3rd Brake Light Solution for 914, .... even if a GoWesty Part Options

[Tom_T]

Let me update this to say:

This is an economical ($25-30 part), easy & fast (1-2 hrs to stick-on & wire into tail brakelights/harness) for a quick 3rd Brake Light addition. This light unit is enclosed with wires & adhesive face to mount it to your rear window - no screws nor clips needed to mount the light & no reflecting glare off the glass.

You'll need to look at your 914 wiring diagram to see where best to wire it, but they can be dropped down behind the rear backpad & into the trunk &/or engine bay to tie into the brake lights & pull off any easy existing screw to body for ground.

This part is probably also available elsewhere - maybe cheaper - & is on sale in Jan 2015 at GoWesty (they put them on sale a couple of times a year as Monthly Specials).

There are also several other more expensive & complicated solutions discussed below & with links by other posters, if this doesn't suit your liking. .....

This should also work well for those who want to add a 3rd brake light to their 914 at reasonable cost, but you may need some extra wire to reach the taillight buckets/harness to tie into.

http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php...gory_parent_id=



I put it on our `88 Westy as per their instructions at the GoWesty website after my wife had gotten rear-ended in it a couple of years ago, & it works well & adds visibility to our "brick on wheels"! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

Happy New Year! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
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[Amphicar770]

Looks like a nice solution.

Just this weekend I did a 3rd brake light on my own 914 using one of these,

http://www.amazon.com/Custom-Dynamics-Knig...ag=theampfor-20

I mounted it facing down, underside of rollbar chrome. (will post photo later).

I have to say that it is a definite attention grabber and it looks factory installed. I used the mounting tape and did not cut or tap any wires as I picked up some piggyback quick connects at Radio Shack and simply used the existing brake light spades. Ran the wire underneath the chrome strip and through trunk. Needed a bit of extra wire but since these are LED, you can use 18-20 gauge. Again, you would really have to look for anything that looks not original. Took me a total of maybe 30 minutes.

[Tom_T]

Looks like a nice solution.

Just this weekend I did a 3rd brake light on my own 914 using one of these,

http://www.amazon.com/Custom-Dynamics-Knig...ag=theampfor-20

I mounted it facing down, underside of rollbar chrome. (will post photo later).

I have to say that it is a definite attention grabber and it looks factory installed. I used the mounting tape and did not cut or tap any wires as I picked up some piggyback quick connects at Radio Shack and simply used the existing brake light spades. Ran the wire underneath the chrome strip and through trunk. Needed a bit of extra wire but since these are LED, you can use 18-20 gauge. Again, you would really have to look for anything that looks not original. Took me a total of maybe 30 minutes.

That's comparable time/ease on installation to the GoWesty one, & it too is also reversible in using the adhesive double-stick tape.

Please do post your install pix here when you get a chance!

BTW the GoWesty kit included the piggyback connector also for the Vanagon/Westy install, but I suspect you'd need extra wire for it on the 914 case as well.

I noticed in the description at your link to the item above, that it also includes the TS flashing + 3rd brake light function, so that's an added benefit.

I wonder if it could also be installed inside the cabin under the rollbar? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

Contrary to Mr. Epstein's (IMG:style_emoticons/default/poke.gif) on resto-modding & the PT Cruzer pic - I am NOT planning any "mods" to my resto, except the typical period correct accessories I've had since it was new & some SSI HE's I got to replace my holed OEM HE's. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif)

However, I would consider adding an inconspicuous (from the interior & when removed for concours events) 3rd brake lite in a removable set-up for more safety when driving.

I'm also noodling (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif) how to convert a spare old ashtray into a mount for an extra pair of gauges for engine monitoring - CHT & Oil Pressure would be nice additions to the OT & Volts at the center console - with a hidden quick connect in the back of the dash from the ashtray slot & down to the center console to the tunnel & out of sight. That way I can disconnect & remove the CHT & OP mount & put in the stock ashtray for concours events & keep it all correct to stock, but have the benefit while driving!

I'll also add a hidden digital player adapter from Woody's Customs, to the back of the original OE dealer supplied AM/FM/8-track unit, so I can plug in modern media for my 50's, 60's & early 70's Oldies music! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

All would be out-of-sight & able to present the restored car as original when desired, but to also drive it with some inconspicuous added conveniences & safety features.

Buuuut ...... I gotta get the dang thing to the body & mechanics shops first!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)