[T3] DOT5 and Brake Light Switches

[Sean Bartnik]

I’ve only had it in for 3 months so I’m not prepared to say it’s the solution to the problem but it has outlasted all the others so far.  I’ll keep everyone posted.


> On Jul 14, 2016, at 8:27 PM, Keith Park <topnotch at nycap.rr.com> wrote:
> 
> Well Im glad its not just ME that has DOT5 eating brake light switches!
> although an argument could still be made that its my cars...  ;-)
> 
> This is good to know, I will need one for the Tbird, and if this is a
> solution I may finally have to convert the 71 over to DOT5.
> 
> Keith
> 
> 
> Topnotch Restorations
> topnotch at nycap.rr.com
> http://www.a383ina68.addr.com/radiorest/main.htm
> 71 Squareback  "Hothe"
> 65 Notchback  "El Baja Rojo"
> 93 RX7  "Redstur"
> 87 Golf  "Winterat"
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: type3-vwtype3.org [mailto:type3-vwtype3.org-bounces at lists.vwtype3.org]
> On Behalf Of Sean Bartnik
> Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2016 12:47 PM
> To: type3 at vwtype3.org
> Subject: [T3] DOT5 and Brake Light Switches
> 
> Hi everybody,
> I just wanted to update the group on my ongoing experiment to try to find
> brake light switches that can hold up to DOT5 for more than a month. 
> 
> So far I've been through two new FTE brand switches (the $20 ones) and a NOS
> Ate switch, all of which failed in the same manner within a couple months. 
> 
> Previously while researching online I came across a Porsche 356 forum where
> a Harley-Davidson rear brake light switch was recommended. Turns out Harleys
> use the same type of pressure switches for the rear brake and they used DOT5
> as factory fill brake fluid for a number of years, so  presumably their
> switches should be designed to stand up to DOT5.
> 
> About three months ago I installed an HD switch and it's been working
> perfectly ever since. No degradation of function; it still activates the
> lights with the slightest pedal pressure just as when I installed it. 
> 
> The switch is HD part number 72023-51E and costs about $20. The one I got
> was made in Italy by Bitron. 
> 
> The switch body itself is smaller than the VW switches but the threads are
> the same. 
> 
> This switch is a good option for early cars with the 2-prong switch. It
> would work for later cars too but you'd have to give up the brake warning
> light functionality because the Harley switch is a simple 2-prong switch. 
> 
> I hope I haven't jinxed myself by posting about it but it seems to be
> holding up well so far. Hope this helps somebody. 
> 
> 
> -Sean
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