Full Version: my new 3rd brake light
been thinking about a 3rd brake light for a while now
found a 10 lamp unit at http://www.commandelectronics.com/
mdl 003-74r and good price at $29.99
brakes on, virtually dissapears when off
Click to view attachment
Sorry, need to get the "ON" picture resized
be back later
gary
Got any install as you go pics. Wheres the wire.
QUOTE(gary gartner @ Nov 19 2009, 05:52 PM) 
Sorry, need to get the "ON" picture resized
be back later
gary
Can't wait to see the "on" pic. That's the best 3rd brake light application I've seen on a 914. Might have to do that someday. Price is right too.
Every time I see a GMC bumper out the back glass or in the side mirrors, I'm reminded of how low my 914 is, not to mention my taillights. Feel like a 3rd brake light would look cool and be a good safety addition.
Looks like it's made to mount flat and the bulbs would then be pointing down. Did you make some type of bracket to mount on? CAn you post some photos of the install? Thanks Much!
This is the slimest design I've seen yet.
This is the slimest design I've seen yet.
It's supposed to be watertight... wonder if it could be mounted above the raintray, underneath the leading edge of the mesh screen. Pretty much all modern cars are taller than the 914, so it should be visible to whoever's behind you.
OK resized (I hope)
installed with double stick foam tape and did a temp wire install by sticking to the underside of the rollbar with silicone, and hooked the wires into the bundle-power to a black with yellow brake line and ground to the brown. pretty simple, but no pics of the install. but no bracket needed cause it is only about 1/2in thick.
Click to view attachment
Very cool! 
What model number did you get? Can't tell from the picture. Very nice job on the install!
003-74r
Under 3rd Brake Lights and in the LED section.
Under 3rd Brake Lights and in the LED section.
Is wiring as simple as just tying into the brake light circuit? Does it decrease the brightness of the brake lights noticeably?
I just ordered a different one - gonna try the hidden install under the vent, above the rain tray. Will post pics when I receive it and do the install.
I just ordered a different one - gonna try the hidden install under the vent, above the rain tray. Will post pics when I receive it and do the install.
I bought mine on Ebay. They are called LED Flexible Strip lights 120cm (48"). With these light you can trim to fit. And they only cost about $15.00.
Click to view attachment
Click to view attachment
Click to view attachment
Click to view attachment
I wonder what that light strip would look like if it was put inside the aluminum trim piece right above it.....hmmmm....
QUOTE(Sleepin @ Nov 19 2009, 07:22 PM)
I wonder what that light strip would look like if it was put inside the aluminum trim piece right above it.....hmmmm....
Like this!!!
BTW Nice work Gary.
more
Yes, like that....just all the way across. I wonder what the depth of the flexible strip lights are.
edit: something like this might fit under the bar and with 24 carefully drilled holes would blend seamlessly!
edit: something like this might fit under the bar and with 24 carefully drilled holes would blend seamlessly!
Awesome Guys! Those look great! 
Looks great. 
I used a Corvette 3rd light mounted on the engine lid. I do like the hidden in the roll bar chrome also.
I used a Corvette 3rd light mounted on the engine lid. I do like the hidden in the roll bar chrome also.
QUOTE(tracks914 @ Nov 19 2009, 07:31 PM)
QUOTE(Sleepin @ Nov 19 2009, 07:22 PM)
I wonder what that light strip would look like if it was put inside the aluminum trim piece right above it.....hmmmm....
Like this!!!
BTW Nice work Gary.
Nice work! Looks stock.
Mines a taillight and brake light
QUOTE(tracks914 @ Nov 19 2009, 08:31 PM)
QUOTE(Sleepin @ Nov 19 2009, 07:22 PM)
I wonder what that light strip would look like if it was put inside the aluminum trim piece right above it.....hmmmm....
Like this!!!
BTW Nice work Gary.
Doug,
Very nice indeed!
Do you have the purchase information: On-line vendor/FLAPS/ manufacturers info/etc? Can't quite read the packaged info in the photo.
Thanks,
Andys
Autozone has 24" flexible strips, about 3/8" wide and 1/8" tall with tape backing.
Thinking about a long strip on the base of the rear window stuck to the glass. Really Bright
They make this strip in top lights and edge lights. Glue the strip to, say, the engine lid flat, and the edge bulbs point to the back of the car. I'll post some pictures tomorrow. $19.95
Found a multitude of flexible strips in sizes and shapes there.
2020 edit
(WOW. 2009 - today and still stuck. Easy to install and hide the wire behind the chrome strip)
Thinking about a long strip on the base of the rear window stuck to the glass. Really Bright
They make this strip in top lights and edge lights. Glue the strip to, say, the engine lid flat, and the edge bulbs point to the back of the car. I'll post some pictures tomorrow. $19.95
Found a multitude of flexible strips in sizes and shapes there.
2020 edit
(WOW. 2009 - today and still stuck. Easy to install and hide the wire behind the chrome strip)
QUOTE(andys @ Nov 20 2009, 12:07 PM)
QUOTE(tracks914 @ Nov 19 2009, 08:31 PM)
QUOTE(Sleepin @ Nov 19 2009, 07:22 PM)
I wonder what that light strip would look like if it was put inside the aluminum trim piece right above it.....hmmmm....
