64 Brake Lights

[lukbrw]

Our son picked up a 64 C20 and the brake lights are not working. Spent some time yesterday tracing everything and trying to minimize what the issues could be.

Turn signals work with or without the headlights on. Tail lights work with the headlights on. There was some previous wiring splicing happening in the rear, but power is coming to the rear connection plug OK. Validated that the brake switch is working.

The headlight switch is sensitive, pull it out to far and the headlights will turn off. So we ordered a new switch. Could that have anything to do with it?

I'm assuming then it comes down to the turn signal switch since that is where power goes for distribution after the brake switch. Any other suggestions?

[The Rocknrod]

Grounds seem to come up the most as problems.

[jayoldschool]

On my truck (and the same as many, many other reports on here): grounds. Here's how I got the lights working:
- removed lenses
- removed buckets
- ground from buckets to bed
- ground from bed to frame
- ground from bed to cab
- ground from cab to frame

Lights work perfectly now.

[lukbrw]

I'll add a ground to the taillight housing and see what happens.

[AcampoDave]

If its all fine at the rear connection plug, then you've got it nailed down to the rear lights themselves, (sockets, grounds bulbs etc) or the wiring at the rear bumper. On my friends trucks and my own, it has been easier to just pull the rear lights and the bumper harness to clean things up and rewire it while creating better grounds. I usually end up saving the plug and sockets while eliminating lots of spaghetti in between.

[rickywideglide]

not a bad idea to replace turn signal switch, contacts in there can be pretty worn after 50+ years....

[lukbrw]

Put in a new turn signal switch and solved the problem. Thanks again for the suggestions!
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