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Author Topic: Mechanical Brake Light Switch  (Read 8033 times)

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Offline Ryan_M

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Mechanical Brake Light Switch
« on: May 29, 2014, 08:10:10 PM »
Like most of my best ideas this one is not mine at all.

The brake light pressure switches are notoriously lousy and a real pain to swap out, especially if your rig has the master cylinder heat shield. After replacing two of them on my 3A and then having the one on the M38 go Tango Uniform after only a few months I decided, "Enough!".

Just tonight, I installed a mechanical switch by attaching it to the MC access panel. I precisely eyeballed the fit, drilled two holes, and bolted it on. I was able to leave the faulty pressure switch in place and simply relocated the wires to their new home.

I experimented on the M38 as two more holes in the floor will barely be noticed but if this works I'll likely do the same thing on the 3A when that new pressure switch inevitably croaks. I've seen fancier set-ups with roller actuators bolted to the brake pedal arm but I'm curious to see how long this "down and dirty" arrangement will last.










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Offline athawk11

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Re: Mechanical Brake Light Switch
« Reply #1 on: May 30, 2014, 09:12:49 PM »
That's a pretty cool set up.  I didn't even know there was such an option.  If I start losing my switches, I'll consider this mod!

Thanks for showing us.

Tim
2-1949 CJ3As
1-1946 CJ2A

Offline Jesse

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Re: Mechanical Brake Light Switch
« Reply #2 on: May 31, 2014, 05:57:40 PM »
Nice trick. Not sure why some people have problems with the switch though, been driving the jeep for 5 years now and it's still fine.  :-?

-Jesse
Its a jeep thing, but you would understand if you have ever lost your wallet.

Offline SteveW

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Re: Mechanical Brake Light Switch
« Reply #3 on: June 01, 2014, 06:36:39 AM »
I put one on mine, Nice easy fix. I had cover upside down first time so I have a spare hole with bolt. Oops.
1950 CJ3A finished. 1950 CJ3A in pieces. 1947 Bantam T3-C trailer, 1946 Cushman Scooter 50 series

Offline 64CJ5

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Re: Mechanical Brake Light Switch
« Reply #4 on: October 29, 2015, 09:15:03 PM »
Looks like the switch and location I used when I installed a dual master cylinder.  I think I used one for a 50's Chevy pickup.  Wasn't an original idea, but it works well.
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Offline Mike S

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Re: Mechanical Brake Light Switch
« Reply #5 on: February 27, 2016, 10:10:33 PM »
Lots of folks (myself included) have installed dual brake master cylinders and lost the pressure switch that services the brake lights. This - or something like it - is the answer.
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Offline garage gnome

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Re: Mechanical Brake Light Switch
« Reply #6 on: February 27, 2016, 10:17:42 PM »
I might have to do this to my red jeep. That thing keeps eating them. I have a spare one of those switches for my 55. That's what it uses.
Nate in Western MA 1953 3A #3268, The Jalopy, '47 2A Wheelin' rig, '49 3A, #37071, unmolested, bone stock named Ted

Offline Kirkski

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Re: Mechanical Brake Light Switch
« Reply #7 on: August 01, 2019, 03:03:55 PM »
Any updates on this repair... my brake switch bit the dust and looking for another option
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Offline 1955CJ-5

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Re: Mechanical Brake Light Switch
« Reply #8 on: August 01, 2019, 09:59:16 PM »
Just an idea, I haven't tried it on a jeep, but the Model A Ford brake light switch is a pull to actuate switch...might be used with a long spring on the brake pedal?

https://modelastore.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=4403&search=light+switch&category_id=0
1955 CJ-5, A friend for 58 years....1951 CJ-3A, a new addition. 1929 Model A Ford Closed Cab Pickup...

Online SteveKfl

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Re: Mechanical Brake Light Switch
« Reply #9 on: August 02, 2019, 01:40:39 PM »
Why not a "T" fitting in one of the lines, or here's a mechanical switch option for the pedal movement...  https://www.ebay.com/itm/Brake-Switch-Lever-Action-Style-LEFT-HAND-hot-rat-rod-street-custom-floor/301039680499?hash=item46175cfbf3:g:tpQAAOSwBkRaOAMx
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