Like this!!!
BTW Nice work Gary.
Doug,
Very nice indeed!
Do you have the purchase information: On-line vendor/FLAPS/ manufacturers info/etc? Can't quite read the packaged info in the photo.
Thanks,
Andys
Here it is...and in typical 914 fashion....cheap!
LED Brake Light on Ebay
Here is the link to putting it in the roll bar.
LED Brake Light
QUOTE
Mines a taillight and brake light
Ha! Never Noticed that. Probably because I never saw the back of your car!
QUOTE(Eric_Shea @ Nov 20 2009, 08:29 PM)
QUOTE
Mines a taillight and brake light
Ha! Never Noticed that. Probably because I never saw the back of your car!
Oh SNAP!!!
The last thing I need is a guy in salmon behind me,
QUOTE(sixnotfour @ Nov 23 2009, 12:39 PM)
The last thing I need is a guy in salmon behind me,
Think how I feel, we split the room
Has anyone put it inside the carustINov was thinking one could just attach it to the roll bar cover. Seems like that would make wiring the thing simple as you could hide the wires behind the roll bar cover, sides and the backpad.
Hey fellow teeners... I have a reputation on other forums for resurecting old threads so why stop with my 914! 
After a little research in this thread and this one here: http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=82636
I've decided to notch my roll bar trim for a third LED brake light of which I already have two on hand!
The unit I have is removed from an undisclosed 2010 GM automobile, is super low profile and has 16 red LEDs with a white lens that is molded/cast to project the light rather than just act as a plastic cover as you see with many of the aftermarket LED lights.
So my primary question is exactly what color are the brake light wires that I'll need to splice into; where are they located; and does anyone have a photo or two?!
Additionally, I was throwing around the idea of notching the bottom side of the roll bar pad and installing the light there since it would be a 100% clean installation if it were flush with the pad and no one would ever notice; problem is the angle of the outside rollbar would make it that most other drivers (minus fellow teeners & small British cars!) wouldn't notice the brake light either! So I've progressed to cutting up a few 914 parts in favor of safety and visability.
I also figure the white plastic housing will blend in better with the chrome trim than a red third brake light... (although my car is red isn't it?!) so we shall see, my only concern beyond simply finding the brake light wires is how much modifying of the actual rollbar/sheetmetal will be needed underneath the trim but I'm happy so long as I can retain 100% structural integrity even if it looks a little rough since it'll all be covered. Cut first ask questions later right!
Thanks for anyones help and I'd appreciate a photo of the brake light wire location in the cab if it all possible... the interior is 100% out again at the moment so everything is accessible!
After a little research in this thread and this one here: http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=82636
I've decided to notch my roll bar trim for a third LED brake light of which I already have two on hand!
The unit I have is removed from an undisclosed 2010 GM automobile, is super low profile and has 16 red LEDs with a white lens that is molded/cast to project the light rather than just act as a plastic cover as you see with many of the aftermarket LED lights.
So my primary question is exactly what color are the brake light wires that I'll need to splice into; where are they located; and does anyone have a photo or two?!
Additionally, I was throwing around the idea of notching the bottom side of the roll bar pad and installing the light there since it would be a 100% clean installation if it were flush with the pad and no one would ever notice; problem is the angle of the outside rollbar would make it that most other drivers (minus fellow teeners & small British cars!) wouldn't notice the brake light either! So I've progressed to cutting up a few 914 parts in favor of safety and visability.
I also figure the white plastic housing will blend in better with the chrome trim than a red third brake light... (although my car is red isn't it?!) so we shall see, my only concern beyond simply finding the brake light wires is how much modifying of the actual rollbar/sheetmetal will be needed underneath the trim but I'm happy so long as I can retain 100% structural integrity even if it looks a little rough since it'll all be covered. Cut first ask questions later right!
Thanks for anyones help and I'd appreciate a photo of the brake light wire location in the cab if it all possible... the interior is 100% out again at the moment so everything is accessible!
I've been considering something like this for a third brake light. We need all the visibility we can get!
QUOTE(Nürburg Nomad @ Jul 24 2010, 11:54 AM)
Hey fellow teeners... I have a reputation on other forums for resurecting old threads so why stop with my 914!
After a little research in this thread and this one here: http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=82636
I've decided to notch my roll bar trim for a third LED brake light of which I already have two on hand!
The unit I have is removed from an undisclosed 2010 GM automobile, is super low profile and has 16 red LEDs with a white lens that is molded/cast to project the light rather than just act as a plastic cover as you see with many of the aftermarket LED lights.
[u]So my primary question is exactly what color are the brake light wires that I'll need to splice into; where are they located; and does anyone have a photo or two?
QUOTE(Als914 @ Jul 24 2010, 12:32 PM)
QUOTE(Nürburg Nomad @ Jul 24 2010, 11:54 AM)
Hey fellow teeners... I have a reputation on other forums for resurecting old threads so why stop with my 914!
After a little research in this thread and this one here: http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=82636
I've decided to notch my roll bar trim for a third LED brake light of which I already have two on hand!
