1959 Model 99 brake switch set up

These can be hard to find ,dont be confused by almost identical ones fitted to Triumphs which work in the reverse way, although they can be stripped and modified to work. I have an orriginal set-up and will try to post a pic.

Previously wrote:

These can be hard to find ,dont be confused by almost identical ones fitted to Triumphs which work in the reverse way, although they can be stripped and modified to work. I have an orriginal set-up and will try to post a pic.

Hi, as Robert says, the Norton is different, ie. it is on in the normal position and is pushed off when the brake pedal is released, while most are off in the normal position and pulled on via a spring when the pedal is depressed. I have attached a picture and hope that this illustrates the correct layout and operation, regards Rob

The last time i ordered one from our "Norton Specialist" they sent me the Triumph type and told me to fit it upside down !! , YEH,RIGHT!! . I dismantled it,cut off the steel mounting, drilled and riveted it back together in reverse and it works, would not recommend it though.

The repro ones are your best bet. Roberts picture is correct in every way, earlier bikes were different.

As it happens I have a 1959 '99', which I bought in 1965 as only the second owner, and I confirm that Robert's pic of the switch is correct. (So is the lovely pillion footrest with the tapered lug!) I too bought the wrong switch originally, but the correct ones are easily available - but a lot more expensive that the Triumph type! Only repros of course. It's doubtful you'll ever find a N.O.S. one, which were metal bodied by the way. The correct Norton switch is "Normally On" in electrician's parlance. In the photo it is pushed off. Use that pic to identify the correct switch. The others are orientated differently so you can tell just from a photo. The bracket in the photo isn't correct though. The rightbrackets are available from Fred Williams at an autojumble. I think I bought my correct switch from Sparx at a Stafford show, although my original 1959 one still works, but is a bit tatty!

Cheers, Lionel

Previously wrote:

As it happens I have a 1959 '99', which I bought in 1965 as only the second owner, and I confirm that Robert's pic of the switch is correct. (So is the lovely pillion footrest with the tapered lug!) I too bought the wrong switch originally, but the correct ones are easily available - but a lot more expensive that the Triumph type! Only repros of course. It's doubtful you'll ever find a N.O.S. one, which were metal bodied by the way. The correct Norton switch is "Normally On" in electrician's parlance. In the photo it is pushed off. Use that pic to identify the correct switch. The others are orientated differently so you can tell just from a photo. The bracket in the photo isn't correct though. The rightbrackets are available from Fred Williams at an autojumble. I think I bought my correct switch from Sparx at a Stafford show, although my original 1959 one still works, but is a bit tatty!

Cheers, Lionel

I think the frame ear has been cut down, it should have 2 holes,1 for switch mount,1 for footrest, I too have an orrig worn switch which still works, not bad for 50 years use.

Previously wrote:

Hi Robert,

I found a supplier that has the correct switch but repo not original, I have ordered one and will wait to see if it is actually correct or not.

If it is I will post the details so that anybody else who wants one can get one.

Regards Andy

Hi Andy,

Did you ever buy the brake light switch? I'm hoping tofind outwho sells them?

Regards Alan

Hi Alan and Andy - as I said earlier, I thought I bought mine from Sparx and they have one here:

http://www.tri-corengland.com/acatalog/Triumph---Norton-Brake-light-switch-SPX016.html. Priced at £15 +VAT makes it £18. It should be Lucas No.31383 according to my Lucas lists and Sparx list this number against that item. I do remember it wasa lot dearer than one I bought before - the wrong one! They go for around £5 to £10 new at shows. I have seen these for £19 at shows too - they aren't rare.

The Norton one needs to be normally 'on'. I.e. in its resting state the switch should be 'on'. When the brake arm is released it pushes the switch plate onto the brake switch, pushes the slider alongand switches it 'off'. With many other makes it's usually the other way around where a spring is used to pull the switch 'on' when you operate the brake lever.

Cheers, Lionel

Previously wrote:

Hi Alan and Andy - as I said earlier, I thought I bought mine from Sparx and they have one here:

http://www.tri-corengland.com/acatalog/Triumph---Norton-Brake-light-switch-SPX016.html. Priced at £15 +VAT makes it £18. It should be Lucas No.31383 according to my Lucas lists and Sparx list this number against that item. I do remember it wasa lot dearer than one I bought before - the wrong one! They go for around £5 to £10 new at shows. I have seen these for £19 at shows too - they aren't rare.

The Norton one needs to be normally 'on'. I.e. in its resting state the switch should be 'on'. When the brake arm is released it pushes the switch plate onto the brake switch, pushes the slider alongand switches it 'off'. With many other makes it's usually the other way around where a spring is used to pull the switch 'on' when you operate the brake lever.

Cheers, Lionel

Thanks very much for info, that looks like the right one to me.

Regards

Alan