Brake lights... It'd help if they weren't on all the time.

[RBmPyre]

So, I'm having some trouble with the brake lights on my '50 Buick Special always being on and I'm starting to think it actually has something to do with the ignition switch.
When I have the key turned to "Off" and turn on my lights the tail lights light up as they should, but as soon as I turn the key to "On" the brake lights light up whether I have the lights turned on or not.

If anybody has any ideas or suggestions I would be most appreciative.

[66electrafied]

You're probably right; - it could well be the ignition switch. But one can't really be sure without looking at a schematic diagram. Get a test light and test the leads that go to the ignition, and the headlight switch, and the brakelight switch; chances are the contacts are starting to come apart inside any of these switches. If it's anything like my '46, power should come from a terminal on the ignition switch direct to the brakelight switch. The other lead should go back to the headlight switch where its routed to the tails. The brakelight switch could be bad too, I'd probably hit that with a test light first, test it with the car on and then off, and then work my way back. Now the only thing I forgot to mention is if there's an auto matic transmission involved. Then you're going to have to check and see if any of these leads go through a safety switch of some kind.

Better find a diagram, and a good test light.

Good luck!

[RBmPyre]

Thanks for the response Marc!
It's 3 on the tree so at least I don't have to worry about the safety switch.
I've got the original 1950 shop manual so I've got the wiring schematics so I'll check those points tomorrow.

[LAST1987GN]

Matt, look at the brake switch first, at the chassis near the linkage by the driver's side. check the connections, if they are okay, then take out the test light.

[RBmPyre]

Thanks Louie, the brake switch was the first thing I looked at and the connections were good.

I suppose this reply should go in the "Devine Intervention" forum, but since the issue was posted here I'll finish it here...

I posted this thread yesterday and this morning I LOOKED at (emphasis on "look" because that's about all I did) the brake switch and the wiring on the ignition switch. I just checked the connections, but didn't really do anything. I turned the ignition on and pressed the brakes and they worked fine. After 4 months of owning the car and having the brake lights stay on it seems like all I did was post the problem and it fixed itself... go figure.

So, thanks Marc and Louie for your input and thanks V8Buick.com for sparing a little devine power for my car!

The wiring is 58 years old and not exactly in pristine shape to say the least, so I'll probably go through and replace it all this winter, but at least I've got brake lights to get me throught these last couple months before the Colorado snow flies, then it's into the garrage for a winter workover.

BTW... Louie - I know I've said it on another thread, but that Special you've got there is sweet! I kinda wish mine was a 2-door. Can you point me to a good place to find some fatty white walls like those? Actually... I've got a few more questions for you so I'll just PM you.