66 Nova tail/brake light nightmare

Purchased 66 Nova at Mecum KC. 350ci, 5.7L. Originally a 6 cyl. Don't know history of wiring. Head lights and front blinkers work fine. When car arrived, tail lights worked, but no back up or brake lights. Now no rear lights work. Checked voltage, only getting 2 volts at tail lights. Replaced light switch. Checked fuses - fine. Fuel gauge doesn't work properly, always registers full. No radio. While tapping brake pedal, noticed that when I tap the pedal the dash lights come on for duration of the pedal. Any suggestions from electrical pros appreciated! Toddtex


Register now (free) or login to remove ads

did the resto shop replace the entire wire harness.or just clean&reinstall?

Based on the condition or the wires & harnesses, these are original/worn wires. No new harnesses were used. Do you think a new harness would fix the problem?

Yes a new harness will fix your problem. Hard to tell with out seeing it etc...... You'll have to start at the fuse box and work your way to the rear checking every connectione , wire etc..... after chasing demons for a few years on mine I decided to do the rewire....... best thing I ever did for the old girl, really was very easy and took two weekend. Now everything works properly and no more dim headlights etc....

I used Painless, others will chime in with what they used, but really boils down with budget, time and expertize.

Thanks for the responses. After reading many posts, we decided to focus on ensuring improved engine grounds. Long story short, once we were properly grounded, the tail lights, turn signals and brake lights now work great. Appreciate the responses. Toddtex