1985 Chevrolet Caprice brake lights

Check to see if there is power to the light socket when using the brakes or signal. If there is, most likely the socket itself is bad.

I finally figured it out. I traced out the hot wire from the brake lights to under the steering column where wires broke loose. causing no power to get to the right side of the bright lights. thanks for your response

Glad you found it. My hat is off to you. I hate tracing wires, but sometimes it needs done.