Low-pressure Brake Light Switch

been using one that i bought at a local hot rod shop for a number of years. definately lights up the brake lights with much less pedal pressure than the stock one that i had origionally installed.
 
Macs has one in there new catalog for $35 but it doesnt say the psi.I wonder how much quicker it comes on,would it really make a difference,I guess every second counts.
 
The CPP switch looks interesting....other folks have suggested a Harley Davidson switch is more sensitive, but I've tried neither.
Joe
 
I used the Harley switch in my 49. I forget what I paid but think it was less than $20. I had one in there for a few years that failed. After dissecting it I found that the fluid (DOT 5, which Harley uses) had gotten past the rubber diaphragm and it was keeping the switch from making the connection.
 
Fibber Mcgee said:
Macs has one in there new catalog for $35 but it doesnt say the psi.I wonder how much quicker it comes on,would it really make a difference,I guess every second counts.
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The difference between the "low pressure" and a "higher pressure" switch doesn't really have anything to do with HOW QUICKLY the brake lights illuminate. It has to do with whether the brake lights illuminate AT ALL. For instance, you're using one of the high pressure switches. You apply the brake pedal rather lightly, slowing down all the time, only to have that guy (or gal) behind you clobber your rear-end because your "high pressure" switch was not pressurized ENOUGH to close the contacts in the switch to power the brake light bulbs. DD
 
V8COOPMAN said:
The difference between the "low pressure" and a "higher pressure" switch doesn't really have anything to do with HOW QUICKLY the brake lights illuminate. It has to do with whether the brake lights illuminate AT ALL. For instance, you're using one of the high pressure switches. You apply the brake pedal rather lightly, slowing down all the time, only to have that guy (or gal) behind you clobber your rear-end because your "high pressure" switch was not pressurized ENOUGH to close the contacts in the switch to power the brake light bulbs. DD
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That makes sense,but its advertised as illuminating lights faster,maybe they would do better to have you advertise it.
 
The coopman is right. I have a third brake light in the top of my rear window in the '38 and can see a reflection when it comes on. There are times when I am applying brakes that the light isn't on. I apply a little more pressure and there it is. In all fairness, the pressure applied before the switch activates isn't causing a rapid stop. I suppose the low pressure switch will make lights come on a little more quickly by illuminating the light earlier as the pressure rises.

I favor a mechanical switch activated by the brake pedal. As soon as the pedal moves the light is on. I've been using one on my '40 for 60,000 miles without a failure.
 
I too have a third brake light. I was very pleased to see how much sooner (less brake pedal movement) Dick Spadaro's low pressure switch came on. No need for mechanical switching. Ten minute job that may save you and your car.
 
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