ST68

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?

Alan 71

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).

ST68

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.....?

Alan 71

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

ST68

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.

Peterbuilt

Just curious as to why you just don't get a new 68 switch.

ST68

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.

carriljc

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.

ST68

I'm about to try again to see if I can get a wrench on it. I don't know how anyone can do this without having t rex arms. My elbows are banging into everything.

Peterbuilt

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

ST68

I'm wondering the same thing. I have read here that some last couple of years, some have the wires routed wrong and it makes it difficult to install.

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)!

ST68

Sorry, meant to ask if what you pulled at the yard was just the standard 69 bracket? If so did you need to perform any mods to mount that?

tomgallucci57

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.

tomgallucci57

most of its done by feel.but i did have a few mirrors and a few small flashlights in certain areas. but to me,it did seem like i couldnt do it. mostly by feel.

ST68

I think it was about the 4th or 5th time under there that I decided I thought I could even remove the old switch. Once I moved some wiring and vacuum lines out of the way things got a lot clearer. I'll probably give it a few tries before giving up. What I have found, at almost 62, is that if I quit before it hurts too bad, then try again next weekend, I don't hate doing it nearly as much. I will be giving this a go.

ronarndt

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

ST68

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.

ST68

[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 @$$.

Peterbuilt