1964 Brake Light Issue

[Ed McGettigan]

I'm having a problem with the brake lights on my 1964 Corvette Convertible (without the optional reverse lights). The two passenger side brake lights are not working. The problem only applies to the brake lights as the turn signal and running lights operate fine. When the brake pedal is depressed, only the two driver side brake lights come on.

I've checked the bulbs which are fine. I even switched the bulbs from the passenger side to the driver side with no change. I reversed the connectors at the switch under the brake pedal to see if there was a problem with the switch, no change. I checked the connections at the taillights which seem fine. All fuses look fine.

Any thoughts on what to check next?

Thanks

[William C.]

Re: 1964 Brake Light Issue

Check the turn signal switch, as it controls the brake lights during the turn signal operation. Likely yours has a problem eith with the canceling or the contacts are dirty. There are small silver-plated spring contacts inside the switch that ferform this function. Identical contacts are used in almost all GM T/S switches of the period from '64 up. '63 and earilier cars used a different system.

[Ed McGettigan]

Re: 1964 Brake Light Issue

That was it! I was able to gently bang on the steering column while moving the turn signal switch and the passenger side brake lights came on! Hopefully, it won't get stuck again so I won't have to pull the column.

Thanks for your help!