Brake lights????

[dans65]

Working on a 65 and brake lights are on constantly. Thinking I will start with the stop light switch, but noticed that sequentials work as they shoud EXCEPT the 2nd bulb stays lit on either direction. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[boaterbob]

I've had bulbs act funny because the contacts in the socket are touching together or even one of the filaments came loose and dropped down on the other.

[dans65]

Cured it, I decided it had to be in the brake light relay and put in a new one and all is fine cured the sequentials also

[65tbirdconv]

Where did you get the relay, the one on the blinker board in the trunk?

[dans65]

Yes it is part of the pack in the trunk. I happen to have a few parts cars. I actually just replaced the whole bag this time, it came from a restored bird that the guy lost brakes with and stuffed the lt frt corner.

[MUDBIRD65]

along the same lines...sorta...my 65's brake lights work great but i cant get the turn signals to blink..the come on and stay on...but i cant figure out where the "pack" is in the trunk to work on it...has all new bulbs and cleaned contacts on each socket, front signals are operational but again stay on steady..
any ideas? point me in the right direction? pics?

[dans65]

Remove your spare tire and attatched to the back panel on the pass side of the car will be the bag with all your relays. There are quite a few plugs coming out of it and then 2 nuts that hold it on the back panel, if I remember there is a ground strap as well. Inside that pack is the t/s sequencer, brake ligth relay etc. From there you have a couple options depending on mechanical ability any parts availability. If you dont want to mess with it at all I know Pats thunderbirds will test, repair/replace the bad pieces for a fee. You can check ebay for the things as well but that is a crap shoot. I did get lucky and got a NOS brake light relay for 30 bucks but have also gotten a couple sequencers that were worse than what I had. Where are you located? I could give you a hand if not to far out if you need it.

[MUDBIRD65]

wow thanks for the help, never thought to look behind the spare, dont even think ive had the thing out...i'll pull that and give it a look, sounds like the relays are sorta easy to replace, can i get em at NAPA? im located near norfolk, virginia...actually hampton and i greatly appreciate the offer!! and the advice!!

josh

[dans65]

Dont know if I would call it easy. The bag is more or less of a rubber board which the relays mount to and then is wrapped with a sort of insulation and then wrapped with tape. I seriously doubt you will find them at any parts store like Napa. They turn up from time to time on ebay, just watch the condition, and some of the bird parts suppliers carry them. I know there is an early and late production brake light relay(it changes the plug) so you might need to double check on the sequential pieces. There is a complete bag assy on ebay now for around 40 bucks. Ive seen them over 100 and I bough one for less than 20. Patience I guess if ebay is your source.

[MUDBIRD65]

always grateful for the help, its amazing how some things are super available and nobody needs em, and others are super scarce and everybody needs em...

[Harley Eaton]

If you don't have a Thunderbird shop manual, I suggest you get one..

[dans65]

I agree, without the manual it's kind of impossible. If you need a little info before you get a manual go on tbirdranch.com and scroll down the left column, in there is a whole write up on the sequential lights and different problems and cures as well. Do get the manual though

[Joe Van Datta]

You can solve a bunch of tail light problems by installing the solid state system by Cougars Unlimited. I installed it on my 66 3 years ago and have had zero problems. Their system has the stop light relay incorperated in the system.
Joe

[MUDBIRD65]

i have the shop manual and have found great info in there just not in this case... i'll have to check out the Cougars Unlimited set-up..

[dans65]

try tbirdranch.com it explains it better.