63 brake light sides
1963. Are the brake light sides completely separate from the signal light switch back, or is there a junction somewhere on the car body? Thought I had my brake problem fixed but today discovered I only have brake lights on the left side. All signal and tail lights work normally. Thanks again for any help, jim
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Re: 63 brake light sides
Might be a problem with the turn signal switch on the lower steering column. It needs to be perfectly centered to operate both sides. -
Re: 63 brake light sides
Kent, many thanks to you and the others that have helped to fix my brake problem but it was the simple instruction you provided that finally got me back on the road. I have several tech/repair sources that I have studied concerning this problem but none mentioned the exact centering of the lower steering column switch to make both both side brake lights to work. Thanks again Kent, and to all of you that help make it possible for us to continue to enjoy these old classics.Comment
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Re: 63 brake light sides
No problem Jim. I've had to mess with that switch on several cars I've owned over the years. Glad I could help.Comment
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Re: 63 brake light sides
I mentioned checking the one-year-only 63 switch in the third post of your initial thread on the problem...
Glad you got it fixed - now drive it!Comment
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Re: 63 brake light sides
Frank, and thanks to you I was able to get brake lights although I messed up and was only working on the left side. I didn't realize that I hadn't centered it on the column or that it would make a difference. A very small move and both sides are now working. Regarding the coupe, I got the Hayden 2747 clutch and then found a 7 blade fan from Ecklers so have put them both on but the temp is still running up to 210 after only a couple stoplights. I think I'll just have to get another radiator as I've had this one checked twice and I know it is not correct. Thanks again for the help and the Vintage Air Tips, jimComment
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Re: 63 brake light sides
Well - my new DeWitt's does wonderfully. This is not a component you want to cheap out on, get the DeWitts - "buy once, cry once"...
And also be aware that a lot of aftermarket temperature sensors read high - dozens of posts on this. Confirm your temp with a quality I/R gun....and also ensure your vacuum advance is working properly (Duke's 2" rule)...Comment
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Re: 63 brake light sides
I recently went threw this same dilemma on an early 63 myself. The car had not been driven in 30 years and came with some box's of Parts. The Headlight Switch the Turn signal switch had both been replaced but the originals were in the box's. After soaking the Taillights in PB Blaster a couple of days I was able to get the wrong Bulbs out. With the Aftermarket Light Switch the Tail lights would work but not the Headlights. With the Aftermarket Turn signal switch the Turns would work but not the Brake lights. As it turns out the original Switch's are fairy easy take apart and clean. If the parts all fall out when You get them apart there is only one way to put each one back it so You really can't make a mistake. After having the Steering Column in and out a dozen times to get to the Turn Switch ( The cable was rusted shut ) and getting all the original Parts cleaned and back in things finally started to work and make sense. The Turn signal switch is still very touchy on adjustment.Comment
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Re: 63 brake light sides
I should also add that searching the Interweb for help on this and various publications by far the best help was the Factory Service Manual. Sometimes working on Old Schools Parts are best figured out using Old School methods.Comment
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Re: 63 brake light sides
Frank & Kent,
Read other threads but thought you might have some direction on an issue I am having with the driver's side (left side) brake lights. With power off, brake lights work fine. With the turn signal positioned to the left, the left brake lights do not come on which is correct. After returning the turn signal to the neutral/center postion, the left brake lights don't come back on (not always). If I move the turn signal lever to the right and then back, the lights seem to work again. Lights on the right side work correctly at all times. I checked the positioning of the switch while operating the turn signal lever and it appears to be centered (angle of photos do not reflect this). Wiring harness is 2 years new. Any help is appreciated.
Turn Signal Switch.jpgTurn Signal Switch 2.jpgTurn Signal Switch 1.jpgComment
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Re: 63 brake light sides
Play with the positioning of the switch - fudge a little one direction or the other and I think you'll find the "sweet spot".Comment
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