[Shawn]

I noticed my brake pedal won't stay fully extended after it's released, there is play between that position and when the brakes are applied. As a result if the car is parked on a hill the brake lights will be on if I don't have the switch adjusted properly in it's bracket. It seems like the spring is weak as it will bounce in freeplay if released quickly. Also, after I stop I have to sometimes pull the pedal up with my foot to make sure the brake lights are off. It appears that this condition knocked the switch out a few times as the threads are buggered up because it can't be adjusted to the right length in the bracket (small hose clamp is on it now). This is a manual brake car, '65.

Does the spring wear out? I feel like if it had a little more tension, the brake would release completely, and stay released, actuating the switch when it should.

 

[Ken Hayes]

I think any spring that is on the brake pedal that is 48 years old might be kinda wore out from use.

 

[HKalin]

Does your car have the rubber bump stop installed for the brake pedal. The pedal should come up to about a 1/4" from the bump stop to still allow for some play in the pedal. You do want some play in the pedal so your not still applying pressure to the master cylinder. You can lessen this play by loosening the lock nut on the rod that puts pressure on the master cylinder at the brake pedal fork. You want to turn the rod out to take up some of the excess play and then re-tighten the lock nut. Now you should adjust your brake light switch to shut the brake lights off when the pedal is at rest at the top.

 

[Bryan59EC]

my 66 had a small spring and a bracket that pulled on the pedal from the same spot as the pushrod.

Pain in the but to get this hooked up as I believe one end of the spring was hooked
up high in the pedal bracket.

Been a while since I put that back in----I've slept since then.