Classic/Antique Car Repair: Packard Brake Light Switch, vise grip pliers, brake light switch

Question
I need to replace the brake light switch on my 1940 Packard.  I've never done this before.  The switch is threaded into the master cylinder.  Is there a trick to doing this without having to bleed the entire system when I'm done?

Answer
There's no trick about it at all. Just make sure you have the new switch ready to go in when you unscrew the old one, and be quick about swapping them.  You'll only lose a few drops of fluid, and there is no need to bleed the system after you do that.  If you have the special socket wrench that fits the switch, it makes the job much easier and faster -NAPA stocks the tool.  But you can do it without that tool.  If you have a 1 1/16 inch socket, it may fit well enough to unscrew the switch, because they are not very tight.  I've even done it with a Vise-Grip pliers once or twice.  Just be quick about it and don't worry about the few drops of fluid.

Dick