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Brake light switch
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 12:49 pm
by hdavy
I have just changed my brake light switch on my 1000. Again. I can't count how many of these things I have changed in recent years. Don't think the quality of new ones nowadays is any good. Wonder whether anyone has changed to an electric switch such as most modern cars have?
Re: Brake light switch
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 1:42 pm
by mike.perry
How about stripping the spade connectors off and fitting a Series MM switch. Probably more reliable and I expect that you have some spares. Check the threads.
Re: Brake light switch
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 3:03 pm
by hdavy
I do have earlier type switch but I think it's new. Got it for my MGA.
Re: Brake light switch
Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 12:28 pm
by hdavy
From an MG enthusiast I learned that dsn classics sell such an electrical swith ref: BRK 3143.
Re: Brake light switch
Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 12:57 pm
by hdavy
The electrical switch is listed by dsn under mini not minor.
Re: Brake light switch
Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 1:39 pm
by mike.perry
The Mini, MG and most other cars have top hinged pedals which makes it easier to locate an electrical switch, they also do not normally have the range of pedal movement found on Minors which vary from almost no pedal movement to pedal almost to the floor. The switch would also have to be located on the toe board in front of the brake pedal as the gearbox floor panel fits around the rest of the pedal
Re: Brake light switch
Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 4:10 pm
by bmcecosse
I thought ALL switches were 'electrical' .......I guess what's meant is mechanical rather than hydraulic......
Re: Brake light switch
Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 4:34 pm
by hdavy
Mike' I'm initially more interested in fitting the 'mechanical' switch to my MGA because, although it's quite easy to access the 'hydraulic' switch on a minor it's horribly difficult on my MGA because the manifold and carbs of my crossflow cylinder head obscure the switch. (It also covers the ignition electrics so I have had a 123 electronic dissie fitted so no points' and the coil moved up to the bulkhead)
Re: Brake light switch
Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 5:42 pm
by mike.perry
Is it a Twin Cam?
Re: Brake light switch
Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 8:13 pm
by beero
After fitting 3 hydraulic switches to my MGB in 2 years I went for one of these and fitted it to the pedal next to the return spring.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PULL-BRAKE-LI ... 20c15fe005
Fitting to a Minor would be difficult though because it would have to go in the chassis alongside the pedal return spring.
Re: Brake light switch
Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 1:30 pm
by hdavy
My MGA is not a twincam. It's a standard 1600 which already fitted with a HRG Derrington crossflow head when I bought it. This transfers inlet manifold and carburettor from left to right of engine which creates all sorts of access difficulties. I would not fit one again myself but prefer a tuned up standard set up. Having said that the car is capable (with sierra 5 speed gearbox) of cruising to Italy at 130kph (or 110 if wet)
Re: Brake light switch
Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 10:25 am
by Scott
I've been through a few of the brake light switches that the UK specialists sell & they don't last long before you need a lot of line pressure to get them working.
I found a Hella switch to be a perfect fit & it's worked fine for the last few years. Hella # 4565.

Re: Brake light switch
Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 11:49 am
by hdavy
Thanks Scott. Have bought two more intermotor mechanical switches and a mechanical one. Will keep them in both cars against the next time. Also will probably buy a Hella switch!