[T3] DOT5 and Brake Light Switches

[Keith Park]

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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