Brake light problems on 1960

[60vettesdr]

I have an intermittent and extremely annoying problem with the brake lights on my 1960. One or the other seems to not work almost all of the time. I say almost because there are times that they both work. Right now (at least the last time I drove it before winter reappeared) the driver side brake light wasn't working. I have had the guy at the shop who has done most of the work on the car look at this for the last two years and he has indicated that it is somehow connected to the blinker switch in the steering column which has been changed twice now and I still have the problem. Any body have any suggestions on how I can track down this problem. Thanks for the anticipated help.

Scott

 

[Rowdy1]

Grounds

A bad ground which the older vettes are noted for will cause what you're describing. I had a rats nest of old brittle wires in my 62 causing many problems. Put a Painless 18 circuit harness in with two or three ground blocks, no more problems

 

[JohnZ]

The guy at the shop is correct - this is a VERY common C1 problem, and results from the cancelling mechanism being gummed-up and not returning precisely to center after a turn; when that happens, you only have a brake light on one side or the other, but not both sides. Can also be a sticky slider in the switch itself that won't always return to center. Pulling the steering wheel and giving the entire cancelling mechanism a good cleaning and lubrication so it moves freely and centers properly usually cures it.

 

[Bwmurph]

I'll second JohnZ's response: My '59 had the same problem, and I put all new wiring harnesses on; people always pulling up next to me at red lights telling me I only had one brake light. Finally figured out that if I flipped on the turn signal and then put it back to center the brake lights were fine. Then took the steering wheel off and made sure everything was clean and lightly lubed; problem fixed

Bernie O.

 

[bradfordsvettes]

I third johns response i had the same problem steve