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more reliable brake light switch!?!

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R

recordsj

Jedi Warrior
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I have a 1500 mg midget.

I have replaced the brake light switch several times because they just aren't reliable (at times the switch doesn't work and brake lights won't turn on). I have purchased the part from several of the usual places (Moss, VB and etc.) and haven't found a reliable part.

Any thoughts?

Any suggestions for someone that makes a switch that fits and is more reliable?
 
I just pulled an original factory unit apart ('73 car), cleaned it up and put it back together. It was amazingly well built and solid! I will do it again before I ever buy another after-market one! Very easy, works very well now.
BillM
 
I agree that the replaecemnt switches are poor. I've had several fail too.
I've disassembled and cleaned up one original (non-working) switch and that still works well.

Bill. L: The 1500 car uses a mechanical brake light switch. I don't think there is a place to mount the pressure-type switch you've mentioned....but that would work well on older Spridgets.


If no other luck, try a universal motorcycle brake light switch.

You can find them HERE
I am using one of these in my new race car project (I also used one in my tow van to power my trailer brakes).

ZZ34351_A.jpg
 
I threaded a nylon bush and put an 8-24 screw in the middle. I put the bush in the fitting and attached a lead to the other end of the screw. I ran the lead to a relay which controls the brake lights. When the pedal is at rest, it touches the screw which grounds the relay which switches the brake lights off.
 
I noticed that Moss lists a new switch on their new products page.
 
There is? I just looked through three pages ..... haven't seen it. got a link?

m
 
Well, it was there a few days ago. Maybe they pulled it for some reason. It looked like it was white nylon with spade connectors.
 
Seems like Frank C [Spritenut] was using a local source for these. Home Depot or some other car manufacturer. Does anyone recall those posts??

Kurt.
 
I asked Shawn at Moss about the one listed under the Midget New Products. It was a cross reference mistake ... it was actually for a Triumph (wrong size threads).
 
Here is a link for the brake light switch @ Moss
https://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=110421&SortOrder=1
It is for Triumph TR250/6.

I picked one up and installed it in my 1500 MG Midget.
I did though have to dril out the existing 3/8unf thread since this new brake light switch is 1/2unf. To mount it I welded on one of the jam nuts to the outside of the brake pedal housing and installed it. It is a bit of a tight fit to do the install but it works. It does look like a better design than the current brake light switch you can buy from the various sources.

Please note though that you it is not an exact replacement, that you have to do some modifications as I noted above to allow it to be installed.
 
I have a very vague recollection that a 64ish Comet (or some such Ford product from that era) is a drop in alternative.
 
Try this https://www.denniskirk.com/_.p210119.prd This was posted last year and I set it up nicely in my 65. I covered the hook with plastic tubing and hooked it around the top of the pedal. The hook needed insulated as the car was grounding it out and making it way hot (positive ground). This set up has worked grat and I always have brake lights.

Mark
 
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