<VV> turn signals, brake lights and confused!!!

[J R Read_HML]

pab, likely the brake light/turn light is a separate issue form the dash 
lights

Brake/turn:  What bulb are you using?  Is it 1157?  Should be.  Has 2 
filaments, one for tail light and one (brighter) for brake/turn.  Proper 
operation of turn signal would be that it flashes whether or not you are 
stepping on the brake pedal.  The opposite side brake light would (should) 
be steady on when you brake.

If you are using 1157 bulbs, which filament is burning out?  It is entirely 
possible that the wires (2) to the RR are reversed at some point - so that 
the brake/turn filament is operating as the tail light and the tail light is 
taking a heavier load than it should for brake/turn operation and that is 
what causes early failure.  Does the RR tail light seem unusually bright? 
That would be a clue.

On the dash, are the bulbs in place?  Are they in operable condition?  Have 
you tried turning the headlight switch back and forth (while in one of the 2 
"on" positions)?  It is the dimmer for the dash.  Maybe it is set all the 
way down?  Maybe the rheostat in the switch is a bit tired (rusty) and in 
need of some exercise?  Give it several twists (a dozen or more) and see if 
it comes back to life - at least partially.  Finally, a very common problem 
with the LM dash lights is a poor ground.  There is a metal strap on the 
back side of the plastic dash which comes down to the bottom of the dash a 
couple of inches left of the steering column.  It needs to be clean and 
secured with an appropriate size (also clean) screw at the lower lip of the 
dash.

Some things to check.  Let us know what you try and what does or does not 
solve the problem(s).

Later, JR
CCE CORSA CORVANANTICS SCG member
'61 Rampside Standard 4/110
'65 Monza Convertible 4/140

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "pat whats-her-name" <patsbuick350 at yahoo.com>
To: <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
Sent: Friday, May 09, 2008 5:59 PM
Subject: <VV> turn signals, brake lights and confused!!!


> Hello everyone,
> my 65 monza ct just got a brand new engine harness. everything worked 
> great until this afternoon. took her for a little spin and when i put on 
> the right turn signal it worked, until i used the brake pedal.....then it 
> stopped. the indicator in the dash stayed lit constantly, as soon as i let 
> off the brake it started to flash again. also now i am loosing the right 
> brake light....the bulb keeps burning out after a few times applying the 
> brakes.  Also one more question...i've had this car for about 8 months and 
> as I have said before the wiring under the dash is horrible. I have not 
> had any instrument(dash lights) since I've gotten the car. I have courtesy 
> lights, and glove box light, but nothing else.  WHERE DO I BEGIN!!!! At 
> this time a under dash harness is beyond my budget.....maybe next year. 
> The previous owner(s) really butchered the wiring under there..splices 
> everywhere. any help or suggestion as to where to start.
>
> pat
> 65 monza ct
>