The Ford Barn

smurph · 10-27-2013, 01:26 PM

My stoplights are not going on unless the pedal is way to the floor. So I want to adjust the switch. How best to get at it? From the top after removing the floorboards? Or from underneath the car?
I am assuming I can adjust the switch position or operation. Anyone have any experience with the stoplight switch? Is it adjustable?
Thanks in advance for your help
Smurph

ford38v8 · 10-27-2013, 01:52 PM

Yes, they are adjustable. Remove the floorbaord for access. The at-rest pedal will be at a higher position with no floorboard, so determine that position prior to removing the boards. I wanted my brake light to come on higher than the adjustment would allow, so I elongated the mounting holes that serve as the adjiustment. You didn't say what model yours is, mine has mechanical brakes, so yours may be different.

FHFD · 10-27-2013, 01:53 PM

You didn't mention what year/model you're working on.
I assume you are referring to most all of the early Fords that use the hydraulic two post stoplight switch..they are not adjustable, and are located at the master cylinder, usually best to access from underneath the car or truck.

4dFord/SC · 10-27-2013, 02:29 PM

You might want to consider using a mechanical switch mounted to the toe board behind the brake pedal. The brake pedal arm holds it in the off position, and depressing the pedal connects the brake lights almost immediately. This solution is most practical on pre-'49 cars with wooden toe boards.. NAPA p/n SL128 works well.

smurph · 10-27-2013, 05:07 PM

Sorry. Forgot to mention the car is a 1935 Cabriolet. I think ford38v8's response answers my question. Thanks all.

Terry,OH · 10-28-2013, 06:30 AM

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Yes the 35 brake light switch is adjustable (oblong mounting holes), but maybe not enough, to get proper light operation. I have had to shorten the actuating rod off the switch slightly (about 1/16") to get the brake lights operating with slight pedal depression.

Brendan · 10-28-2013, 08:04 AM

my experience is if the mechanical brakes in my 36 pickup are not adjusted right, the brake lights wont work right

10-27-2013, 01:26 PM	#1
smurph Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Cold Spring Harbor, NY Posts: 102	Access to stoplight switch My stoplights are not going on unless the pedal is way to the floor. So I want to adjust the switch. How best to get at it? From the top after removing the floorboards? Or from underneath the car? I am assuming I can adjust the switch position or operation. Anyone have any experience with the stoplight switch? Is it adjustable? Thanks in advance for your help Smurph

10-27-2013, 01:52 PM	#2
ford38v8 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 6,645	Re: Access to stoplight switch Yes, they are adjustable. Remove the floorbaord for access. The at-rest pedal will be at a higher position with no floorboard, so determine that position prior to removing the boards. I wanted my brake light to come on higher than the adjustment would allow, so I elongated the mounting holes that serve as the adjiustment. You didn't say what model yours is, mine has mechanical brakes, so yours may be different. __________________ Alan

10-27-2013, 01:53 PM	#3
FHFD Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Grays Harbor County, Wa Posts: 223	Re: Access to stoplight switch You didn't mention what year/model you're working on. I assume you are referring to most all of the early Fords that use the hydraulic two post stoplight switch..they are not adjustable, and are located at the master cylinder, usually best to access from underneath the car or truck. __________________ "Get your facts first..then you can distort them as you please"

10-27-2013, 02:29 PM	#4
4dFord/SC Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 1,579	Re: Access to stoplight switch You might want to consider using a mechanical switch mounted to the toe board behind the brake pedal. The brake pedal arm holds it in the off position, and depressing the pedal connects the brake lights almost immediately. This solution is most practical on pre-'49 cars with wooden toe boards.. NAPA p/n SL128 works well.

10-27-2013, 05:07 PM	#5
smurph Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Cold Spring Harbor, NY Posts: 102	Re: Access to stoplight switch Sorry. Forgot to mention the car is a 1935 Cabriolet. I think ford38v8's response answers my question. Thanks all.

10-28-2013, 06:30 AM	#6
Terry,OH Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 4,751	Re: Access to stoplight switch Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Yes the 35 brake light switch is adjustable (oblong mounting holes), but maybe not enough, to get proper light operation. I have had to shorten the actuating rod off the switch slightly (about 1/16") to get the brake lights operating with slight pedal depression.

10-28-2013, 08:04 AM	#7
Brendan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: At my kitchen table in Santa Rosa, Ca Posts: 2,903	Re: Access to stoplight switch my experience is if the mechanical brakes in my 36 pickup are not adjusted right, the brake lights wont work right __________________ If it would have been a snake it would have bit ya! i can't spell my way out of a paper bag!