'41 Brake light switch

[John Polychron]

The brake lights on my '41 do not illuminate. I checked the bulbs and power
to the switch and all is okay. Neither NAPA nor Carquest offer a switch for
a '41. Where do I get one? Also, I read a post, or in the Self Starter, that
there may be a problem with having silicone in the brake system which is
what I have. Any and all replies will be appreciated. Thanks, John

[35-709]

Coopers Vintage Auto Parts  http://www.coopersvintage.com/  has them for $8.00 each. 
Do not believe the silicone fluid should have any adverse effect on it, assuming the system was new and clean any of DOT 3 or 4 fluid before the changeover to silicone fluid was made.  I am running the same type of switch with DOT 5 silicone fluid in my car.  Might add that in my experience those pressure type switches don't seem to last all that long anyway. 

[Don Boshara #594]

This is my post from last November: I don’t think DOT 5 has anything to do with the stoplight switch failure. I believe it’s the crappy quality of the new replacement switches. As I recall, the brake juice doesn’t get into the contacts so it wouldn’t make any difference if you were using motor oil in the system.
Mine failed after 25 years so I bought a new one and a relay to put in the circuit to reduce the amperage that goes thru the switch. Give me another 25 years and I'll tell you if I'm correct.

[Whit Otis, 1188]

I have spoken with a number of people on this issue and for some reason it sticks in my mind that when people changed over to silicone brake fluid that a standard stop light switch did not last very long..... doesn't make much sense when you think about it.  Anyway, last year when I went through the brakes on my 40-75 and converted to silicone brake fluid, I went to the Harley Davidson dealer and bought a stoplight switch from them since all of their current motorcycles run silicone brake fluid.  It wasn't cheap.... about $24.  Here is the part number if you want to give it a shot:  72023-51D.  As I recall, it came in a plastic bag with the spade connectors included.
Good Luck
Whit Otis