Ford Repair: chevrolet electrical problem, bare wire, column shift

Question
First I would like to thank you for taking the time to read my question:)  I have a 1963 Impala with a column shift.  I have a little play in my shifter while in park.  If I hold the shifter up in park all interior and exterior lights work as advertised.  If I push down a little on the shifter (still in park) all interior lights dim and while they are dim I step on the brake all interior and exterior lights shut off.  I have the the column completely torn apart and cant find anything out of the ordinary.  Any ideas would be greatly apprieciated. With the interior lights on I can literally sit in the car and turn the lights on and off by just moving the shifter.

Answer
DENNIS

i would say the problem is in the wiring bale in the steering column. you either have a bare wire or open in the wiring (SHORT)i would also check the switch on the brake pedal. i have the same problems with old mustangs which i collect.sorry it took so long the phones in my area went down.

ken