Click on image for the lowdown. 
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| | | Forums66 Topics128,018 Posts1,055,342 Members48,419 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 103 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 103 | Hi everyone, New here, just bought a 38 1/2 ton. It's drivable, but needs some things done before I feel comfortable taking it out on the road. My first issue is the lack of brake lights. There's no light on the truck, so I'll have to rig something up temporarily until I buy a light/bracket for it. The problem is that I don't know where the brake light switch is. The wire is cut at both ends and is just wrapped around the speedometer cable on one end, and sticking out of the back of the bed at the other end. I don't see a place where the switch would mount. I thought I read something here that seemed to say it was on the master cylinder, but I don't see anything there. Can any of you help point me in the right direction? Thanks! | | | | | Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,700 back yard wrench turner | | back yard wrench turner Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,700 | Check here in the brake section. http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1938/index.htmlI changed mine to a dual system so I can't help with photos. Wayne1938 1-Ton Farm TruckStovebolt Gallery Forums1989 Silverado 1996 Mustang GT convertible When I die, I hope she doesn't sell everything for what I told her I paid for it! | | | | | Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 6,377 Ex Hall Monitor | | Ex Hall Monitor Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 6,377 | Your brake light switch is on the master cylinder housing under the floor.
Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet. The three main causes of blindness: Cataracts, Politics, Religion. Name your dog Naked so you can walk Naked in the park.
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 103 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 103 | Hi again, I'm beginning to think that maybe my truck doesn't have the original master cylinder. I don't see anything resembling a switch on the master cylinder, nor anywhere near the pedal on the toeboard / floorboard that looks like a place to mount a switch. I'll keep looking and researching, since it's not going anywhere soon. Thanks for the suggestions.
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 103 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 103 | Hi Wayne, Thanks. Boy, that doesn't look like what I have. I'm not sure what I have, so I may have to just rig something up for now. I hope to get the truck up on jack stands soon to get a better look. I'll let you all know what I find, and maybe post a few photos. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 6,377 Ex Hall Monitor | | Ex Hall Monitor Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 6,377 | This is a blow up of the master cylinder. The port for the stop light switch is toward the right end of the housing as you look at the picture, just above the words 'primary cup'.
Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet. The three main causes of blindness: Cataracts, Politics, Religion. Name your dog Naked so you can walk Naked in the park.
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 103 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 103 | Thanks guys. It looks like the master cylinder port for the switch is has a plug in it. I'll order a switch and a brake light and see if I can get it wired up. I'll let you know how I do. Thanks again for the info. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 | That thing on Ebay is not a 38 master cylinder. | | |
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