Good Morning, I just replaced my rear brake shoes and now have a wonderful brake pedal. It goes down just about 3 inches or so and is solid. But I don't see my brake lights coming on now. I know they used to stay on after releasing the brake pedal unless I pulled the pedal up with my foot a little. The brake used to go about an inch from the floor but I think the lights came on very quickly. Is the switch located near the pedal or inside of the engine compartment firewall ? Thanks,
1953 Chevy 153A 3/4-ton Working on my project since 2015 Follow along in my DITY
It’s working now! Is there a spring I might me missing. The brake pedal stops without returning fully. This lets the brake lights stay on unless I pull it up that inch.
1953 Chevy 153A 3/4-ton Working on my project since 2015 Follow along in my DITY
Yes, there should be a return spring. Here's a closeup picture showing that area. In the picture, the upper spring and extension go to the brake pedal arm. You should have an attachment point on the frame. Sorry these pictures are my "before" shots, so lots of grease due to the steering box leaking like a sieve.
😄 does not look like the same truck. Cleaning & paint goes a long way! I’ll look again & try to figure out where the springs connect. I’m having a difficult time figuring out where this picture is. I thought a spring would have to be in the area of your first picture with the light switch? Thanks!
Last edited by glennj3; 12/22/201911:37 PM.
1953 Chevy 153A 3/4-ton Working on my project since 2015 Follow along in my DITY
The spring should be at the bottom of the petal. Follow it down on engine side of the fire wall. Mine also sticks despite stronger spring so I grease it often and then it works again. I also just pull back on pedal with my foot while shifting if needed.
Here’s a page from the Factory Assembly Manual that shows the location of the spring.
The spring on the brake pedal is really strong. I installed a new one on my ‘52. I tried to pull it back with a vice grip and could not pull it back enough to attach it to the spring extension. I ended up using a piece of small rope tied in a loop and a big screwdriver used as a tee handle on the other end, which enabled me to pull it straight back toward the spring extension and get it attached. The spring was so strong I initially though it was the wrong one, but once I got it attached it worked great.
Last edited by Phak1; 12/13/201911:36 PM.
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals
1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc Brakes Project Journals Stovebolt Gallery Forum
Back to the original question of adjusting the brake switch, it is done by adjusting the master cylinder pushrod length to get the clearance right on the switch arm.
Anyone know how to remove the brake light switch from a 1955 first series Chevy truck. I can’t find the screws the hold it in place. Are the screws in the cab or engine well
p. I’m sorry I’ve been concentrating on other areas now for a while. Thanks for the diagram. I see the two springs down there so I assume I need to be beneath the truck to manipulate them? Happy New Year!
1953 Chevy 153A 3/4-ton Working on my project since 2015 Follow along in my DITY
If you unplug both wires, put a wire into the plugs. If the lights come on, and the lights didn't come on using the switch it's bad (when both wires were connected to switch). The screws are on the inside of the firewall. I had to remove a lot of crude to find mine.
An easy way to solve the problems of the old style mechanical switches,,,,,, put a pressure switch just behind the master cyl. and reconnect your stock wires to it.
