Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Has anyone converted their Packard (46-50) to a mechanical brake lite switch operated by the brake lever? My hydraulic switch keeps failing me. If someone has done this conversion please share the details. Thanks

Several have done this to their manual brake Packards using a universal mechanical switch but don't remember anyone posting all the details. Here is a YouTube video of it being done on a 57 Studebaker and I imagine the process could be almost identical pedal wise. Main mechanical difference is the master cylinder is forward to the pedal on a pre 55 Packard but the new switch placement would be about the same.

He did a nice install but maybe went a bit overboard with the hole thru the pedal to mount the spacer assy that works the switch. If the arm on the switch you buy had a stud thru the switch arm or the arm can be bent to fit under the pedal and still clear the floorboard that extra bolt, spacer and washer bit thru the pedal may not be necessary.youtube.com/watch?v=kVX3sWlTn1Y

Thanks Howard. I'm looking for a simple solution. Maybe a switch with and arm which can be mounted and mechanically activated by depressing brake pedal. My thought is a switch, a couple of mounting screws, extend existing wires and adjust.

A switch with an arm that is closed when the pedal is depressed is exactly what the Napa universal switch in the video is doing.

Kanter may sell them

Perhaps looking into why the hydraulic switch is going bad so frequently might be a better plan, such as debris in the lines that is plugging it. In over 50 years of dealing with cars I've only ever had to replace these a couple times.

Most of the current hydraulic switches are coming from China and this may explain the high failure rate. I found an older stock unit that was made in Mexico and has worked well for me.
Good authority has it that Harley Davidson parts have a very low pressure to activate and are good go-to parts.
Good luck.