Street Rat

My brake lights on my "81 always stay on after driving. After contorting myself to look under the dash, I discovered a lot of slop in the bracket that holds the brake light switch. This movement is enough slop keep the brake light switch on. How can that bracket be tightened? I can pull the brake pedal back about 1/2" and the light will go off. I adjusted the switch per the factory manual. Any recommendations are welcome.

terry82

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=...ette&FORM=IGRE you can see that there are several reasons that could be your problem.i would first check the return spring .then you may have to check the bushing.

Street Rat

Thanks for sharing the photos with us terry82

There are many parts that need changing I'm sure. I had the seat out the other day. I crawled under the steering column to see what the heck is going on. It doesn't look like a fun project room wise. Any suggestions or tips would be welcome.

Ok the part that is loose is the brake pedal bracket. I finally found a good picture of it. How do I tighten that bracket up? Anybody?

bazza77

The front of the bracket uses the studs off the vacuum booster to hold it against the front of the firewall. To tighten them you have to get in underneath and get at the nuts while manoeuvring your socket extension(s) up past the steering column .

the rear of that bracket attaches in the wiper arm area under your hood ,open the hood and you will see a metal plate with four bolt heads .

I would be surprised if they were loose enough to allow the bracket to move ,but anything is possible.

I had a bad spring which led to the same non-return problems your having, also there are plastic bushes on the cross shaft which could be worn.

Street Rat

It's definitely the bracket that's loose. It's raining so I can't look at it today. I'll redo the little bushings and such while I'm in there.

I was planning on pulling the instrument cluster to replace the headlight switch soon. Would I have an easier time accessing anything to do with the brake pedal at that time?

bazza77

definitely a yes on that , don't forget the steering column hangs off the brake bracket as well .

I pull the column out to make room , it saves putting a lot of force on the rag joint if you leave it resting through the firewall.

its a big job getting at it , especially the first time you do it .

Street Rat

Terrific

Street Rat

Those are tight. So I guess it's back under the dash?

bazza77

yep keep digging

bazza77

did you find out what was wrong with it ?

Street Rat

No my fuel pump went out. I've been getting the car drivable again. I plan on pulling the seat to get to the issue. Just plain putting it off to be honest.

bazza77

yeah I know the feeling . Hoping it will fix itself is not a new idea

Street Rat

I've been doing some research on what could be loose under the dash causing my brake lamps to stay on. I think I found the possible problem. There is a brake switch mounting bracket which attaches with screws. I'd be willing to bet those darn screws are not tight causing the switch to move around and stay on.

If you don't know what I'm talking about here is a good photo of the part...

bazza77

I had a loose one on my 77 , but mine just had one bolt holding it , there was no way I could get to it with a spanner to tighten it up enough . I pulled the dash out and got to it and welded that nut onto the pedal . I hope you may be able to get at those small screws though. Good luck.

Street Rat

Thanks bazza77.

I found a picture of the bracket in my AIM. Those little screws are right above the steering column.