brake blues

[jeffw]

my brakes on the ol 63 are makin the brake lights come on by themselves,, I'd have to go out and step on the brakes and let go, then they'l shut off, its got a new master cylinder, and brake/wire thingy
they'll stay on all day if you let em,, what gives?? or is she turnin christeen on me?

[Greg D]

If you are running a pressure switch & single master cylinder still. The only thing I can think of is your brake pedal is hanging up just enough to leave pressure in the system. When you step on them again it bounces back enough to let all the way up because you just "tapped" it instead of holding it down.

[Uncle Skip]

Jeff.
I'll bet you've never changed the brake lines (steel or rubber).
After all these years, the rubber swells shut causing residual pressure on the system.... that is, pushing the pedal will force fluid thru the swollen rubber but it won't let it release completely. Unfortunately this is a problem that will only get worse until you ruin a set of brake shoes and maybe the drums because it keeps the brakes energized all the time.
As a minimum, I suggest you get new rubber brake lines ( or new rubber AND steel all around if you can swing it), flush the system with denatured alcohol, blow it out with air so it'll be dry and go back with new fluid.
When you get the old rubber ones off, cut them in half and you'll be amazed at what you see - no hole in the line .
U@ss

[jeffw]

yeah I've never changed the brake lines,, ever,, I owned the truck well over ten years,, the ol master cylinder and a brake cylinder and some new shoes in the front was all,, I'll definitly look into your guys suggestions, thanks..

[fmartin_gila]

Jeff,
May give some thought to upgrading (dual MC-Disk) while your into the brakes. Well worth it.
Fred

[Greg D]

Jeff, I could walk you through a simple drum- drum dual MC swap, takes an afternoon.