1930 Tudor Brake Light Switch Location

If your switch is located outside of your left frame rail it is not original. The wire originally came from the wire bundle at the end of the steering column and went to a switch mounted on the frame crossmember. One side of the switch (it doesn't matter which) should be hot at all times. As a temporary fix you should be able to pick up live voltage anywhere. Your assumption that the hot wire should be live all of the time is correct. There is a wiring diagram in the "Instruction Book" that originally came with the car. These books are available from most suppliers for about $10. Be sure to get the one closest to when your car was manufactured.

Charlie Stephens

Thanks Charlie,

The brake switch wires are exiting the wire loom bundle right at the switch location, however the two wires have to cross under the frame rail to get to the switch. Doesn't seem correct to me. I will endeavor to locate an "Instruction Book" as you suggest. I purchased this car from the son of the guy who purchased the car in 1963. It's hard to tell what has taken place in the time leading up to today.

Pat
 
Thanks Charlie,

The brake switch wires are exiting the wire loom bundle right at the switch location, however the two wires have to cross under the frame rail to get to the switch. Doesn't seem correct to me. I will endeavor to locate an "Instruction Book" as you suggest. I purchased this car from the son of the guy who purchased the car in 1963. It's hard to tell what has taken place in the time leading up to today.

Pat
There should be only one wire going to the brake light switch. A second wire coming out of the switch at the end of the steering column should go directly to the tail light. If someone has added turn signals (which is a good idea) it will be necessary to dig further.

Charlie Stephens
 
Some of these reproduction switches have been the source of shortage in the past so nothing surprises me any more. After I get done driving the old 29, I always check and make sure the brake lights aren't on. They like to do that too and wear your battery down.

The switch has to have a dedicated hot all the time connection so that brake lights will work day or night but it's hard to tell it's stuck in the on position during the daytime unless you go back there & look.
 
There should be only one wire going to the brake light switch. A second wire coming out of the switch at the end of the steering column should go directly to the tail light. If someone has added turn signals (which is a good idea) it will be necessary to dig further.

Charlie Stephens

You are correct...there is one wire going to the switch and one wire going back to the wire bundle...presumably on its way to the tail light.

Pat
 
Look at the wiring diagram:
 

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Look at the wiring diagram:


Thanks Katy, That answers questions I had or about to have! Would you happen to have the wiring diagram that includes cowl lights? I will be purchasing some reference books, but I was waiting to see what the previous owner had in the way of books.

Pat
 
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