Never even though of a third brake light for my two Vette's but I purchased a Billet license plate frame with third brake light built in for my 34' Ford Street Rod when building it. This may be your best option and it looks good so Corvette Forum member (Kenmo) just gave you a nice idea.

 

My goal is to have a third light mounted higher than the existing brake lights, not lower. Most of these SUVs on the road are looking right over the top of my car and I doubt another brake light 18" off the road has much of a chance of getting their attention.

 

Not what you were asking about, but have you converted over to the new LED bulbs that simply plug into your existing brake light sockets? The stock lights are just not very visible as originally produced. A third brake light is what you really need to do and it needs to be LED for the quickness and brightness, as you already know. I think your idea of strip and custom formed back is what you should shoot for. They are small yet bright. Like others have said, however, there is always some idiot out there that will say he didn't see your brake lights no matter what you have, so keep your eyes peeled all the time when you are forced to stop. I installed the third light from a GMC Surburban on top of my headrests I built, and feel much better about having to stop 'cause it's up high and in their field of vision. Good luck

 

Glenn, I've held off on converting my existing bulbs for now, I've heard a few comments indicating they're not all they are cracked up to be yet. My wiring and connections are good and the existing lights are bright. It's those SUVs and full size pickups that aren't looking down (or looking period!) that I worry the most about.

And you better believe the first thing I do when my foot touches the brake pedal is look behind me. Many years ago, I taught a defensive driving class and I'm always on the alert for someone else failing to pay attention. There's been at least 2 instances in the past 20 years that it saved me some serious damage, if not my life when it was a semi that couldn't see my brake lights for the morning sun in his eyes. I decided a trip off the shoulder of the road was called for just as he whizzed through the spot on the road I was formerly occupying.

 

All good suggestions, but the real problem is most people don't know how to f'n drive. IMHO, no amount of lighting is going to prevent some idiot from plowing into you. That's what idiots do.

 

It seems to be the consensus here that extra brake lights actually prevent you from being rear ended. Has anyone really confirmed that this is true? I seem to remember reading someplace that the addition of the extra brake lights on newer cars has done nothing to decrease the chances of being rear ended. Seems to me that if the idiot behind you can't see your whole car with two brake lights, what are the chances he will see it with one more brake light.

 

When first introduced in NYC on taxis (way back when), the rate of rear end collisions to those cabs was reduced 60%. It was new then, nowadays everyone has a third brake light and I think it is now ignored just like the other taillights.

 

I understand what you are saying about SUV's looking right over the top of your car but that basically is when they are right up behind you say at a traffic light. The license plate third brake light can be seen very well included with your regular tail lights as any vehicle approaches your car from behind and that is what I am sure you want and that is to be able to be seen when sitting at a traffic light or stop sign or anytime you brake. Like I mentioned before I put one on my Street Rod and I feel it makes all the difference in the world as someone approaches me from behind especially with the little tailights on my Rod.
Having an SUV right up on your *** waiting for the light to change really makes no difference to me as far as the third brake light is concerned. The most he can really do is tap you if he is a dumb driver. It's the SUV's or trucks that are moving toward you from way behind that you need to worry about more and I feel basically any third brake light whether mounted in the license plate holder or higher up if it is bright will be seen as they approach.

Fred

 

ffas23 says:
"The most he can really do is tap you if he is a dumb driver."

The grain truck (Perterbuilt) did $1400 damage starting 3 ft behind me. That is in 1980 dollars. Deck panel, tail light paned and both bumbers had to be replaced.

Us 'vert drivers need a 3-4 ft pole on our deck lid with a light.

If you look in your rear view mirror and only see bumper and the lower 1/4 of the radiator, be ready to drop the hammer when the light changes.

 

Anything can happen on any given day of the week to anyone. Plenty of collector cars are on the road and the majority of them do ok without the third brake light that wasn't an option years ago. Like I said I did put one on my street rod when building it but I don't have any intentions of putting a third brake light on any of my other collector cars especially any of my old Vettes. I guess if anyone is that worried about getting hit they can mount one that is available in the aftermarket anywhere on the car they desire to. This is their own call with their car. I only made a suggestion about the easy to install license plate third brake light that can be seen by everyone approaching the back of your car.

 

The third brake light sounds intriguing but I wouldn't install one on my 64. What I do in one of those "need to brake fast" moments is to quickly swerve (within my lane) or quickly turn to one side of my lane (left or right) while braking. This catches the behind driver's attention every time and hopefully gives them time to react and stop in time. Too many people are totally mesmerized while driving. Unfortunately, these motoring zombies will only snap to attention when something out of the ordinary is happening in front of them. The power disc brake setup I installed on my coupe works flawlessly but it requires the driver behind me to be on the ball and have decent brakes to stay out of my rear end. I also rely on my (loud) side pipes to let drivers know I'm in their vacinity. Sorta like the loud pipes on my bike, but that's for another thread

All that being said, some damn idiot will manage to plow into you no matter what defensive action or devices you might have. If you're at a stop light and see the inevitable happening in your rear view mirror, time to hold on and pray I agree with the previous post about third brake lights being about as common place as hubcaps......everyone's got 'em. Oh yeah, last time I saw a minor "bump or tap" was over $4k in rear rear end damages. Ain't no such thing as a minor tap on our babies

Allan

 

I think you'd be surprised how far behind you where some of those SUVs can't see your brake lights, especially a shorter driver, but that's not really my point. I've driven semis for a living and I know that when you're perched up higher than many cars, your vision is often focused higher than 20" off the ground. I feel that anything I do to make myself more visible when suddenly braking is going to benefit me.

 

Allen, your swerving is an intriquing idea. I don't know if I could train myself to do that as I'm usually looking for an escape route if either I don't think I'm going to stop in time, or I feel the driver behind me isn't.

 

Yeah, a controlled swerve takes some practice....and believe me I get plenty of practice on our congested roads When there is no room for escape swerving is the method I use. In those rare instances where there is room I will change lanes or speed up to get out of the way. Having distance in front of you helps but idiot drivers like to cut in and eliminate your safety factor. These methods (along with tons of luck) have kept my rear end accident free for many years. A sudden swerve will freak out the driver behind you. They think you're either crazy or drunk

Allan

 

So has anyone come up with any other viable options....???

 

It's OK to get panicked it's smart

Here is a picture of mine with 3rd brake light


You might want to install shoulder belts:
These are made by Securon in the UK and have worked better because you can adjust angles at the mounting point
http://www.securon.com/


I am presently redoing my entire ride. I was never happy with the stock brake lights even with high output halogens. I have switched to LED. The intensity is increased and the reaction time is faster.


Don't think about rolling over in that fiberglass coffin or you will want to do something like this:

The roof on a Coupe is made of tissue paper fiberglass. Now I wish I could buy aftermarket Airbags!!!

If you like more info at www.rich66.com

 

And THAT'S called DEFENSIVE DRIVING!! Like has been said, the problem is the 'zombie drivers' that have been issued driver licenses!

 

Actually used to teach a class in it at the local high school many years ago! It's part of my driving habits.

 

Where did you purchase the led conversion...???

 

Hello.. found here
http://www.onr.com/user/richb/rich66/led/index.html