eliminate hydraulic brake light switch

[jb collins]

has anyone been able to locate and mount a replacement electric switch at the pedal? I am using dot 5 fluid and want to eliminate the hyd. switch. thanks for any help.

[JohnG]

I think if you Search around the posts here, people have done that. Simplyconnected perhaps. A mechanical switch adapted to the pedal? Maybe a transplant from a later 'Bird?

See http://www.squarebirds.org/vbulletin...t+sending+unit

I use DOT 5 too and replace the sending unit about every 2 years so I think I know where you are coming from.

But at any rate there have been discussions of this issue . . .

best
John

[bygrace]

Here's a guy who used a microswitch and a hose clamp to eliminate a hydraulic switch on his Mustang.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hXEB2oSIQRY

I put a normal-on (push for off) pushbutton switch from Lowes between the sides of the brake booster bracket. So that the pushrod rests on it, foot off brake.
I know not all bird booster brackets are alike. (AC, under dash, etc.) But you can adapt the idea.

[bygrace]

Whoops. Me again. Wrong link. The one I meant to send uses a microswitch hose-clamped to the steering column just above the brake pedal lever. A small right-angle sheet metal bracket is built to fit. I'll see if I can re-find it. Mike

[bygrace]

Here it is.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LZqlEEjbK7Q

Mike

[simplyconnected]

JohnG has a good memory. Some years ago, I converted my hydraulic Brake Switch to a pedal-mounted mechanical setup in our '59 Galaxie.

The goal of this retrofit is to make a lot of current available to the light bulbs without harming the switch so I added a relay. Now, brake lights current is switched through relay contacts while the pedal switch only turns on the relay coil.

This retrofit was done at the same time I changed our car from a stick shift to an automatic, for Robin. I also changed the brake pedal support so that part was already out and on my bench. It is important to mount your switch in a place where it cannot be kicked or moved yet it needs to be accessible. That's why I employed the 'tunnel' of the brake pedal support.

IMPORTANT NOTE... This setup draws NO current when the brake pedal is at rest.
When the pedal IS depressed, the brake lights operate whether the key is on or off (like the OEM brake setup).

CLICK HERE for the retrofit.

Questions? - Dave