I'd have to disagree with MoonShadow and 56Roger, taking the seat out on a 'Bird is a PITA because of the power seat mechanism.
 However, taking the steering wheel off is just one nut and a puller, then you could check continuity from the switch to the light as well as checking to see if the switch is working properly.  Of course a wiring diagram would be a big help, but I or someone else here could give you the color codes.
I would lose my right brake light occasionally, but the turn signal worked which turned out to be the signal switch.

Don

All 55's came with power seats and they are a PITA to remove and put back in.  I know, I got a 56 with power seats and had to remove it a couple of times.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

This thread isn't about front seats but no thanks on removing it again. For me that entails disassembly. That's how I had to do it for the repaint, even the upholsty shop that did the carpet and headliner did not enjoy the front studs. I have found 2 milk crates and a moving blanket from Harbor Freight can make laying prone a lot easier. I will not comment on working on something 3" from your nose and not being able to focus. Getting old is not for the weak...

56 Vic, B'Ville 200 MPH Club Member, So Cal.

I'll be 71 in a few weeks myself.  LOL  I sure hope I can isolate the problem before having to remove the seat assembly.  I was planning on installing my new engine, T-5, shifter, and new carpet all at one time, but this electrical gremlin may change the sequence of everything.  I need to get the car inspected to keep from having to pay late fees for the renewal on license plates.  I have pulled some wire to replace a couple of sections, and hopefully when the new light assemblies arrive from Larry's Thunderbird I can isolate the problem or fix it at that time.  The next thing will be pulling the steering wheel and turn signal assembly.  Joe-JDC

JDC

did you check to see if you have power to the light?





54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Tail light works, but not brake light or turn signal.  Left rear.   Joe-JDC

JDC

Just going to think out loud here, based on previous comments.

The taillight works, so it's not the ground.

The front turn comes on, but doesn't blink. I suppose it could be the switch, but I think the lack of load as stated above is the reason. So the switch is good.

That leaves the wire from the turn signal switch to the rear light. IIRC, the blinker is upstream from that as it feeds both sides. I.E., left and right. The rear running light is dimmer, and always on. The brake light flashes for the turn. The front isn't tied into the brake light switch. The right brake light works, so that switch works.

It's been years since I rewired my bird with an aftermarket fuse panel, and changed to a tilt/tele coulmn, so I don't remember whether the taillight harness goes down the left side of the seat or under the center with the power seat wires.

If you can isolate the brake/turn wire under the dash, and run a long jumper back to the trunk, a bulb in a socket as a test light would show if it's broken in the middle.

OT, pulling the seat is a pain. The new carpets and a T-5 are probably going to require it. If you've got any under dash work, do it then. I like the milk crate idea, I'm 67, and getting old is h---. Not a problem getting under there, but need help to get out.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

I talking about the wire that supplies power to the stop and signal light.  If you don't have power there, the new lights won't help.  Have someone step on the brake and check for power at the light with a test light. 





54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Problems found, solved, but not happy with new parts from vendor.  Found three broken wires, and changed bulbs.  Replaced the license plate light assembly, and the new housing has a rubber grommet too large to fit the stock location.  Also new tail light assemblies had the light socket pushed out and both wires cut completely through because the box was in the package upside down.  The old tail light assembly socket spins in the housing, and the bulb would not fit properly.  Drove the car around the block, and then checked the lights again.  All exterior work except the back up lights, and the interior lights do not have a light to let me know if the high beams are on or not.  Seems like a lot of nitpicking, but inspection stations get picky sometimes here in TX.  Joe-JDC

JDC

Joe, I'm glad you made progress, and I can share your frustration. I'd like to know the name of the "supplier" so I can avoid them. If you're not comfortable posting that, send me a PM please.

Mike

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