Another '68 stop light switch thread
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 38
Likes: 2
Another '68 stop light switch thread
I have searched quite a bit here and although some of you have solved this problem, I can't find the pics I'm going to need to decide whether or not I can get this done myself. I would prefer to convert to the '69 plunger type switch if I can find clear instructions or images. Most of what I've found are quite old threads where the formerly 3rd party hosted pics no longer show up.
One thing I found elsewhere was that Zip stocks a wire assembly to convert to the '69 plunger type switch, but also says that you'll need a '69 switch and adaptor bracket (of course not included). I can't find a bracket on their site so don't know if II have to make one myself or if they sell it under a name I haven't searched for yet.
I could bubba the wiring conversion myself, but what I really need is some clear ideas for switch and depressor mounting. Frankly, I'm not all that creative, especially when twisted up into a pretzel under that dash. Ideas, pics, anyone?
One thing I found elsewhere was that Zip stocks a wire assembly to convert to the '69 plunger type switch, but also says that you'll need a '69 switch and adaptor bracket (of course not included). I can't find a bracket on their site so don't know if II have to make one myself or if they sell it under a name I haven't searched for yet.
I could bubba the wiring conversion myself, but what I really need is some clear ideas for switch and depressor mounting. Frankly, I'm not all that creative, especially when twisted up into a pretzel under that dash. Ideas, pics, anyone?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,172
Likes: 4,250
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi st,
Here's the brake lamp switch sheet from the AIM.
These are the photos of the switch and it's bracket.
I don't know if they illustrate what you need to see in order to make the change on your 68.
Hopefully?
Regards,
Alan
Look at Item 6, the Bracket, (it's the one that appears to be zinc plated), and Item 9, the Striker (it's the one that appears to be zinc plated with a dichromate wash).
Here's the brake lamp switch sheet from the AIM.
These are the photos of the switch and it's bracket.
I don't know if they illustrate what you need to see in order to make the change on your 68.
Hopefully?
Regards,
Alan
Look at Item 6, the Bracket, (it's the one that appears to be zinc plated), and Item 9, the Striker (it's the one that appears to be zinc plated with a dichromate wash).
Last edited by Alan 71; Apr 15, 2018 at 06:13 AM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 38
Likes: 2
Thanks, Alan. Boy, that looks like a piece of cake out of the car! 
Not sure if I can use that for conversion purposes or not but maybe so. I think I need to remove more electrical and vacuum stuff to get a better look at mine before I decide anything.
I think the guys converting a '68 to this style switch are mounting it down lower on the pedal arm to make it easier to get to.
I tried to get a wrench on my switch this morning (had about 30 minutes to give it) and I need to try different tools. So far an offset wratcheting box wrench and a standard socket didn't give me enough clearance to work up there.
I am also wondering if it's worth pulling the driver's gauges out - sounds like a project all by itself but if it makes it waaaaay easier maybe it's the way to go.....?
Not sure if I can use that for conversion purposes or not but maybe so. I think I need to remove more electrical and vacuum stuff to get a better look at mine before I decide anything.I think the guys converting a '68 to this style switch are mounting it down lower on the pedal arm to make it easier to get to.
I tried to get a wrench on my switch this morning (had about 30 minutes to give it) and I need to try different tools. So far an offset wratcheting box wrench and a standard socket didn't give me enough clearance to work up there.
I am also wondering if it's worth pulling the driver's gauges out - sounds like a project all by itself but if it makes it waaaaay easier maybe it's the way to go.....?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,172
Likes: 4,250
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi st,
Some folks find that taking the driver's seat out of the car so you can lay on your back in a comfortable position helps with some jobs under/behind the left left side dash.
Maybe in this case too?
Regards,
Alan
Some folks find that taking the driver's seat out of the car so you can lay on your back in a comfortable position helps with some jobs under/behind the left left side dash.
Maybe in this case too?
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Apr 14, 2018 at 03:10 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 38
Likes: 2
Alan, I just put the seat back in last week. I'd had it out when I was trying to resolve this problem before.
At that time I found that when I pulled the wires to one side the switch worked "perfectly" and repeatedly, so I pulled them over and zip tied them to something thinking that maybe they'd keep working for a while. I didn't driven it at all at the time because I'd had the gas tank out. I finally got the new tank in and needed to fill it up, so put the seat in and we took it for a spin and that's when the brake light switch quit on me again. I guess I'm going to have to do this one right, or better than right, to be able to have any confidence.
