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replacing my manual drum brakes with power disc brakes. trying to figure out the brake light switch. i was gonna upgrade to the newer "pedal" style but it isnt possible without changing more stuff so im gonna just use the old pressure switch style.
my question is can i check to see if the brake lights work from my existing wires back to actual brake lights at the back of the truck without the pressure switch/master cylinder hooked up?
i.e. i want to make sure the wiring from where the switch goes(on the master cylinder) to the brake lights is good. is there a way to test this? like hooking a positive wire to the existing wiring and the brake lights coming on or something?
they werent working when i started but the switch is at least 20 years old so i figured it was bad.
Bridge the two wires that were on the pressure switch, that should make the brake lights come on. You may need to turn the key on. I found that to be the case on my truck (brake lights only operate with key on) and other people on this forum have said the same thing. ND says they were never wired that way and should come on without the key being on. You will have to try it and see. I can't find any evidence of my harness being rewired and that's how my brake lights operate.
I would consider switching to the new style switch. The pressure type switches have been known to blow apart, and your brakes go out when that happens.
My key, grandpa's '65 key, and the '64 key all have to be on. The wiring schematic I found shows that they are on with the key (I think that's what it shows).
For about 6 bucks you can buy a two post mechanical switch. Hang it off a simple homemade bracket or drill a hole in the clutch/brake pedal support behind the instrument cluster and work it off the pedal stop bumper. Pull your wires inside add a couple spade connectors and you are good to go. Several here have pictures of their setup. Really easy and cheap! IMHO!
thanks for the replys. i think im gonna try the mechanical switch on the pedal. do any of yall know what know what i need to tell the guy at the parts store whos gonna ask what kind of car is it for?
I use Standard PN SL S66. All over ebay for cheap. If you don't use the pedal bump stop (neatest out of sight) Make a bracket by using some flat stock about an inch and half wide about 6 inches long. Drill holes (one for the switch and one or two for the mounting bolts) Bend it at 45 degreesand twist it in the vice to line up the switch with the back side of the brake pedal arm. Sorry I can't post pictures. Not complicated for a novice Hotrodder.