Brake Light Activator Sticking

Taking the trash out last night, I was treated to the site of my '64 Valiant's tail light bulbs blaring in the darkness through my now-molten tail light lenses. It would appear that the metal actuator at the top of the brake pedal is sticking. I can pull back on it (with gloves because it was blazing hot) and it pops back and turns off. Every time I press the brakes though, it's stuck on again.

While I'm searching for a new driver's side lens, is there anything I can do to fix this little problem? I was thinking maybe WD-40, but I wanted to ask before I made it worse.

Thanks for your assistance.
Author: admin