Brake-light/turn signal mystery.

Maybe you guys can help me figure this out.

Mystery #1
When the key is in the off position only one brake light turns on when I apply the brakes. When I have the vehicle running both lights act as they should.
why? How do I fix it?

Mystery #2
when I have my left turn signal on my front blinker works great and is a bright light. When I have my right turn signal on both the left and right blinkers in the front blink very dimly.
Why? How do I fix it?

I'm less than stellar at electrical but with your help I may be able to figure it out, thanks!

My 2 cents for "Mystery #2". would be to check the ground on each socket. Then check each socket to make sure each filament in the bulb is lighting up individually, and not shorting across inside the socket (had that happen, worn out socket) causing left brake light to flash opposite right signal. If all sockets are good and all light up as they should by using a hot lead from the battery, then my next step would be to look for short in the wiring somewhere. Also not sure if signal switch in column would do this if it were worn out bad enough, my 53 never did. also take a look at all connections to make sure nothing has oxidised to the point of just making a crappy connection. May also fix problem #1...Hope I was of some help.

I'll do what I can before I have to take the horn ring off thanks for the help

1st= go to parts house & get a heavy duty flasher!! see what a difference that makes!! Then #2= try and remove the bulbs that are weak or dont work- Many times ive gad PO put the bulbs in backwarsd-yes it can be dome eben if the tangs are offset!!= also make sure the sockets are clean & the wires that the bulb conneccts to are under spring pressure -not colapsed or springs broken in light sockets.

my 2 cents...

Mystery #1
I think that is simply a bad connection at the socket. the vibrations of the van running are causing it to make enough of a connection. to verify, with the key off, have someone hold the brake pedal down. when the one brake light comes on.. knock on the tail light lens that isnt working, see if it will flicker or come on.

Mystery #2
As stated is a bad ground.

Mystery 1- still unsolved but as long as it works while it's running I'm fine with it.

Mystery 2- the problem is definitely not in the column as I was checking it again today now only the passenger blinks when it's supposed to, which leads me to believe there is some bare wire somewhere down the line. I'll look into it more later. How come the broken 9" on my mustang or my broken pressure plate on my truck couldnt have just worked themselves out?

All the bulbs are two contact, and yes as for the brake lights the key makes a difference. I'm sure it's a ground or a bare wire somewhere down the line I just need to find it now. Thankyou for your help.

I've had the van running for a couple weeks now and tomorrow I'm going to push my luck by taking it on a 1300 mile trip between tomorrow and Sunday. If my flashers are my biggest problem the whole way I will be elated!