Each year at the local annual "Rod Run", there is a NSRA Safety inspector who will inspect any vehicle for the 23 point safety test, and apply a nice little safety NSRA sticker if you like. I passed in 2009. This year (2 weeks ago), I filled out the NSRA form, and we were walking through the inspection only to find that everything worked except my brake lights. A little trouble shooting took me to the firewall where I found the original brake light switch had just quit working. No swing or spring left. I have no idea how many times I have been out lately without brake lights. The $6 replacement part from our sponsor simply solved the problem, but I won't see the inspector again until 2011. In Texas we are not required to have our antique vehicles safety inspected, but just as a precaution, we should all check our lighting and signals on a regular basis, just as we do our fliuds. I feel fortunate one of those nutty drivers that likes to ride right on my bumper hasn't ended up in my truck bed. The photo is of one of my duck hunting buddies back in high school. I had a '54 back then as well. Jim
Very true!!! Thanks for the info. I need to check mine also, as I haven't for a month or so. Good reminder
If you're parking in a garage, place a convex mirror ,(that's the one like a baby moon hubcap) in the rear corner of the garage on the driver's side, or front corner if you drive in. You can check your lights any time you wanna. Just look in the mirror.
Light Check ! I make a point of doing this on at least a weekly basis , back into any parking space in the parking garage after sunset and tap the brake pedal , you'll be able to see the glare of the stoplight(s) as it (they) illuminate . It is critical to only and ALWAYS have the running lights on when testing brake lights ! poor grounds kinda sneak up on you and allow either running light or brake light but not both.... I just this morning did a walk around total lights check on my '59 Metropolitan FHC as I'm headed out to Phoenix in it shortly and having been rear ended and nearly killed , I know the value of good lighting . SAFETY KNOWS NO SEASON !
