MTFCA Forum

Can someone please post some pix of how they (cleanly/neatly) installed a Brake Light Switch for use on a non-starter hogshead that does have a Rocky Mtn Brake Pedal? If they also know the part number of the switch they used, that would also be helpful.

Thanks in advance!!

Brent

This type is very easy to install. A modern reproduction is made too.




Lang's # 3158RS

RM type brake pedal, this style will fit.

https://www.modeltford.com/item/3158RS.aspx This switch from Lang"s

Thanks guys, but as I understand it, these will not work with Rocky Mtn. Brake Pedals that have the tab to push the brake rod going to the equalizer. Can anyone confirm/dispute this?? Look at what Snyders says .... https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/prod ... &cat=41888

Lever type switch can be mounted anywhere and a wire run to the pedal arm to pull it.

BRENT in 10-uh-C wrote: ↑

Fri Oct 13, 2023 11:46 am

Thanks guys, but as I understand it, these will not work with Rocky Mtn. Brake Pedals that have the tab to push the brake rod going to the equalizer. Can anyone confirm/dispute this?? Look at what Snyders says .... https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/prod ... &cat=41888

Brent

My mistake, forgot about this style that clamps to the frame rail. Had a Fun Projects type on Dixie before, but caused sometimes to not work, so I put on the Lang's # 3158FM. Fit is good, have RM brake pedal and all is well. Likely fit to any brake pedal that someone welded on a tab in any place.

BRENT in 10-uh-C wrote: ↑

Fri Oct 13, 2023 11:46 am

Thanks guys, but as I understand it, these will not work with Rocky Mtn. Brake Pedals that have the tab to push the brake rod going to the equalizer. Can anyone confirm/dispute this?? Look at what Snyders says .... https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/prod ... &cat=41888

Some Rocky Mtn Brake pedals do not have the cam action to activate the inside brake band. If your pedal has the original cam Knoch on the pedal, then it works for the switch.

I don't have a picture right now (I'll try to get one and remember to post tomorrow) but I use a normally-on generic brake light switch (like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Mechan ... 1WMPKJVUMQ). Similar setup to Mark above. I mounted it to the underside of the car a few inches behind the brake pedal (I have a speedster, you might need to fabricate an arm or something for a regular T). I drilled a tiny hole into the arm and slipped a chain through it, which then goes to the brake pedal. Even a light press on the brake pedal causes the tension on the drain to drop, which then turns the brake lights on. Not the most elegant solution and requires a precise adjustment for the chain length to be exact, but its reliable and it works (and was cheap).

jsaylor wrote: ↑

Fri Oct 13, 2023 12:25 pm

BRENT in 10-uh-C wrote: ↑

Fri Oct 13, 2023 11:46 am

Thanks guys, but as I understand it, these will not work with Rocky Mtn. Brake Pedals that have the tab to push the brake rod going to the equalizer. Can anyone confirm/dispute this?? Look at what Snyders says .... https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/prod ... &cat=41888

Some Rocky Mtn Brake pedals do not have the cam action to activate the inside brake band. If your pedal has the original cam Knoch on the pedal, then it works for the switch.

Then that is all I need to know Thanks.

Brent, I use 32-4 v8 brake switches on my Ts. They have a spring loaded rod with a hole in it. I make a bracket to hold the switch and use a short piece of wire and another spring to connect it to the RM brake pedal. I drill a small hole in the base of that pedal to run the connecting wire thru. With a spring in the linkage, you cannot hurt the switch by over pulling. The difference in the V8 and A switches is the V8 switch rod pulls instead of pushes like the A.

I'm lucky as I have the John Regan super high quality brake light switch on all my cars with RM's and they work great.

Here is a link to the different (better) one that Lang's sells and it works fine with RM brakes.
https://www.modeltford.com/item/3158FM.aspx

Would the fun projects switch work?

Tmooreheadf wrote: ↑

Fri Oct 13, 2023 7:55 pm

Would the fun projects switch work?

Yeah Tom likely ...if they were still available. Speaking as someone who makes their living in this hobby, since the pandemic I find myself SO frustrated on backorders and unavailability of items. And, ...since the one that Dan posted above will indeed work with the Rocky Mtn pedal, I just added that to a stock order from my suppliers yesterday and will have it on Tuesday. Any more, more often than not I just go with easiest. Ironically, we have CAD and a CNC plasma in-hose, so we could easily duplicate the concept of the Fun Project"s switch, ...but again, it is much easier for me to buy something already available.

Thanks again everyone!!

Keep an eye on eBay for fun projects brake light switch... That's where I bought mine last year

Didn’t realize the fun projects want available any more. That kit was great. Quality and a perfect fit.

I have several nos old style mechanical stop light switches . If you want one drop me a note and I will send you one. I have more than I will ever need so just pay the postage and it's yours,

frontyboy

Tmooreheadf wrote: ↑

Fri Oct 13, 2023 7:55 pm

Would the fun projects switch work?

That's what I referred to when I said the "John Regan" switch! Guess I shookda been more exact.

When I first got my T, it had a switch mounter to a piece of flat bar mounter over the hogshead inspection cover, like the photos in the second post of this thread. It had to be removed every time the inspection cover was removed, and the switch had to be readjusted when reinstalled.
I don’t know the brand of the switch.
I made my own bracket by welding two pieces of flat bar into a “T” shape, with two slotted holes for adjustment. I did have to drill two holes in the frame, and i reused the switch. One nice thing about this arrangement is that the wires to the switch run under the bracket, out of the way.

I use an earlier flat inspection cover. A piece of flat stock bent with a hole for a momentary off switch (opposite of a horn button) available at most any parts store. Simply mount such that the pedal presses it closed when at rest. As soon as the pedal is moved on comes the light. No springs, bailing wire ect. A very clean install.

You might want to go to a motorcycle salvage place. Ask to see their stop light switches.
These operate by a pulling motion, not by compressing to actuate the switch. They will work with any pedal that's depressed, just mount the switch behind the brake pedal.

A simple way to add a brake switch is to use a switch that closes when pulled. This type is available on line. Amazon shows a Qweekly brand for 10 bucks. Or just search for automobile brake switches.

This design would be simpler than the Fun Projects design. I haven't tried using a pull switch but I see no reason for it to not work. I wasn't aware that these are available when I installed my brake switch.

Art Mirtes

Thanks again everyone. I needed this switch to be 3 things, ...quick, easy, & sanitary. Like many of you, I just don't seem to have time to 'source' stuff like I did in my younger days. If I can order something someone else has R&D-ed, then that is the fastest (a/k/a: quick) way for me. If something is available that will work with little to no effort effort, then that is HUGE with me. The switch that Dan initially showed is very sanitary & appeared to be designed simplistic enough to function well. That was my first choice. My issue was, that I knew I had a RM Brake Pedal however after reading what John said about the cam in the pedal, I inspected my RM pedal and it does have a cam, so the 'quickest, easiest, & most sanitary' way for me was to order a switch from one of my vendors. Thanks again everyone!!