78 Rabbit C with 1.6L FI, non AC.

I've managed to get all other lights going on the car except for the brake lights - which it turns out - I need.

All contact at the lights themselves are solid, grounding is good everything looks good till it gets to the front of the car.

Fuse box is fucked but I have a new one coming in on Monday.

Any ideas?  Common problems?  I thought about wiring a switch but I've already done that with the windshield wipers and I hate that.  I'd rather fix it right.

Word, that could well be it, the hazzards don't work.  I was a bit frustrated cause the blinkers etc are covered in the electrical troubleshooting but not the brakes :| - I'll give that a shot.  Thanx man!

Slapped a new switch on, no dice, new relay for the emergency flasher, no dice.  Going to replace the fusebox tomorrow!

You getting a good ground at the fuse box and/or the bulb tray.

Old interior now going up for sale:
http://infohammer.net/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=22594

Did you check the continuity of the wires using an ohm-meter? Could be a broken wire somewhere.

There really isnt that much to the brake system.. I know on my rabbit I had to get the right switch to get the brake lights to work... then make sure it was functioning.

Brake switch, to fuse box (im sure you checked your fuses...), to lights, to ground. Something of that sort. Are you sure that the brake switch is getting power? Did you check it with a volt meter?

ARE YOUR BULBS BURNTED OUT? Just kidding... but seriously.

I officially have brake lights :)

It was the fuse box after all... 

Now I can at least drive legal - next bit up for bid on the price is right is to get the blower motor going.  Then it'll almost be like a real car - weird.