At that time I found that when I pulled the wires to one side the switch worked "perfectly" and repeatedly, so I pulled them over and zip tied them to something thinking that maybe they'd keep working for a while. I didn't driven it at all at the time because I'd had the gas tank out. I finally got the new tank in and needed to fill it up, so put the seat in and we took it for a spin and that's when the brake light switch quit on me again. I guess I'm going to have to do this one right, or better than right, to be able to have any confidence.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 38
Likes: 2
Several reasons, actually. One, they're between $60-$75, have to be purchased from specialty outlets (online, primarily), sometimes are wired incorrectly, and seem to be prone to failure. The '69 switch is under $10 and can be had at Napa. Secondly, they are a bear to get to and I am thinking if I do this now and it craps out, I'm not going to want to do it again. This stuff isn't getting any easier for me as the years go by.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,690
Likes: 1,366
Have you considered opening up your 68 switch? Looks rebuildable to me. I replaced mine (ages ago) and I was able to do it from below the dash. You can look for 69+ switches and you can also buy the contraption that holds them if you cannot repair it.
Several reasons, actually. One, they're between $60-$75, have to be purchased from specialty outlets (online, primarily), sometimes are wired incorrectly, and seem to be prone to failure. The '69 switch is under $10 and can be had at Napa. Secondly, they are a bear to get to and I am thinking if I do this now and it craps out, I'm not going to want to do it again. This stuff isn't getting any easier for me as the years go by.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,417
Likes: 1,554
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Thanks for the reply. Now I understand
68 repo = $62.99
68 NOS $250.00
69 and up $10.99.
The old one lasted 50 years how long will a new one last?
https://willcoxcorvette.com/catalogs...e+light+switch
68 repo = $62.99
68 NOS $250.00
69 and up $10.99.
The old one lasted 50 years how long will a new one last?
https://willcoxcorvette.com/catalogs...e+light+switch
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 38
Likes: 2
Thanks for the reply. Now I understand
68 repo = $62.99
68 NOS $250.00
69 and up $10.99.
The old one lasted 50 years how long will a new one last?
https://willcoxcorvette.com/catalogs...e+light+switch
68 repo = $62.99
68 NOS $250.00
69 and up $10.99.
The old one lasted 50 years how long will a new one last?
https://willcoxcorvette.com/catalogs...e+light+switch
I did finally get mine out today and I broke it while trying to tighten up the contacts, which were loose and the cause of the intermittent failures. Rebuilding this is no option, so I guess it's a new '68 switch for me unless someone sells a kit to convert to a later year plunger type. I do not think I can spend enough time under there to design something to convert it myself, so it's off to the 1-off parts store(s)!
Racer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 280
Likes: 1
From: cleveland Ohio
its tight for sure,,,,but a 60 year old friend of mine replaced my 1968 rear brake switch in about an hour,,in my garage,,with the seat in,.so i know its doable,,,need the right guy,,,thats all. good luck,,ask around.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 38
Likes: 2
I will be giving this a go.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 254
From: Catlett VA
Alan- your advice is spot-on, as usual. That is except for the comment about a "comfortable position" to work under the dash. I usually require a trip to the chiropractor after performing the contortions of my neck and back to get my arm in the correct position to loosen a bolt or get at a bulb. You must be a lot more agile than I am! RA
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 38
Likes: 2
Switch came in yesterday, just in time for the weekend. This was way easier than I expected. I was able to do all of the mounting just sitting on the floor (no seat, no steering wheel). Threaded the screws by hand until snug, then got an offset box ratchet on them and tightened them up. Not counting the running back and forth to get my wife to check the lights for me and installing the seat and wheel, it took less than an hour. Celebrated with dinner at Burgermaster.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 38
Likes: 2
[QUOTE=Peterbuilt;1596999708]Thanks for the reply. Now I understand
68 repo = $62.99
68 NOS $250.00
69 and up $10.99.
The old one lasted 50 years how long will a new one last?
The answer is 3 #^$*%#$^ months, since you asked. "Show quality" my @$$.
68 repo = $62.99
68 NOS $250.00
69 and up $10.99.
The old one lasted 50 years how long will a new one last?
The answer is 3 #^$*%#$^ months, since you asked. "Show quality" my @$$.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,417
Likes: 1,554
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
