Posted by Torvald [172.71.151.9] on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 23:17:20 :
Greetings all,
So, my latest problem is keeping a working brakelight switch in my �51 FFPW. The original (as in came with the truck) switch lasted about a year after filling the system with fluid. The next one lasted a month. The next two were non-functional when I put them in (leaks, short to ground, failure to make contact). I am currently using one I dug out of storage; a used original equipment from 75 years ago. I don�t expect long life, but at least it works for now.
With that long winded lead up, the question is; where can one find a breaklight switch for these beasts that is actually designed to be compatible with DOT 5 brake fluid? I have searched the web and come up with NOTHING that is compatible with DOT 5.
I�ve checked the following parts houses and manufactures: NAPA/Echlin (ECH SL133), Rock Auto, Standard (SLS25), Car ID, Painless Performance, O'Reilly, BWD (S193), & Parts Geek do not have DOT 5 compatible switches. Autozone/Duralst (F4804) cannot confirm DOT 5 compatibility. I have sent inquiries to VPW and DCM as whether their switches are DOT 5 compatible; both stated that the switches would work with all brake fluids. Of course they will work, they will work with most any hydraulic fluid for a while.
I�ve also searched this forum for info. I did find some suggestions from past posts, but they all seemed to be no longer available: joesantiqueauto.com, Carolina Classics, & Mac's list a switch for the early Ford that is compatible to DOT 5 but is out of stock. Ronfrancis.com also shows this switch but no longer lists it.
And finally, Raybestos supposedly makes all parts DOT 5 compatible, but doesn't make the switches.
So do any of you know of a switch that is actually designed for DOT 5 or that has actually shown long life with DOT 5?
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