The unit I have is removed from an undisclosed 2010 GM automobile, is super low profile and has 16 red LEDs with a white lens that is molded/cast to project the light rather than just act as a plastic cover as you see with many of the aftermarket LED lights.
[u]So my primary question is exactly what color are the brake light wires that I'll need to splice into; where are they located; and does anyone have a photo or two?
Otherwise the modification is coming along quite well, if the light was 1/4" longer it wouldn't work with the curvature of the roll bar trim but so far so good. I'm glad the roll bar trim is 1/8"+ thick so it's still plenty sturdy with a big hole cut out of it, plus the clear 3rd brake light lense blends in well with the chrome trim.
Heh I should also mention my brake lights are going to auto-flash 5 times every time I brake... just like an ambulance! How's that for desireable 914 visability for day and night!?
Yes it's completely road-legal too, at least in my state anyhow! 
I'll post full details and maybe a few photos once I have this all complete and working! Wish me luck...
BUMP!
QUOTE(Nürburg Nomad @ Jul 24 2010, 11:54 AM)
The unit I have is removed from an undisclosed 2010 GM automobile....
That's alot of questions asking for help and a bump, for an undisclosed part source........
![popcorn[1].gif](http://www.914world.com/bbs2/style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)
QUOTE(sixnotfour @ Nov 20 2009, 12:14 PM)
Mines a taillight and brake light
tail and brake at eye level
How difficult would it be to replace all the brake and turn signal lights with LEDs in addition to a 3rd brake light?
Bulbs just don't seem to be bright enough and nobody seems to see our little cars. I figure its only a matter of time before I'm flattened
Bulbs just don't seem to be bright enough and nobody seems to see our little cars. I figure its only a matter of time before I'm flattened
QUOTE(Zundfolge @ Aug 28 2011, 01:13 PM)
How difficult would it be to replace all the brake and turn signal lights with LEDs in addition to a 3rd brake light?
Bulbs just don't seem to be bright enough and nobody seems to see our little cars. I figure its only a matter of time before I'm flattened
Their are 1156 and 1157 led replacement bulbs on the market. I know that I have seen them on ebay for less than $10 each delivered. Some of our odder bulbs aren't as easy to find but most are out there. Just google or ebay search the oem part number with LED and they should pop up.
i.e.
1156 LED
ebay result:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2x-BA15S-11...=item415c979455
For all you visibility obsessed peeps ... give this a shot to start. go to the automotive lighting and select the correct style of bulb. Their are multiple designs so go with the brightest with the largest viewing angle. I was planning on doing these upgrades myself.
I have purchased raw leds from them for retrofitting into 914 gauges
http://www.superbrightleds.com/
I have purchased raw leds from them for retrofitting into 914 gauges
http://www.superbrightleds.com/
I did the LED upgrade on my 73. I wanted a little more lighting on the back end, so I went with the 48 led round lights for the tail/brake and tied in the turn signal lights as well to act as tail/brake lights. I used 25 led strip lights for the turn signals.This makes the back end a hell of alot more noticible.
QUOTE(pnewman @ Aug 31 2011, 03:32 PM)
Their are 1156 and 1157 led replacement bulbs on the market.
Excellent! I thought you had to have some sort of power adapter or something to get the LEDs to work.
QUOTE(mikey63 @ Sep 1 2011, 08:00 AM)
I did the LED upgrade on my 73. I wanted a little more lighting on the back end, so I went with the 48 led round lights for the tail/brake and tied in the turn signal lights as well to act as tail/brake lights. I used 25 led strip lights for the turn signals.This makes the back end a hell of a lot more noticeable.
That's damn cool!
QUOTE(Zundfolge @ Sep 1 2011, 10:52 AM)
QUOTE(pnewman @ Aug 31 2011, 03:32 PM)
Their are 1156 and 1157 led replacement bulbs on the market.
Excellent! I thought you had to have some sort of power adapter or something to get the LEDs to work.
Most likely he is talking about the more pre engineered led plug in bulb assembly's if you were to use just regular single led's you would have to use resistors to get the correct voltage to the led's
QUOTE(roadster fan @ Jul 27 2010, 02:33 AM)
QUOTE(Nürburg Nomad @ Jul 24 2010, 11:54 AM)
The unit I have is removed from an undisclosed 2010 GM automobile....
That's alot of questions asking for help and a bump, for an undisclosed part source........
Ha, well it seems this thread was resurrected about a year after I posted.... so why not resurrect it again!
The brake light donor automobile in question is a 2010-Current Chevrolet Camaro Coupe (Not the Convertible as it has a different red element LED brake light which won't blend semi-seamlessly into the brushed trim) The 16 LED unit is just a board and a lens once removed from the rear window/housing of the Camaro so assuming I get around to polishing off the installation it should fit quite nicely within the upper roll-bar trim!
This project has definitely been on the back burner but the -$40 "Back Off XP" I installed inline for the rear tails (which flashes them 5 times before going steady) has certainly done wonders for keeping would be tail-gaters back from my teener! ( http://signaldynamics.com/index.php/produc...14&vmcchk=1 )
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