'55 Pat Brake Light Switch

Posted by Loyd Smith On 2008/11/26 10:56:59

Recently noticed that brake lights weren't working on the Patrician. Got a replacement from Napa for the Wells RB402 brake light swith (Echlin PN SL159) and installed it. Brake lights worked and went out when pedal released but appeared to have no load leveller. Further checking was interrupted by emergency at house and had to leave it for about an hour. Car had been down in the rear and when I returned about an hour later it had levelled. Got test light and commandeered neighbour to help. Power distribution to levelling system was correct and interrupted when brake pedal depressed and, although brake lights went out when pedal released - no power to levelling system. Checked again about thirty minutes later and, again, had power to levelling system. Sat on back of car and it levelled itself. Brake pedal is normal and all wheels spin, normally without drag, with car in air and no brakes applied. Entire brake system (including master cylinder and Treadle Vac) completely rebuilt, professionally, just over three years ago and, as I had to pull the rear hubs and axles to replace rear wheel bearings about a month and a half ago, went ahead and pulled the front ones and checked brake lines and wheel cylinders while I had the car in the air. Load leveller was working as advertised with the old brake light switch although brake lights weren't.

Any insights from anyone - am I missing something or am I just dealing with a defective switch? Brake lights come on and go off when pedal is depressed and released. Just takes about twenty to thirty minutes before power is restored to Torsion Level.