Help on wiring (stupid question)

I have a 41 Chevy truck, 12 volt, with no brake lights. I can't find the short. I am saving for a Ron Francis wiring kit but for now I just want to wire the brake lights from the brake light switch to the lights and cir***vent the wire that is currently used for the brake lights.

I went to Radio Shack for 16 gauge wire. They only sell speaker wire. I ***ume I can use this for brake lights. Am I correct? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

use 16 gauge primary wire , available at any good auto parts store

how to wire brake lights depends on if you have turn signals using the same filament in the bulb or not

 

It would be better to get something suited for higher current, the insulation on speaker cable is soft and not rated over 1amp. You can go to Frys electronics or home depot and get what you need.

 

A "short" means you have a + and a - wire touching somewhere, somehow, causing a fuse to blow. From what you're saying, I don't think that's the case. Does your truck have turn signals? - probably not if it's a stock column. If that's the case you probably just have a broken wire somewhere. You'll need to check for power at the brake light switch and follow the wire along towards the back, if you have power at the switch and towards the fuse if you don't. A good continuity tester is a great help with these problems.. Or, replace it like you plan to do. 16 gauge should do it if it's only two light bulbs but as Chops and 36 3 window have stated I'd go with some regular automotive primary wire that you can pick up pretty cheap at any automotive store. It could be a problem withthe ground side too you know. There are other options as far as harness go too. There are some fine harnesses available from HAMB Alliance members such as Glenn33 and others - probably a lot cheaper too. Good luck.

 

Check the brake switch for power. If neither terminal has power then probably a fuse is blown. Replace fuse and restore the power to the brake light switch, then remove the wire going to the other terminal. Then use a test light and check other terminal when the brake pedal is depressed to see if the switch is any good. If all is well then check the remaining wire for shorts to ground.