High-mounted, unobtrusive 3rd brake light

[Mike Self]

The title says it all.  Checked the archive and the posts were several years old.  LED technology has progressed since then, so thought I'd ask the question again.  Anyone have a source for an unobtrusive 3rd brake light that could be clipped/glued/velcroed to the top of the back window and would provide a nice, bright, "don't rear end me, I'm stopping" brake light.

 

Suggestions and pictures eagerly awaited.

 

cheers and TIA

 

mike

[TobyB]

I like the Jetta III solution- no LED's, looks almost vintage these days.

 

Subaru wagons also have a nice one.

 

t

 

[Teelinger]

Mike, I installed this one high in my last 02 and was really happy with it. The light source within the structure is adjustable up or down, so you can adjust it to aim it at SUV height, which is what I did. While not completely unobtrusive from the rear view, I was ok with that knowing that people behind could clearly see me brake. 

https://www.gowesty.com/product/exterior-lighting/23669/third-brake-light-kit-led-?v=

 

My current car has the more popular Hella 3rd brake light mounted on the parcel shelf. I prefer the one above and will be swapping it at some time in the future. 

 

James

[theNomad]

I got a thin led bar from ebay, simple and cheap. I've not installed it yet but got the idea on the forum so you might search it up.  Its not for the purist but neither is my car!

[zinz]

I think I paid $8 for this LED bar online, Mike. Super easy to snake the wire down the driver’s side of the C-pillar into the trunk. Comes with adhesive mounts for the windshield, but they are not good. I modified the tabs and screwed it to the rear of the headliner. Super easy. 

 

 

Good guy, Barney T has them on his cars. He might have a model # for you. 

 

Ed

 

 

[ray_]

I did like ZINZ and BarneyT. Tho one of mine lost a couple LEDs, and the other warped just a bit in the tropical weather here

 

I have some 3M tape that actually works. If you go this route, I'll send some. I think the main issue with the tape supplied is that you need to apply considerable pressure for it to adhere. The plastic mounts there are "triangular" and hollow, so if you use a tool  to press on the section closest to the glass, you might succeed in sticking it. Otherwise attach as ZINZ enumerated.

 

Cheers,

[adawil2002]

Here's mine, has been working great for 7 years now.  

[arminyack]

strip LED from Autozone, then use double sided VHB tape to the insode of the rear glass weather strip. Cant even see it when its not on.

[2002#3]

Mike,

 

...similar to the three posts above.  

 

$7 on ebay:  "Universal 3RD Rear Tail Light High Mount 24 LED Stop Brake Lamp Red Housing 12V"

https://www.ebay.com/bhp/universal-third-brake-light

 

The one in the car (photos 1 and 2) is the "bar" light on ebay (photo 3).  Comes in several lengths.  Hardly see it when not lighted.  Be careful with the small wiring and delicate solder connections within. 

 

I tried the triangular one (photo 4).  I did not find it to a good one for several reasons.

 

Larry

 

 

[Mike G]

Here’s a picture of the one Teelinger installed, it’s hardly noticeable in the rear view but puts out a lot of light. 

[Son of Marty]

I've been thinking about replacing the rear window rubber lock strip with a red led light strip the whole way around "take that you suv driving sumbitch"

[TodB]

link for the model ?

[TodB]

never mind :)

[Rich]

after watching out of my rear view mirror, a dump truck barreling down on me fish tailing with smoke coming out from his tires, no exaggeration, I installed a LED brake light set up from Blunt Tech along with this third brake light from rigid industries. It has a very bright reverse light, a running light and a great brake light, not cheap but worth it. 

https://www.rigidindustries.com/chase-chase.html

[chargin]

11 hours ago, arminyack said:

strip LED from Autozone, then use double sided VHB tape to the insode of the rear glass weather strip. Cant even see it when its not on.

 

Great Idea ??