3rd brake light...again

[autobon7]

That looks nice buckeye.

[MoBrighta]

This is also Hella, but a generation older. It has a bulb, no LED, and has three 'perches' on the back at three angles to mount to the sheet metal, under the rear bumper I suppose.

 

Old School, low tech, but still effective.

 

 

[BDB]

I've done what Roadhog has done, but not nearly as wide of an LED strip.   Commonly found on ebay, search "adhesive backed LED light strip" or the like.  They even have ones that shine the light off at an angle.  A good buying tip:  most will have teeny tiny wires. Look for the ones that have like 22 gauge wires.  They are much easy to solder onto another longer 22 gauge wire that you can run to your brake lights.  

 

I also repainted the light housings with chrome paint.  Made a difference, but the LED lights made a huge difference. People who check it out seem to be very pleased at the light output and that the stock look (from behind) was not compromised

[im3crazy]

I posted on this a few years back but it seems still to be a hot topic.

 

A 3rd brake light just didn't seem conspicuous enough.  Drivers are more engaged with a high tail, stop , and turn signal than just a brake-only lamp.

 

I've installed two "Command Electronics" clear Stop/Tail/Turn lamps just under the headliner on left and right sides. These are freaking lasers.

 

They are installed off the rear light circuit using a "trailer" module that controls the lights.

 

I have a switch that engages these (which I always keep on) and the units are removable for purists.  Pics provided if requested.

http://www.commandel...ail-lights.html

 

 

HOTLINE CLEAR FOR STOP TAIL TURN.pdf

[GoFaSSter]

I posted on this a few years back but it seems still to be a hot topic.

 

A 3rd brake light just didn't seem conspicuous enough.  Drivers are more engaged with a high tail, stop , and turn signal than just a brake-only lamp.

 

I've installed two "Command Electronics" clear Stop/Tail/Turn lamps just under the headliner on left and right sides. These are freaking lasers.

 

They are installed off the rear light circuit using a "trailer" module that controls the lights.

 

I have a switch that engages these (which I always keep on) and the units are removable for purists.  Pics provided if requested.

http://www.commandel...ail-lights.html

 

I would like to see the installed pics if possible.

[ClayW]

I just installed this trailer light on my bumper. Since I already had some flat stock steel for the mount, it cost me a whopping $4. The light is from K-Mart.

 

 

 

Way brighter than the regular brake lights.

[jgerock]

Please add one to your car.  I had large trucks right on my bumper at some traffic lights. They got so close I know my regular lights were hidden.

 

 

[im3crazy]

These are two Command Electronics high brightness DOT units- Clear plastic, but red LEDs. One mounterd on each side just under rear headliner using common steel two-hole angle straps bent 66 degrees.

 

A trailer module controls these two wire units for compatibility. Shown is the "tail light" display.  Turn signals light all LEDS on either Left or Right side and are very noticable. 

 

Stop inidcation lights all LEDS on both sides and is very bright during bright daylight and a little overwhelming at night.  The first time I tested these inside the house it really stunned my vision for a few moments:  these are seriously bright.

 

Installation was very simple and took about 3 hours to wire in the module and the two units; mounting took about an hour and was straight forward.  The feed wire just clips to the DS headliner down to the controls so I can remove both the units and the wiring if necessary.

 

I use one or two of these in all our restorations and have been very happy with the respone on the road. 

 

I will update post with turns and brake pics day/nite shots when I can get them.

 

ONE TAP ON THE BRAKE OR 4 WAYS AND CLOSELY FOLLOWING DRIVERS BACK RIGHT OFF!

[StarboardM]

Couple people have already posted what I was thinking of doing when the time came.

 

 

Im sure most have seen the new A8s running around that have the 3rd light at the top of the window:

 

 

 

Im sure the engineers did this for the same reason others have stated, new cars are so high they are often missed over the hood.

 

 

I was thinking of doing similar to what was posted before, but adding the ability to flash one side or the other with the turn signals.

 

[RAS-2002]

After reading numerous posts about safety issues regarding the small ‘roundie’ brake lights on my ’72 ’02, and heeding your wise recommendations for a third brake light, I found one on ebay (Item# 200859821515  UNIVERSAL LEFT/RIGHT TURN SIGNAL TAIL LAMP 18 RED LED 3RD BRAKE LIGHT SUV TRUCK) for $27.99 including shipping.  The title alone was the longest one I’d ever seen on ‘the bay!  I thought the price was reasonable, and the seller had good feedback from people who had purchased identical units from him, so I ordered me one.  Fast shipping from CA to NY; it arrived in just a few days, and I must admit, it looks pretty good.  Only problem I had was trying to decipher the “INSTALLATION” sheet to figure out which-wires-were-which.  After a few minutes, I determined which two wires were exclusively for the brake lights.  The LEDs are BRIGHT RED, that’s for sure!  Unfortunately, ‘Schatzi’ is in the shop, so I can’t install it just yet.  Looking at some of thie pics you all hav esubmitted, I figure I'll mount it high in the rear windshield for maximum visibility.

 

For your entertainment, I’ve attached a copy of the instruction sheet.  Please read it very carefully, especially the part about “18pcs of maneating fish” and “add driving funs”.  

 

I’ve used Google Translate on numerous occasions, going from “BMW German” to English (in fact, I’m in the process of using Google to translate an original BMW Solex 32/32 DIDTA Manual into English, which I’ll post here once I’m done) and have had some very interesting things come up.  But THIS one is surely destined to be a classic.  I assume something was ‘very lost in translation’.

 

Enjoy!

-Bob

 

 

Third Braking Light.pdf

[1972_Targa]

Just bought this old (but in fine shape) Bosch brake light off of a 1952 Mercedes. Going on this weekend.

[Buckeye]

I used the Hella Model 38. It matches the angle of a 2002 rear window very well. And, the lense is adjustable, and I have mine aimed up just a bit so it's right in the eyes of a following driver in an SUV.

I bought Hella part no. 5238 per recommendation from D. Stern and received it today. Will install it this weekend.

Thanks.

Edited June 6, 2013 by Buckeye

[Stu]

I bought Hella part no. 5238 per recommendation from D. Stern and received it today. Will install it this weekend.

Thanks.image.jpg

Make sure you have it where you want it when you stick it to the glass!  I think it's permanent . . .

[mosman58]

Thanks - please take notes of your install and post to the board if you can

[M3M3]

I bought Hella part no. 5238 per recommendation from D. Stern and received it today. Will install it this weekend.

Thanks.image.jpg

that is the one most of us have.  install is simple. peel and stick to rear window.  run the wires to left side of car and tap into brake light circuit in trunk.

 

installation details 3/4 of way down page 17 of my blog 

here

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/topic/103584-mlytles-m2-madness/page-17

Edited June 7, 2013 by mlytle