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'64 wierd brake problem

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Old Jul 6, 2016 | 12:23 PM
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From: newport richey fla.
Default '64 wierd brake problem

Just purchased a nice '64 coupe and on the way home my wife informed me that the brake lights were out. So far : cleaned all tail light contacts and installed new 1157's w/ bulb lube. Same with all #90 inside bulbs. Now brake lights and courtesy lights will work until the brake pedal is pressed, then the mentioned lights all go out. A few seconds later the lights will reset ( like a circuit breaker ). The PO installed a 30 amp fuse and I will change it to a 20. I think the turn sig. or brake light sw.could be suspect . This is an a/c car and changing either one of these components would be tough ( for me ).Any one had to deal with this issue in an a/c C2 ? Thanks, DL.
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Old Jul 6, 2016 | 01:08 PM
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I can't give you specific help but in one of these Corvettes remember the body is fiberglass so it does not provide a ground. Every light has to have its own ground wire. This is unique to fiberglass cars. Maybe you are losing your ground affecting your lights.
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Old Jul 6, 2016 | 02:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Westlotorn
I can't give you specific help but in one of these Corvettes remember the body is fiberglass so it does not provide a ground. Every light has to have its own ground wire. This is unique to fiberglass cars. Maybe you are losing your ground affecting your lights.
Thanks, Westlotorn. Apparently, the brake and interior lights share a common ground as they all fail in unison, then re-light. Hopefully someone has experienced a similar problem and will save me a lot of grief. DL.
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Old Jul 6, 2016 | 05:08 PM
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If you don't have the Chassis Service Manual, you should get one. It has the wiring diagram in it, Dennis
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Old Jul 7, 2016 | 12:49 AM
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Could you snap a pic of your fusebox? Fuse should be a 15 amp, not a 20 or a 30. Fuses don't blow then heal themselves.

Appears the previous owner was having issues or he would not/should not have installed a 30 amp fuse.
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Old Jul 7, 2016 | 08:11 AM
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From: newport richey fla.
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Originally Posted by buns
Could you snap a pic of your fusebox? Fuse should be a 15 amp, not a 20 or a 30. Fuses don't blow then heal themselves.

Appears the previous owner was having issues or he would not/should not have installed a 30 amp fuse.
Thanks,buns. Some c/b's, unlike fuses will in fact reset, once they cool. I agree the PO tried a bad fix, and potential fire hazard. Only had the car a week and just received a shop manual.( my refrigerator manual has more detail ) More manuals on the way.The fuse panel looks factory and in good shape will get some pics. DL.
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Old Jul 7, 2016 | 04:50 PM
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You mentioned shop manual, you may only have the 1964 Supplement. You need a 1963 Corvette Shop Manual, the 64 supplplement only has the changes for the 64.
Brgds,
Rene
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Old Jul 7, 2016 | 08:49 PM
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From: newport richey fla.
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Originally Posted by rene-paul
You mentioned shop manual, you may only have the 1964 Supplement. You need a 1963 Corvette Shop Manual, the 64 supplplement only has the changes for the 64.
Brgds,
Rene
Thanks, Rene-Paul. Will do.
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