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Mechancial Brake Light Kits
- Thread starter Bill Blue
- Start date
nickraymond
Donation Time
Hi All
Sorry, I don't understand what the advantage is as opposed to the standard hydraulic switch?
Are you saying its more sensitive, if so does it really make alot of difference?
Don't mean to be negative, I think its good to have people making things for general benefit, just interested as to what the benefits are.
Cheers
Nick
Sorry, I don't understand what the advantage is as opposed to the standard hydraulic switch?
Are you saying its more sensitive, if so does it really make alot of difference?
Don't mean to be negative, I think its good to have people making things for general benefit, just interested as to what the benefits are.
Cheers
Nick
Nickodell
Donation Time
One advantage of a mechanical switch is that it operates at the slightest movement of the brake pedal, without the brakes necessarily being engaged. I was taught many years ago that one of the best ways to avoid being rear-ended was to tap the brake several times when anticipating coming to a stop - i.e. when still 20 or 30 yards away - to warn the following driver. Most rear-enders are due to the driver following you being inattentive, and flashing the brake lights can help focus their attention. It also works, some of the time, to get a tailgater to back off.
Hi Nick,
The stock pressure sensing switch, can take a bit of pressure before it actually lights the brake lights. If this happens, you could have the fellow behind you, on top of you, before he is aware that you are actually stopping. Your car will actually be stopping before the guy behind you knows it. With the travel switch, you can adjust it to where it will light the brake lights before the car actually begins to stop. I like to adjust them so that the slightest brush of the pedal, will light the stop lights, to let the guy behind me know that I'm thinking of stopping. It helps a lot to telegraph your intentions before you actually do it.
Jose
The stock pressure sensing switch, can take a bit of pressure before it actually lights the brake lights. If this happens, you could have the fellow behind you, on top of you, before he is aware that you are actually stopping. Your car will actually be stopping before the guy behind you knows it. With the travel switch, you can adjust it to where it will light the brake lights before the car actually begins to stop. I like to adjust them so that the slightest brush of the pedal, will light the stop lights, to let the guy behind me know that I'm thinking of stopping. It helps a lot to telegraph your intentions before you actually do it.
Jose
Must also mention the mechanical switch is much more reliable than the hydraulic switch. If I was not making mechanical switch kits, I would call the hydraulic switch a POS. In doing so I am not signaling out the Alpine switch. The hydraulic brake switch is simply an inferior concept, prone to delayed action and sticking in the "ON" position.
Bill
Bill
L
Lee DeRamus saoca0404
I know that I will be opening a can of worms with this post. I am a firm believer in silicone brake fluid. Years ago Harley Davidson had problems with brake light switches failing. After much investigation they found that the fumes from the silicone brake fluid that they used, and still do, was contaminating the contacts of the switches. They added a seal that completly isolated the contacts. In the past I have always used a rear brake light switch from a Harley when changing over to silicone. I Know all of the arguments, for and agains silicone, and I like it. This is also why you can't
use it in cars with ABS brakes. The manual swictch will solve this problem. If anyone wants to use a hydraulic Harley switch, be sure to tell the parts guy you want the one with the yellow dot of paint on it.
Lee
use it in cars with ABS brakes. The manual swictch will solve this problem. If anyone wants to use a hydraulic Harley switch, be sure to tell the parts guy you want the one with the yellow dot of paint on it.
Lee
Let me say I am very surprised at the reaction. I was hoping to sell 6 kits, figured 10-12 would be max. But lets get on with it.
In order for me to keep track, let's do it this way.
Switch kits, $20
Spare switches $7.50
Shipping, $6.00, USPS priority mail, US delivery. That is a flat rate I decided on.
Send your order with cash, check or money order and mailing address to me at
Bill Blue
2703 South State Road 1
Connersville, IN 47331
Out of country orders, contact me at webluexx@comcastxx.net (remove xx's) and tell me what will work best for you for payment and shipping. We'll figure something out.
I will get these shipped as quickly as possible, shipping in the order of payment received, but keep in mind that at the present, I have no materials on hand.
If I have left anything out, please make a post. If you have unusual circumstances, contact me at the above email addy.
Bill
In order for me to keep track, let's do it this way.
Switch kits, $20
Spare switches $7.50
Shipping, $6.00, USPS priority mail, US delivery. That is a flat rate I decided on.
Send your order with cash, check or money order and mailing address to me at
Bill Blue
2703 South State Road 1
Connersville, IN 47331
Out of country orders, contact me at webluexx@comcastxx.net (remove xx's) and tell me what will work best for you for payment and shipping. We'll figure something out.
I will get these shipped as quickly as possible, shipping in the order of payment received, but keep in mind that at the present, I have no materials on hand.
If I have left anything out, please make a post. If you have unusual circumstances, contact me at the above email addy.
Bill
Nick, twenty dollars includes all parts. I am offering switches for anyone that wants a spare. Shipping for two kits will be $6.
Bill
L
Lee DeRamus saoca0404
Bill,
You forgot to put your ZIP code.
Lee
You forgot to put your ZIP code.
Lee
SIVAllan
Gold Level Sponsor
JConstable
Donation Time
Bill,
I certainly would not want SIVAllan to be last in line for one of these switches, so please add me to the pack if there are any more available. Thanks
John
I certainly would not want SIVAllan to be last in line for one of these switches, so please add me to the pack if there are any more available. Thanks
John
oldflotsam
Donation Time
Bill, put me down for one.
Wayne
Wayne
Kit pictures
Okay, the kits are pretty much done. Here is what they look like:
They will be loosely assembled. That way you will know how they go together and I will know you have everything. The black things are wire ties. I do not have a stock Alpine, so I made the wires a foot longer than needed for the parts car. Any extra can be rolled into a loop and tied up. Edit: My wife pointed out the muffler clamp is installed incorrectly in this picture, so don't blow a fuse trying to figure out how it will mount. The next picture shows that.
Here is how the kit installs on the steering column:
I think that is about all the instructions needed. You will need a 1/2" open end wrench to tighten the nuts and the switch has instructions for adjusting its sensitivity. The nuts holding the switch in place are 3/4". They are light duty sheet metal, a pair of pliers will probably be adequate.
Right now, it appears they will be shipped in a USPS Priority Mail shoe box. The first shipment should be early next week.
Bill
Okay, the kits are pretty much done. Here is what they look like:
They will be loosely assembled. That way you will know how they go together and I will know you have everything. The black things are wire ties. I do not have a stock Alpine, so I made the wires a foot longer than needed for the parts car. Any extra can be rolled into a loop and tied up. Edit: My wife pointed out the muffler clamp is installed incorrectly in this picture, so don't blow a fuse trying to figure out how it will mount. The next picture shows that.
Here is how the kit installs on the steering column:
I think that is about all the instructions needed. You will need a 1/2" open end wrench to tighten the nuts and the switch has instructions for adjusting its sensitivity. The nuts holding the switch in place are 3/4". They are light duty sheet metal, a pair of pliers will probably be adequate.
Right now, it appears they will be shipped in a USPS Priority Mail shoe box. The first shipment should be early next week.
Bill
jack Bacon
Donation Time
Mechanical Brake Light Switch
Hi Bill,
Hopefully there is one left so please add me to the list
Best regards,
Jack
Hi Bill,
Hopefully there is one left so please add me to the list
Best regards,
Jack