Third brake light DELETE on '86
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Third brake light DELETE on '86
Thank you for viewing my thread. Has any one eliminated their third brake light on their '85 to (I believe) '91 coupe's roof? I am thinking of either installing a falt panel from an '84 (any for sale?!?) or shaving mine and painting it. Any experience, guys? I've never needed to remove my panel, any procedures? Thanks again!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 107
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From: Arizona
I've got an red LED license plate frame that pulsates for 2 seconds then goes solid when I apply the brakes, I even etched in "Corvette" on my CNC machine. To me, the 3rd light is an eyesore. The vehicle is lowered and I enjoy the cleanliness of the 84-85 (thank you,vader86) and 92-96 roof line.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
I see, so the panel is a hinge assembly? Is there a plate covering the hinge, or is it solid? How is the construction on an '84-85? As far as I know, I've never heard of this procedure being done. Any recommendations on doing it right? Thanks again.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 14,130
Likes: 7
Cruise-In II Veteran
I took mine off to paint it once and to change the bulbs.Dont see any problems with it affecting the hinges.Just take yours off and see what you need to do or what route you wanna go as far as making a cover for it.
I think there are 2 torx bolts that hold it to top of the hatch.
I think there are 2 torx bolts that hold it to top of the hatch.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,799
Likes: 2
From: Cape Coral FL
Originally Posted by k0rv3tt389
Unbolt the 3rd brake light under the hatch. Take it off, cut the harness, plug the holes with body filler, repaint and you're done. That's what I did.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,183
Likes: 3
From: Santa Maria, CA
Originally Posted by k0rv3tt389
Unbolt the 3rd brake light under the hatch. Take it off, cut the harness, plug the holes with body filler, repaint and you're done. That's what I did.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
I'll probably remove the light and fill the holes, then paint. I've always admired the the smooth roof lines of an early or late C4. Thanks guys, all your opinions and comments are, as always, appreciated. Thanks!
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,721
Likes: 1
From: Beautiful Down Town "SWINDLEHURST" Long Island NY
I like them now (i think)
I wasn't to crazy about 3rd. brake lights either ( even though my 84 doesn't have one ) THEN---one Sunday morning 
I'm rebuilding with a 91 fiberglass rear ( I like the squared off tail lights )
it will match the belt line but no 3rd. light , hatch glass will be replaced with the one w/ the hole for the roof mount 3rd. light and LED tail light
bulbs every place I can stick them!
P.S.-- vette was totaled they sent me a check for $7874.03 + whatever
else I put into it.
I'm rebuilding with a 91 fiberglass rear ( I like the squared off tail lights )
it will match the belt line but no 3rd. light , hatch glass will be replaced with the one w/ the hole for the roof mount 3rd. light and LED tail light
bulbs every place I can stick them!
P.S.-- vette was totaled they sent me a check for $7874.03 + whatever
else I put into it.
Florida turtle advocate
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,280
Likes: 6
From: Gulfcoast Salvage Englewood, Fla
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
I like the light
Because it's up in the view of the braindead minivan drivers.It is also interesting that all the ZR1s have it.Does look cleaner without it though.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,532
Likes: 7
From: Lahaina Hi
Just remove the tork bolts and use resen and alot of thicksil in the resen.
I filled mine and sanded it and repainted and I think it looks better.
Woman invented the 3 rd break light and wiper blades.
I filled mine and sanded it and repainted and I think it looks better.
Woman invented the 3 rd break light and wiper blades.
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
Likes: 71
From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Technically, you could get into a legality issue, since the car came equipped with it. I'd recommend after removing it that you install one under the hatch glass up high. It will only be apparent when illuminated. I'm with you on their appearance on the '86-'90 cars. They really do mess up some otherwise clean lines.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,453
Likes: 0
From: crystalriver Florida
you know, your talking about putting a red led plate on with blinking lights--I installed a kit Just like that-except I spliced into the 3rd light, so every time I hit the brake, the 3rd light blinks 5 times real fast for like 1 or 2 secs. I thinks its pretty awesome. Also I installed a sequential turn signal setup. Say you make a right hand turn, put blinker on--the right lights consist of 2 bulbs, 1 blinks then the other then the other and so on.....and I also put in a daytime running light splice kit. I ordered these kits from a shop online if your interested.