I had a '78 Spit with a similar problem, but the brake lights were
intermittent. It turned out that the whole fuse block needed to be
replaced because the one metal electrical terminal for the fuse
affecting the brakelights was loose. It used to blow the fuse now and
again for no apparent reason. It could be "fixed" by putting a shim in
between the metal terminal and the fuse block body. Better fix would
have been to replace the whole fuse block (part was approx. $50 for '78
Spit, labor is not an easily accessible swap out). Also, be careful of
fuses that look good, but have the fuse element broken just inside the
cap where you can't see it! Be sure to use the right ampere British
fuse. I think that the Spit has two fuse types: 50A and something
less. Final hint is to not lose the plastic cover to the fuse box. I
am not aware of anyone who makes or stocks this part, so I picked up a
spare one on a trip to the junkyard.
----------
From: <LESNYD@ccmail.monsanto.com>
To: "John M. Trindle" <jtrindle@tsquare.com>; <triumphs@autox.team.net>
Subject: Re: Brake Lights 69 Spitfire
Date: Wednesday, March 01, 1995 10:11AM
Subject: Brake Lights 69 Spitfire
From: "John M. Trindle" <jtrindle@tsquare.com> at CCGTWINT
Date: 3/1/95 8:36 AM
>I'm working on the '69 Spit I sold to my girlfriend... it would pass
>inspection except that the brake lights don't.
I'm answering these questions based on my 69 GT6, which has very much the
same electrical stuff as the Spitfire...
>
>1) Is there a fuse box, if so, where? Is it relevant to brake lights?
>2) Where's the switch for the brake lights?
Fuse box is on the firewall in the engine bay, LH side. There are three fuses
in it. The top one has most stuff of importance on it, like brake lights,
turn signals, etc. If the turn signals work, it's probably not the fuse.
When you hunt for the fuse box, remember that it's got a little square plastic
cover that you just pull off.
>
>I just find it hard to believe both sides burned out the brake light
>filaments at the same time. Is there a common ground?
I believe ground is via a wire, and not from the light being grounded to
the body.
The taillights on a MKIII Spit are VERY prone to dirt and corrosion. They
act up all the time on my GT6. Get some cleaner (actually, WD-40 does a good
job) and give the contacts a good cleaning. But since both yours are acting
up, I suspect the switch on the brake pedal itself.
>
>(Frantically searching for Haynes manual with diagram, which seems to
>have gone on its own vacation).
>Thanks!
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