Brake Light Switch
 

I keep having trouble with my repro brake light switch. It doesn't make good contact inside. Is there a better design out there?

Re: Brake Light Switch
 

Yes Snyder's and Brattons sell a correct copy of the original
STOP LIGHT SWITCH 30-31
A-13480-BOR 30-31 $49.95

Re: Brake Light Switch
 

At least take it apart and see what the problem is before you spend $50. So simple, you should be able to fix it.

Re: Brake Light Switch
 

But, which brake light switch are you referring to?

Re: Brake Light Switch
 

I should have remembered that there at least 2 switches out there. I have a 29 and I may have fixed it by bending the contact inside. Still seems like a marginal design that will keep bugging me.

Re: Brake Light Switch
 

Years ago I had an issue with mine, and Tom Endy recommended I buy one from A&L, as it has a bronze bushing that will last and never bind. Have had mine now for almost 14 years....a great product!

Re: Brake Light Switch
 

Terry I think that is the one that Snyder's and Bratton's is sourcing, from A&L.

You know it will be right;)

And, 50 bucks for a good switch is cheaper than being rear ended.

Re: Brake Light Switch
 

A&L only has 30-31's; 28-29's are of course different. :)

Re: Brake Light Switch
 

Here's another thing the vendors don't have - any of them. The light switch you guys use on the '28 and 9 cars - the ones that attach to the side of the gearbox don't fit a RHD car. What was used originally on a RHD car and wil lthey ever do anything about it? I doubt it.
FWIW, I attach a plate in the corner formed by the cross member and the chassis rail and mount a LHD switch on that. I connect it to the brake pedal with a short piece of light chain. The connection has to be flexible so when the brakes are off, the chain can asg and not push itself off the switch.

Re: Brake Light Switch
 

https://www.oneillvintageford.co.uk/..._2d13480_2dRHD
Like this?

Re: Brake Light Switch
 

Wow, not at that price!

Re: Brake Light Switch
 

This may help make a repair and save a buck or two. Hope it helps

Re: Brake Light Switch
 

In this day and age I'd buy a newer switch from Speedway and connect it up like the Model T guys do. And use LED stop lights. It's under the floor, nobody can see it.

Be seen, be safe. :cool:;)

Re: Brake Light Switch
 

Thanks PalAl; great article. We had problems with our first 29 switch. The Vintique one had a short plunger. We ordered a second one from another vendor and it had a longer plunger, now all good. I will say there is a very small clearance between the contacts and the mounting screws for electrical connections can sometimes move the internal contacts.

Re: Brake Light Switch
 

Speedway???

Re: Brake Light Switch
 

Something like this.
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speed...itch,1972.html

Re: Brake Light Switch
 

OK, now I think I have it. The reson I haven't heard of them is they are US based.

Re: Brake Light Switch
 

You can repair the switch by taking it apart and bending the contacts so they touch better. I also found some brass tubing about 1/4" long and soldered it at both ends of the switch housing where the plunger goes through the housing so the plunger could not slip out of the housing. Been working for 10 years now.

Re: Brake Light Switch
 

Hi folks,

I recently had to repair even the A&L US-made brake light switch with the brass bushings, even after only ~6 months of daily use. I was not very happy about that, for, given that one has to severely deform and re-deform the sheet metal tabs in order to open and re-close it, I have the feeling that only one or two repairs are going to be possible.


-A

Re: Brake Light Switch
 

I wonder what symptoms you had with your switch? Mine works on first braking but as plunger moves to furthest out no brak lights. I jumped contacts so I know it must be the switch.It is the $49.95 one from Bratton's and has yet to get me out of the garage.Thinking about one of those Ampco NORS ones on Ebay now and then next if Bratton's won't help.Trouble is I have had the switch for year now and just hooked it up.