Tandem Lock indicator no more - now it's a Parking Brake light

[jocko]

Good afternoon gents - just a quick update on the "dash project"...
In the link below, I mentioned I was gonna rig up something for the parking brake.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=418702

Well, here it is. Used the "tandem lock" indicator location in the dash and fab'ed up (ok, don't laugh at my welding prowess on the bracket) a little bracket to mount an additional brake light switch - except lined up with the parking brake. Anyway, here's the final product. Have it adjusted so that if parking brake is on at all, with the key on, I get the "Park Brake" light. Seems to have worked out ok.

Measurements of the bracket: 1.5" on center for the 3 holes. The bracket is welded then the vertical portion (where the switch mounts) is bent back about 5 degrees to line up with the parking brake mechanism. If I were to do it over - I'd move the vertical part of the bracket a little closer to the parking brake mechanism for some more fine tuning ability (you'll note I have no nut on the other side of the switch, just a ground down thin washer - almost ran out of adjustability - but, hey, it worked). Most important measurement is the vertical center of the rotated part of the bracket being lined up with the center of the flat part of the bracket itself. The metal is 1/8" thick by 1" wide steel stock.


- Happy Labor Day,
Jocko

[sams60gmc]

That looks good. Nice work.

[markeb01]

That is very cool. Thanks for sharing the photos as well as the dimensions. I'm always in need of another indicator light, and may do the same install on mine. The indicator lens wouldn't work on mine because I have a completely different panel, but I'm curious what you used for the "park light" lens.

[jocko]

markeb01, i used the existing Tandem Lock red lens, rubbed off the Tandem Lock letters, then printed PARK BRAKE in Calibri 10 font onto a clear mailing label that I got from Staples. Had to experiment with the font and the placement to get it centered. The font matched the original letters on the tandem lock indicator. So, when done, I just placed the Park Brake clear label over the red lens that used to say Tandem Lock. No heat issues as the bulb is at the opposite end of the cardboard light tube, about 3 inches away. Works just like a turn signal lens except the red lens is part of the instrument cluster like the original rather than a green cap for a turn signal.

[burlapen]

Wow!! Very nice work.

[TR65]

Jocko,

Thanks for sharing that. I need to do the same thing. Left the parking brake on last week, dang it.

TR

[markeb01]

Originally Posted by jocko

markeb01, i used the existing Tandem Lock red lens, rubbed off the Tandem Lock letters, then printed PARK BRAKE in Calibri 10 font onto a clear mailing label that I got from Staples. Had to experiment with the font and the placement to get it centered. The font matched the original letters on the tandem lock indicator. So, when done, I just placed the Park Brake clear label over the red lens that used to say Tandem Lock. No heat issues as the bulb is at the opposite end of the cardboard light tube, about 3 inches away. Works just like a turn signal lens except the red lens is part of the instrument cluster like the original rather than a green cap for a turn signal.

Thanks for that input as well. I've made a few similar accomplishments on the various signs in my model car dioramas. Very rewarding when you can do something for very little money and a bit of time and ingenuity. At this point in time you're probably the only person on the planet with that exact setup, but you've certainly provided inspiration for copies to start popping up.

[jocko]

Thanks all, it was a rewarding (and cheap) project - and one of necessity since I had driven with the parking brake on a few times too. Every time I get in and start up now, reminds me I actually fixed something on this old truck.

Blackedoutharley - you might be onto something there.... If I charged 5$/hour of my labor, each kit would only cost... oh, about $500. JUST kidding, the first one is the hardest - just "little" bit of experimentation involved, if I had some automated way of building it in my 'rented' garage, I'd go for it! This would be a perfect item for someone with a water-jet or laser cutter! Another thing I thought of (after the fact) would be to just weld a 1/2" inside diameter fender washer to the end of the rectangular part - but there wouldn't be much area for the weld, so not sure if it would be very strong. Could put a simple gusset on it. The vertical part on this one had an extended tab so I could weld about a 1" bead - and it seems to be very strong - was able to put it in a vice and bend it without any problems.

One note - after I got started on this - THEN I found some of the generic micro-switches that have adjustable lever arms on them (doh) - that might be an even easier way to go. I still like this approach since it is a $5 replaceable brake light switch if it ever wears out.

Thanks again guys, appreciate all the comments.
jocko

[lakeroadster]

Nice job Jocko.

That simple little idiot light may very well save you the cost of replacing a set of burned up brakes!

Thanks for sharing.

[blackedoutharley]

You could sell this fabbed piece with the switch, some simple instructions and the mailing label and I would buy one!

[63sbssbbw]

Very cool Jocko
Just another reason that this is the best forum on the 'net
Thanks for sharing
T

[blackedoutharley]

Good thing you took one for the team on the first one so that all future versions don't have the R&D cost plugged in.

LOL

[Corts60]

That is great! I appreciate your attention to details! You've got my imagination going on what indicator lights I can install....

[jocko]

Originally Posted by Corts60

That is great! I appreciate your attention to details! You've got my imagination going on what indicator lights I can install....

I considered the fact that maybe I should wire the stock "overspeed" light to my speedometer.... might keep me out of trouble.

[Brad54]

Originally Posted by jocko

I considered the fact that maybe I should wire the stock "overspeed" light to my speedometer.... might keep me out of trouble.

I've thought about wiring that to a shift light indicator like drag racers use.

Not really for a specific purpose, but it'd be kinda cool.

-Brad

[corvettejim1968]

this is a great idea. i would not mind doing this to mine. thanks for showing us how.

[LostMy65]

Thanks for the tip.
Looks great.

[Alan's Classic]

Nice job!!

[darkhorse970]

Very cool! I love the added functionality.
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[earl84]

I have my gauge cluster apart right now. So glad I stumbled upon this thread. I think I will change my Tand'm Lock to a Park Brake while I am at it.
Any idea what the Over Speed light is for? Is it just used on bigger trucks? Maybe that could be used for something else as well, any ideas anyone?

[cortcomp]

It was used for bigger trucks with an RPM limit that it came on i believe, there are details around the board also.

I can only imagine the possibilities with the guys running airbags....air pressure gauge, parking brake indicator, convert overspeed to low air pressure indicator...

I guess you could find a way if you were handy to change the overspeed light to come on when you're doing 70+ and change the letters to " cruisin' "

[earl84]

"Cruisin", haha that's good, but I am not even close to being that talented to figuring that one out.