Next I found time to look at a pedal operated brake lamp switch. In an earlier post I fitted a relay in the original circuit so that the current through the hydraulic switch would be significantly reduced. Now it switches the relay, instead of the lamps directly. This allegedly increases the life of the switch.
If in doubt you should consult an expert when fitting a relay, rather than cause 'a fire'. But simply put, the original lamp wires from the hydraulic switch go to terminals 30 (live feed) and 87 (lamp feed). Terminal 85 goes to earth. Terminal 86 is fed from the hydraulic switch, which also needs a live feed. This can be piggy backed from terminal 30, which has the original live feed. But don't try this unless you are competent with car electrics.
The next step is to fit a pedal operated switch in parallel, so either switch will activate the brake lamps. I pondered whether to use a courtesy light type switch, but in the end have chosen a microswitch from Maplins. It's a 3A/240V, and is OK for this application. First I made up a short loom with piggy backs for the hydraulic switch.
Next I made use of an offcut of stainless steel, which was a part of my original attempt at a spare wheel security clamp which failed miserably...............
This was cut and drilled to take the microswitch. And after a bit of soldering, the finished article looks like this. Amazingly I got the right shape first time.
This picture includes a relay to give scale.
And here's the completed pedal loom.
The final stage is to make up a loom to join these two parts together, which has to pass from the footwell, through the grommet, down the front of the bulkhead, and along the chassis rail under the engine mounting. First challenge is getting the extra wires through this grommet.
With care and patience, it's possible.............
Next picture - the new wire is the one which is straight and diagonal, not yet located properly. Note how untidy the black sealer is.
Next I soldered the ends inside the footwell, and fitted the plug. Then I used a pin chuck to drill two small holes in the floor and fitted the microswitch.
This shows the plug, which locates behind the carpet.
More to follow....>>>>>>
