the brake switch wire coming out of the steering column and the other to a power source.  If your hook it up to the accessory pole  or the main power pole on the ignition switch you must disconnect the old wires at the hydraulic switch as you will get feedback to the idiot lights.  I hooked up mine to the power source at the light switch as recommended by the Tbird parts suppliers who have a kit for the Tbirds.

I have a narrative on how I did it if your interested.  It's kind of long so send me your email address and I'll send it to you.

oldcarmark (9/4/2017)
What Application or Part # did You use and how did you make it fit?
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By oldcarmark - 8 Years Ago
Thanks for the Pictures.That switch is very similar to '75-'79 Ford Pickup Switch