66 Brake Lights

[Richard E.]

Only the drivers side brake light is not working on my 66. The passenger side brake light does work.
The rear tail lights work and rear turn signals work fine, both sides.
Light sockets are clean, lamps are new.

Looking at a C2 schematic it appears to me the brake wire is probably yellow on the drivers side and dark green on the passengers side.

I would appreciate if someone could confirm the rear tail light color code vs. operation.
My guess is:
brown - tail lights, both sides
yellow- brake & turn signal driver side
light green- back up both sides
dark green- brake & turn signal passenger side

These wires originate from a "body connector" per the schematic. This connector is suspect to me.
Where physically is this body connector? Is it accessible for inspection / test?

Any trouble shooting suggestions are appreciated!

Thanks in advance for all responses / suggestions.

[Stephen L.]

Re: 66 Brake Lights

IF the turn signal lights and tail lights work fine on both sides then you can eliminate wiring, connectors etc. Your problem is more than likely the turn signal switch itself, on the steering column.

[Richard E.]

Re: 66 Brake Lights

Stephen,
I expect you are correct. The schematic shows the brake light switch circuit passing through the turn signal switch.

Any suggestions as to what to be careful of or watch out for, when replacing this switch?
Should the column be removed from the car for the switch repair?
Can you recommend a quality switch supplier or are all replacement switches the same quality?

Thanks much.

[Gary B.]

Re: 66 Brake Lights

Richard,

I’m in the process of restoring the standard column on my ‘66, including restoring/repainting the mast jacket, replacing the lower clamp, spring, and spacer, removing the old, dried grease on the canceling cam, re-greasing it, replacing the upper and lower bearings and replacing the turn signal switch. Removing the entire column from the car is not that hard. It makes it much easier to remove and replace the turn signal switch, even if that’s all you’re going to do. You will need a puller to remove the steering wheel hub. You can get a puller for $15 on Amazon that works just fine.

if you plan on restoring a 64-66 standard steering column and/or replacing the turn signal switch, I highly recommend taking a look at the posting by Rich Mozzetta:

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...=1966+steering

Gary

[John F.]

Re: 66 Brake Lights

Did you try flip flopping the bulbs? Not all new bulbs are good ones.

[Page C.]

Re: 66 Brake Lights

Richard,
Look at the mounting studs on the rear lights. There is a black wire that is the ground or all the rear lights is should be attached under one of the mounting studs of each light. The two that are close together have a short jumper wire from one to the other.

[Stephen L.]

Re: 66 Brake Lights

Richard,
As stated in the previous thread, you'll probably be better off removing the column from the car. One of the tasks is removing the wires from the plug so they will pass thru a hole in the column to install the new switch...... much easier done on a bench. This is one of those projects that "blossom" into a larger project... clean up the mast, regrease stuff etc.
I don't have a recommended switch source..... use a reputable dealer for old Corvette parts.
To remove the pins from the plug, I made a tool from a small screwdriver to "collapse" the tang on the pin for removal.....

[Gary B.]

[Richard E.]

Re: 66 Brake Lights

Yes, swapped lamps, lamps work, good point however. Thanks.

[Richard E.]

Re: 66 Brake Lights

All ground wires attached and appear in good shape.

We just tried a simple little test which I believe confirms a faulty turn signal switch.
With foot on the brake pedal (passenger side brake light operating fine, driver side brake light in-op) we wiggled the turn signal switch lightly at its centered (off) position. We noticed the drivers side brake light flicker intermittently. Pretty sure this confirms a bad switch.

Thanks everyone for your good ideas and continued support. I don't look forward to this project but summers are short in the upper peninsula of Michigan, so I better get going!