MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGA - Mechanical brake light switch

Ok, so another switch has failed. I know Barney says a good one should last well but I’ve now tried so many and have given up. I also don’t want to have to need ever increasing pedal pressure during the switch life to light the brake lights. So, can someone share some pictures and words about a good and successful mechanical conversion on the brake pedal. Thanks.
Bruce.
Bruce Mayo

Hi Bruce
I decided to fit an electrical switch for the brakes a while back after my original switch packed up. I made a bracket and bolted it to the pedal supports and fitted a switch which is adjustable for on/off working 2 cables connect to the original screw terminals, all completed with a long handled screwdriver. Now the brake lights are activated almost immediately on pressing the pedal, which I think improves the safety from following vehicles.
Good luck with your project. Let me know if you need any further help
Brian
PS I made a cardboard mock up of the bracket first






Brian Paddon

Brian. Perfect! Just the sort of thing I wanted to see. Which switch is that? Where sourced? I suppose there are many but useful to know yours. Presumably, as the switch is mounted on the cockpit side of the pedal, that is a normally closed contact switch which is normally compressed and is released to the contact closed position when you press the pedal?
Bruce.
Bruce Mayo

Bruce.
I thought you would ask that question. Fortunately I keep all invoices and have found that the switch was bought from Auto Electric Supplies Ltd. Stock no. 081409. You will get details on their website. I am sure there are others on the market, but this switch seemed to suit and is adjustable and almost instant on touching the pedal. Can also revert back to original set up if required.
Brian
Brian Paddon

A switch in this location should have Normally closed contacts. Resting the pedal against it depresses the pin and opens the contacts for switch off, no light. Pressing the pedal releases the spring loaded pin which then pops out to make the contact, lights on. Pin extended is normal rest position of the switch with normally closed contacts (exactly opposite of a door bell button).
Barney Gaylord

Thanks Barney and Brian. Got it. As I thought, a normally closed switch. Gonna try it. Bruce.
Bruce Mayo

I also had to swap a couple of brake-light switches when they failed in quick succession.

I found a spring-loaded mechanical brake light switch in amongst my spare parts box and decided that I could make it work without having to fabricate any special brackets.

I simply pop-riveted some stainless steel hose clips to the body of the switch and used these to clamp it onto the steering column. (I used some rubber strips to cushion the hose clips)

The spring on the switch is attached to the brake pedal. I made up a simple clamp to attach the spring, rather than drill a hole through the vertical part of the pedal because I didn't want to risk weakening the pedal in any way.

The switch works really well and operates the brake lights instantly.

I haven't brought the switch into full time use yet because, typically, the replacement standard pressure operated switch seem to be working ok and so I will just use the new mechanical switch as an fall back option.

Cheers
Colyn






Colyn Firth

This thread was discussed between 22/07/2021 and 23/07/2021

MG MGA index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.