Originally Posted by seattle smitty

Further investigation showed that the brake switch itself was okay (after I'd bought a new one on the owner's advice)(but that's fine, they don't last forever). The problem was where the brake wires go through the turn signal switch.

I removed and disassembled that switch, hoping I could save it, but it was irretrievably worn out. Thanks be, I found Bill McGrath (I think that's right, must double-check) at Early Ford, and his all-new 1956-60 switch.