Technical 1949 chevy styleline brakelight switch

hi guys, i just foundout ive had no brakelights for a while, ive been lucky,,ice checked all bulbs/wiring, i managed to use my mates pit, to locate switch,from under pedal,i just about got fingers in to undo the wires,i bridged them and lights work, so obvs its the switch,ive ordered new one, it looks a bit of a sod to fit, as i prob gotta do it on jack on floor,has anybody got advise?is there a access panel at bottom of wheel arch????it looks like poss??? thanx guys/gals

 

No an issue you can buy a new switch at Orilleys. They may have to order it. Un do two screws

 

Had several of the original Delco switches quit on me. Once, the old timer who worked the midnite shift at the Texaco station had me take the switch out & bang it on the bench a few times & soak it in 3 in 1 oil for a while - it came back to life ...
The worst part of replacing them is the 2 screws holding them in - usually decayed, rusty threads, & they're the dreaded "****erfly" or &*%$*^&^ headed screw.

 

Clutchead screw If need be an 1/8 drill bit will take them out

 

yes guys, i get the screws bit, but how do i get access to switch? i cant get my hands up to get to it

 

Haven't done it, but I think you have a trans cover and the column floor cover for access. That and a second pair of hands.

 

AHH, yeah, the panel comes off, thanx for that buddy,

 

When you have the switch out, give it a blast with contact cleaner or similar, move the actuator a few times, then check with a meter. because of their position they get **** in there and go open/intermittent, and you can usually get a few more years out of them with a good clean.

 

thanx, but ive just ordered new one,

 

hi guys, just fitted new switch, a pain to get to,on the floor, it was made in china, and lasted a day. so wondering,if i get a new one, has anybody found a way to somehow fit it inside car, behind pedal???????

 

You’d need attach in a way that the brake pedal would be able to push the lever when braking. You would then need to run wires to it.
You’d be better off installing it like it should be. It just takes a bit of patience. I had the same type of switch in a ‘51 Cadillac. It wasn’t too difficult to change except that the Chevy version I bought for it was oriented differently enough that I needed to extend the wires a bit.
This is the one I bought many years ago and they still have them.
https://www.chevsofthe40s.com/detail/9328/Chevrolet_Chevrolet_Car_Brake_Light_Switch_Mechanical.html

 

thanx, it was just a thought, as its a pain to fit on floor,

 

I think I had my car up on stands when I replaced it.

 

An inline pressure switch could be added.