Tandem Lock indicator no more - now it's a Parking Brake light - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**jocko** · 09-05-2010, 12:50 PM

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 · 09-05-2010, 12:55 PM

That looks good. Nice work.

markeb01 · 09-05-2010, 01:29 PM

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** · 09-05-2010, 01:45 PM

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 · 09-05-2010, 02:37 PM

Wow!! Very nice work.

**TR65** · 09-05-2010, 09:17 PM

Jocko,

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

TR

*blackedoutharley* · 09-06-2010, 01:40 AM

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

markeb01 · 09-06-2010, 02:04 AM

Quote:

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** · 09-06-2010, 08:44 AM

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* · 09-06-2010, 09:18 AM

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.

63sbssbbw · 09-06-2010, 10:35 AM

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

*blackedoutharley* · 09-06-2010, 10:36 AM

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** · 09-06-2010, 06:54 PM

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

**jocko** · 09-06-2010, 06:59 PM

Quote:

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 · 09-07-2010, 12:26 AM

Quote:

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 · 07-03-2012, 12:22 AM

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

LostMy65 · 07-03-2012, 12:35 AM

Thanks for the tip.
Looks great.

Alan's Classic · 12-02-2012, 06:20 PM

Nice job!!

darkhorse970 · 12-02-2012, 06:29 PM

Very cool! I love the added functionality.
Posted via Mobile Device

earl84 · 07-26-2013, 09:21 AM

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 · 07-26-2013, 09:27 AM

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 · 07-26-2013, 09:40 AM

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

09-05-2010, 12:50 PM	#1
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,976	Tandem Lock indicator no more - now it's a Parking Brake light 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 Attached Images Last edited by jocko; 09-05-2010 at 12:52 PM.

09-05-2010, 12:55 PM	#2
sams60gmc Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Vancouver Washington Posts: 726	Re: Tandem Lock indicator no more - now it's a Parking Brake light That looks good. Nice work. __________________ 1960 GMC short fleet, full frame build... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=329718

09-05-2010, 01:29 PM	#3
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: Tandem Lock indicator no more - now it's a Parking Brake light 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. Last edited by markeb01; 09-05-2010 at 01:31 PM.

09-05-2010, 01:45 PM	#4
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,976	Re: Tandem Lock indicator no more - now it's a Parking Brake light 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. Last edited by jocko; 09-05-2010 at 01:46 PM.

09-05-2010, 02:37 PM	#5
burlapen Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Clovis, Ca Posts: 134	Re: Tandem Lock indicator no more - now it's a Parking Brake light Wow!! Very nice work. __________________ 63 Chevy C-10 My build thread

09-05-2010, 09:17 PM	#6
TR65 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 873	Re: Tandem Lock indicator no more - now it's a Parking Brake light Jocko, Thanks for sharing that. I need to do the same thing. Left the parking brake on last week, dang it. TR __________________ 1965 C10 SWB Fleet Two owner LS2 Swap Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=413880

09-06-2010, 01:40 AM	#7
blackedoutharley Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Plumas Lake, Ca. Posts: 1,009	Re: Tandem Lock indicator no more - now it's a Parking Brake light You could sell this fabbed piece with the switch, some simple instructions and the mailing label and I would buy one!

09-06-2010, 08:44 AM	#9
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,976	Re: Tandem Lock indicator no more - now it's a Parking Brake light 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 Last edited by jocko; 09-06-2010 at 08:53 AM.

09-06-2010, 09:18 AM	#10
lakeroadster Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: High Plains of Colorado Posts: 2,485	Re: Tandem Lock indicator no more - now it's a Parking Brake light 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. Last edited by lakeroadster; 09-06-2010 at 09:19 AM.

09-06-2010, 10:35 AM	#11
63sbssbbw UCA63 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Lloydminster AB Can. Posts: 1,637	Re: Tandem Lock indicator no more - now it's a Parking Brake light Very cool Jocko Just another reason that this is the best forum on the 'net Thanks for sharing T __________________ member#7816 "63 sb ss bbw 350\350 12 bolt rear Pwr Fr Disc PS tilt '61 GMC in progress '63 GMC to use for parts '90 Chevy Ext cab sbfs 5.7l (current d d)

09-06-2010, 10:36 AM	#12
blackedoutharley Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Plumas Lake, Ca. Posts: 1,009	Re: Tandem Lock indicator no more - now it's a Parking Brake light 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

09-06-2010, 06:54 PM	#13
Corts60 Just here to tinker Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Holland, MI Posts: 3,697	Re: Tandem Lock indicator no more - now it's a Parking Brake light That is great! I appreciate your attention to details! You've got my imagination going on what indicator lights I can install.... __________________ 78 C10 SWB Diesel #1 (wrecked)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1978+silverado 78 C10 SWB Diesel #2 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650751 60 GMC Suburban (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=445526 60 GMC 1000 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=298235 67 GMC 1500 (sold) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803695 73 Chevy C20(Daily)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=852767 86 Suburban(summer unit) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=810697 88 Suburban 4x4(sold)

07-03-2012, 12:22 AM	#16
corvettejim1968 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Phoenix,AZ Posts: 946	Re: Tandem Lock indicator no more - now it's a Parking Brake light this is a great idea. i would not mind doing this to mine. thanks for showing us how. __________________ Hand Made Factory reproduction A/C vents text or call 602-361-6421 Website for A/C vents https://coolc10.com/

07-03-2012, 12:35 AM	#17
LostMy65 But Found Her 25yrs Later! Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Oregon City, Oregon Posts: 10,528	Re: Tandem Lock indicator no more - now it's a Parking Brake light Thanks for the tip. Looks great. __________________ I lost my 65 - Found it 25 years later: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=426650 66 C20 Service Truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=428035

12-02-2012, 06:20 PM	#18
Alan's Classic 1 thing at a time is progress. Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Ball Ground GA Posts: 5,511	Re: Tandem Lock indicator no more - now it's a Parking Brake light Nice job!! __________________ Alan Philippians 2:14-16 Alan's Classic Facebook page. North Georgia Group Project 1965 Vitamin C-10 1995 GMC Sierra K1500 The "Wrecker"



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12-02-2012, 06:29 PM	#19
darkhorse970 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Monroe, LA Posts: 2,105	Re: Tandem Lock indicator no more - now it's a Parking Brake light Very cool! I love the added functionality. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Keith SOLD - 1963 C10 Short Fleet 350/700R4 4/6 drop 1967 GMC Super Custom - Short Fleet COPO concept w/427 BBC T-400 w/Doug Nash overdrive 4/6 Drop, Buddy Buckets, etc... Frame Off (In Progress) I call it "Vulgar Display of Power" 1980 Silverado Original paint 49k Original miles 4/6 drop Check out my build thread here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6209941

07-26-2013, 09:21 AM	#20
earl84 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Montrose, CO Posts: 972	Re: Tandem Lock indicator no more - now it's a Parking Brake light 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?

07-26-2013, 09:27 AM	#21
cortcomp Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: cortland, oh Posts: 792	Re: Tandem Lock indicator no more - now it's a Parking Brake light 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' " __________________ Project "i'm just going to clean up the interior and the engine bay": http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=550931

07-26-2013, 09:40 AM	#22
earl84 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Montrose, CO Posts: 972	Re: Tandem Lock indicator no more - now it's a Parking Brake light "Cruisin", haha that's good, but I am not even close to being that talented to figuring that one out.

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