Brake light issues fixed.

[theDreamer]

In the past I have complained that the signals, hazard lights and brake lights were not operative when our car arrived from Utah. Signals and hazards just needed to replace the flasher relay.

The brake lights were another story. The mechanic said the pressure switch was gone and they are a known problem so he suggested, (as did others) to leave it so it looks period correct and wire in in a simple mechanical switch. It would be cheaper than buying a new pressure switch and I’d never have to worry about it again.

There were other issues that I was not happy with but overall I was OK with the work from this first mechanic. Well, up to a point. That being just weeks later when the brake lights would come on when I turned the ignition on. Simple fix, the hand fabricated bracket that held the switched had loosened and fell to the side. That left the plunger out which is how the brake light switch works. So I frigged around with the bracket and adjusted the switch, tightened everything back up and voila, brake lights working again.

That was until I picked the car up this spring after it spent all winter in the shop for a new clutch assembly. Two hour drive home and there were several issues that required the car be returned. One of which was the brake lights were stuck on, again. However, this time the switch was still locked into position. No matter how I tried to adjust the switch it didn’t work. Turns out this mechanic had tried to readjust all the pedals to make it like it was as the new clutch put that pedal at a different height to the rest.

The car went back and I do not know what he did but the brake lights were working properly when I picked up the car.

Over the last 6-8 weeks people have said I had no brake lights but both the wife and I checked later and they worked. On Monday night at the local Car Show people mentioned the brake lights and sure enough, they were stuck on, again.

This time I took everything apart and discovered that the last mechanic had jammed the switch between the end of the pedal box and the brake arm. He damaged something inside and it was hit and miss for a time and now it was totally broken.

I tracked down the switch part #, which is available from Canadian Tire for $14.97. Funny the choke cable that the first mechanic also installed came from Canadian Tire too.

Canadian Tire said I had to order it on-line and have it shipped to the store where I would pick it up in 10 to 12 days. Luckily I found a local Motorcycle shop that got it in two days for about $20.00 out the door. It took some time to get it positioned just right but I finally got it working. I really wish I had a lift because the car is just that much too low to bend over to work on.

Now, here is where I get pissed. Looking back at my bill from 2024 I paid over $500 for parts and labour to have a bracket fabricated to mount a Canadian Tire switch (used on quads and snowmobiles) that wasn’t as good as advertised. Furthermore, looking around I found there already was a factory riveted brake light switch bracket in my car. So why did that first mechanic think he needed to fabricate and relocate the brake switch?

Bottom line, DON’T believe everything people (who are making money off you) tell you.

I’ve attached photos showing the first brake switch location and then the second, factory location with my new switch installed.