1964 brake lights won't work

[PLtex]

The brake lights on my 1964 won't activate when I press the peddle. They do light up when I turn on the headlights and seem to work ok when the turn signal is activated. A friend suggested that I start with two low-cost likely brake light culprits: 1) a switch which I believe is mounted near the brake peddle, and 2) a relay under the hood hiding behind the washer fluid bag that may have something to do with this year not being equipped with the sequential turn signals that started in 1965. Thought I would see if others here have any insights. By the way, when I look for replacement parts, it seems the 64's have some different parts for braking system than the 65's and 66's which makes things very confusing for a novice. Feel free to reply like you're talking to someone who isn't very familiar with this model (cuz that's me at this stage). Thank you!

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[iwinyouwin]

The 64 has a pressure switch screwed into the master brake cylinder. They can be bought for about $10, C1AZ-13480-A is a number you can search on but even AutoZone carries it as Duralast Stoplight Switch F4805. I have had to replace this before on my 64. There is also a relay behind the washer bag that I believe was not originally on the 64 but was later included in a service bulletin - I have that as well.

 

[Ward 57]

All I can say ( for what it's worth ) I had a '66 and the sequential motor was a mechanical/electric innovation or mistake. At least you are dealing with a simpler system. I would check the switch first. A multimeter and knowing how it works is a MUST.

 

[tbirdjims]

Disconnect the 2 wires on the brake lite switch, touch them together and have some one to check your brake lites. If they work now you have a bad brake lite switch.