I have a 1956 Thunderbird here in Australia. I'm also an Auto Electrician. Firstly when testing the switch it's much easier and quicker to get a piece of wire and connect the two wires off the brake light switch and then turn on the key. If the lights come on, then you know the switch is faulty and the rest of the circuit is good all in one test! Secondly, better quality pressure switches are available. They may have different wiring connectors but it's easy to change the terminal connectors than to go through what you just went through!
A white first generation T-Bird will always bring to mind the movie "American Graffiti". I know a guy who owns a white '57 with a removeable hardtop: I keep telling him it needs a cute blonde. :)
Both my parents had 1956 Fords, mom had a light blue Sunliner convertible with a navy blue top and dad had a yellow Victoria. 1956 Thunderbirds are absolutely gorgeous and I can't fit in any of them.
I modified the switch on our 54 Ford in a very similar way. I used a Nissan barrel style switch. But I will say this, I planned this mod and it was while I had the brake pedal assembly out of my car in my hands. This repair is a PITA but I have heard of folks having these switches leak and or just not functioning. NOS switches are probably non-existing.
As time goes on, we'll see more and more solutions like this one for the brake switch. In theory, it is possible to keep the old switch housing and jerry rig a switch from some place like Mouser Electronics, but the solution shown here using a microswitch and adjustable bracket is more practical. These may be found in scrapped aircraft electronic modules.
I always assumed a 58-60 Thunderbird might be a better fit for someone tall. The owner of one I saw at a car show who was about my size (6'2") told me he had to move the seat tracks back a few inches to be comfortable. At least there was room to do that.
Oh man that under dash back contortion is never fun. I just put in a roll cage and bending over the door bar adds just a little more spice to that back angle - good times!!
When i had my 68 mustang and the brake lights didnt work, i pulled up the sill plate and sure enough there was a broken wire the same color as the brake light wires… one butt connector later i had a more street legal mustang lol
Thanks for showing the love 💘
Glad to.
I have a 1956 Thunderbird here in Australia. I'm also an Auto Electrician. Firstly when testing the switch it's much easier and quicker to get a piece of wire and connect the two wires off the brake light switch and then turn on the key. If the lights come on, then you know the switch is faulty and the rest of the circuit is good all in one test! Secondly, better quality pressure switches are available. They may have different wiring connectors but it's easy to change the terminal connectors than to go through what you just went through!
The method you discuss is a great one thanks for the tip. This switch is more for us to add in a dual reservoir master cylinder.
A white first generation T-Bird will always bring to mind the movie "American Graffiti". I know a guy who owns a white '57 with a removeable hardtop: I keep telling him it needs a cute blonde. :)
I was thinking that when looking the car over.
Glad to see the thunderbird's getting some love!! Even though I prefer the 1965 t-bird!
Dislexicly speaking we were close. Lol
Both my parents had 1956 Fords, mom had a light blue Sunliner convertible with a navy blue top and dad had a yellow Victoria. 1956 Thunderbirds are absolutely gorgeous and I can't fit in any of them.
Yep. Ole too tall over there.
I modified the switch on our 54 Ford in a very similar way. I used a Nissan barrel style switch. But I will say this, I planned this mod and it was while I had the brake pedal assembly out of my car in my hands. This repair is a PITA but I have heard of folks having these switches leak and or just not functioning. NOS switches are probably non-existing.
Yep.
As time goes on, we'll see more and more solutions like this one for the brake switch. In theory, it is possible to keep the old switch housing and jerry rig a switch from some place like Mouser Electronics, but the solution shown here using a microswitch and adjustable bracket is more practical. These may be found in scrapped aircraft electronic modules.
Agreed. This was a really nice one.
I always assumed a 58-60 Thunderbird might be a better fit for someone tall. The owner of one I saw at a car show who was about my size (6'2") told me he had to move the seat tracks back a few inches to be comfortable. At least there was room to do that.
Biggest issue is the low seating position. I sit on a very limited portion of my rear end. LOL
Hate wiring but love Fords. Talking about confusion
Me too!
Without reading the comments ck the brake light switch, right on master cylinder
Not on the master cylinder.
I cant fit that car. I also could not get a camera inside the fender on my shocks video so I feel you.
LOL
My 3 favorites ...59 caddy coupe, 58 citation, and...... Well.... you know
LOL. Maybe one day my friend!
Oh man that under dash back contortion is never fun. I just put in a roll cage and bending over the door bar adds just a little more spice to that back angle - good times!!
I hurt in places that I thought I didn't work.🤣
Would a motorcycle pressure brake switch be a better replacement choice part?
Dunno. I like this solution. It is all there, the pressure switch stays put, the wires can even stay on the switch. Very slick.
So, are you going to change that to a dual pot m/c? Have popcorn ready....
Will be. We're working on parts right now.
DO IT!!!!!!!
Ok! What are we doing?
When i had my 68 mustang and the brake lights didnt work, i pulled up the sill plate and sure enough there was a broken wire the same color as the brake light wires… one butt connector later i had a more street legal mustang lol
Yup.
I likes me some meat and taters.
Mmmmhum.
NNNNNOOOOO just tee the original switch with the new duel mc
Nope. Lol
The 55-57 t-birds are beautiful, but drive like a truck.
Lol.