I have a '66 98 with a fairly complicated set of tail lights there are 2 driving lights (upper & lower) the combined brake/turn signal lamp and - get this - no less than 2 reversing lights per side.

I concluded I can't "win" this war, I just keep fighting it with tools & knowledge. One bulb or another goes out here & there, but if its in the rear I only ever hear about it if some kind soul tells me, or if I carefully do a pre-drive check like a pilot. Which I don't always take time to do.

You know how you can't have your foot on the brake _&_ stand behind the car to see if the tail light work? I don't want to bother my wife or kids, so I built this.

Here's the stupidest, cheapest turn-the-brake-lights-on tool you can ever imagine:

Plug this into your brake light connector so you can test bulbs & wiring knowing a signal to the brakes is being simulated.

I hope I'm the only one who ever needs this, but if not, here's an idea...

Cheers
Chris

 

Necessity is the mother of invention.

 

Use a brick.

Broom handle between the seat and the brake. Push the brake pedal down, wedge the handle between the seat and pedal, then release. It may take some trail and error to get the right length.

 

I use an adjustable 2 to 4 extension pole between the seat and brake pedal, works every time on any unit.

 

I have one of those "Clubs".....the ones you put on a steering wheel that make the car hard to steal. It works great for this, well, as long as you have the key to adjust the length. You jam it between the seat and brake pedal.

It's just......I had one on hand and it was the first thing that came to mind when the need presented itself. Some excellent ideas here too.

 

For 67 and up I just run the 4 ways to inspect bulbs.

 

Had never thought of using the hazard flasher to test my '66.

I went out of my way to get 'em for the cars and this use had never occurred to me!

Many thanks!
Chris

 

x2