[DeTomaso] Brake Switch Frustration

[John Taphorn]

Allright Garth!  Thanks for the consolidation of the data.  This e-mail with your and Chris Defani's pics, that were sent to me separately, belong on the POCA website in the tech section.  Very helpful, 

Thanks Guys

JT
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Garth Rodericks 
  To: John Taphorn ; detomaso at realbig.com 
  Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2009 12:41 PM
  Subject: Brake Switch Frustration


        Hi John,

        Since everyone's been so busy pontificating the merits of the pressure actuated brake switch rather than answering your question, I thought I'd give it a go...


        Stock Replacement
        -----------------
        I have a catalog from Graham Pantera (Graham tool company) selling the stock part for $24.95 (part# 01321A)


        VW Brake Light Switch from NAPA #SL147 -- Not Recommended (read below)
        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
        http://www.napaonline.com/NOLPPSE/(S(5nsx4dqcivjwti45vz01vu55))/Results.aspx?Ntt=SL147&Ntk=Part%20Number&N=0&Nty=1&D=SL147&Dn=0&Dk=1&Dp=3
        It's a perfect fit and has the right connectors according to Steve Hawkins:
        http://realbig.com/pipermail/detomaso/2003-September/032526.html
         
        HOWEVER...  Others have found that it's NOT an exact fit...
        Ian Hannington found that the stock switch has a 1/4'' pipe thread while part #SL147 has an 1/8'' tube thread.
        http://realbig.com/pipermail/detomaso/2004-October/047733.html


        Jack DeRyke confirms and points out that the connectors are different too:
        http://realbig.com/pipermail/detomaso/2004-October/047740.html
          
        GM Brake Light Switch
        ---------------------
        Jack DeRyke reports that adapting an '82-up GM style mechanical brake light switch to the Pantera brake pedal is not difficult, saves considerable money and forever fixes the brake switch problems.
        http://realbig.com/pipermail/detomaso/2004-September/047653.html
        http://realbig.com/pipermail/detomaso/2006-May/073073.html


        GM Brake Light Switch
        ---------------------
        Forest Goodhart used a switch from any mid 80's Chevy without cruise control and found it to be very quick and easy.
        http://realbig.com/pipermail/detomaso/2006-May/073106.html

        1. He used a piece of flat bar about 1"x3/16"x2"-3" long. 
        2. Drilled a hole near one end that the switch would slip through and a hole near the other end that fits the shaft size of the stop that the brake pedal hits under the dash. 
        3. Unscrewed the stop, inserted the bar, replaced the stop and adjusted the switch so that the pedal just pushes it enough to turn off when the brake pedal is released.
        4. Then intercepted the wires going to the original switch and connected them to the new switch. 
        He reports that it was easier than it sounds.


        Generic Plunger Switch from a CNC Milling Machine
        ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Chris Difani used a limit switch for a CNC milling machine. It's stainless steel, and is designed for severe usage within a machine tool environment. It's got a spring loaded plunger set in a stainless steel case and is designed to work in more than one plane. Check with Chris to see where he ordered it (he gave me one as a matter of fact because he had extras).
        http://realbig.com/pipermail/detomaso/2006-May/073056.html

        --> I added Chris' info and pictures to a page on my website, but for some reason I cannot publish it at the moment. I'll forward the pics to you directly.