67 Brake lights help!!!!

[Ara G.]

The brake lights do not work on my 67 roadster. The rear lights work when the turn signals are in operation, it's just they don't light up when the brakes are applied. Odd. I can't figure it out. Since the rear lights work when the turn signals are operating, I think I can rule out a faulty ground to the lights. Any ideas on what to check, as I definately am NOT a wiring/electrical guru that's for sure. Should I replace the brake switch? I looks like a pain to get to, but I will gladly do it. Any help??????

[Bill I.]

Re: 67 Brake lights help!!!!

Ara, that would be my first thought, BUT make sure the petal is contacting the switch first. The switch has a adjustment to bring it closer to the brake arm. Bill

[John H.]

Re: 67 Brake lights help!!!!

Ara -

A test light should show power on the orange wire to the switch at all times, and power on the white wire when the pedal is depressed (switch plunger extended). The white wire goes to the turn signal switch, and from there to the brake lights. It could be a simple matter of adjusting the switch.

[Stephen L.]

Re: 67 Brake lights help!!!!

Before you replace the brake light switch just jumper the 2 contacts on the switch together. If the lights work then the switch (or adjustment as suggested) is the problem. Make sure the fuses are good. There also could be a problem with the turnsignal switch. There was a thread a few weeks ago with a wiring diagram of the switch attached.

[Patrick T.]

Re: 67 Brake lights help!!!!

I had the same problem a couple days ago. The tail light fuse was blown. Replaced it and all is well now. PT

[Gerard F.]

Re: 67 Brake lights help!!!!

Ara,

If your rear hazard lights also do not flash and if when you push hazard switch nothing works in the rear signal lights, it is probably your signal switch in the steering column.

Both the brake and hazard circuits as well the turn signal circuits all go through the signal switch and get distributed to the signal lights front and rear through this little cam on the switch. Usual problem would be that the contacts to the lights on the switch or the contact tangs on the cam get dirty or burnt causing a discontinuity to the taillights or front signal lights.

If you have front hazard lights, but no brake or rear hazard lights, it is definitely the little cam on the switch.

Take a look at this thread, it has a picture of the cam and my first problem with my 67 switch:

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...witch&uid=8612

I also posted a wiring schematic of the 67-68 switch more recently then the above thread. If you need it I'll find it for you.

[Gerard F.]

Re: 67 Brake lights help!!!!

Ara,

Here's that thread with the signal switch wiring schematic:

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...matic&uid=5566

Terry, I know I was going to write this up into a Restorer Story. But since the Convention, I've got too many honey-do's around the house. I'll eventually get there.

[Ara G.]

Re: 67 Brake lights help!!!!

Thanks to all for your insight. I am going to take all your advice this weekend and will let you know what I find out. I didn't even think to have checked to see if the hazards worked. Super appreciate the help. Will keep you posted. I am trying to work the last few things out on the car to ready it for Kissimmee Flight Judging. ARA

[Ara G.]

Re: 67 Brake lights help!!!!

Okay, THANKS for ALL the advice and help. I never thought of checking the hazards and THEY WORK. So, I am guessing it's the brake switch. How in the HECK do you get it out? I can't even reach the wires as the metal brace/bracket is completely blocking any access to it. To install a new one do you unscrew it and slide it out towards the front of the car? Any help? WIthout you guys I wouldn't have been able to diagnose the issue, now I am on third base. Thanks again for ALL the assistance. ARA

[Jack H.]

Re: 67 Brake lights help!!!!

This is a piece of cake job (R&R the brake switch)! Flip through your copy of the '67 AIM book to Section UPC 12, Sheet B6.

You'll see the brake switch called out as one of TWO optional PN's (3886907 and/or 3886906). Both are plastic body, purchased part switch assy's vs. earlier era Corvettes where typically one source was Delco Remy with a metal can packaged switch.

The drawing shows you the switch is installed onto its mounting bracket via two PAL nuts (one on each side of the bracket). Those nuts allow the switch to be moved fore/aft with respect to the bracket to give you the right spacing of the switch plunger shaft relative to the brake pedal.

That spacing dictates when the switch turns ON/OFF relative to brake pedal movement. It's not unsusal for the switches using plastic body construction to fatigue fracture (externally or internally) over the years based on simple aging.

So, you could be fighting something as simple as just a switch mounting adjustment or a bad switch. In either case, the fix is simple...

[Rob M.]

Re: 67 Brake lights help!!!!

Hi Ara,

My brake light switch went out on the way to the Tahoe Regional in my '66. I was able to get a replacement from NAPA for about $6 (clearly not original). I'm not sure that '66 and '67 are the same, but I think the '66 is metal and the the '67 is plastic. FWIW, the one from Napa was plastic and works in the '66.

So, to replace it, get under the dash using your favorite yoga position. Disconnect the two wires. The brake light switch has two speed nuts/PAL nuts one on each side of the bracket. Remove the one on the front of the bracket (hopefully they are only finger tight) and remove by pulling it out toward the back of the car.

Install the new one and adjust it so that the brake pedal and switch plunger are just touching (roughly). Then connect the two wires and test/re-adjust.

Worked for me, so I hope it helps you.

[Ara G.]

Re: 67 Brake lights help!!!!

Thanks for the posts. I will remove it today and await the new one's arrival. I sure hope it works. Will keep you all posted on the progress. I will also try to post a pic of the car as well in case anyone is interested in seeing her. Thanks again for all the advice and posts. ARA