Third Brake light
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,328
Likes: 15
From: Jacksonville FL
Third Brake light
I acquired a third brake light in a parts car a while back and since I have half the interior out anyway I thought I would install it especially since I am back in the big city to increase visibility. Red brake lights in a bright red car are a little hard to see.
I would also like to find one of those flashing brake light kits but dont exactly know what they are called. Its where when you hit the brake, the light flashes a few times before going solid. Any idea what they are called?
This is getting to be a serious "while I am in there" kinda deal
I would also like to find one of those flashing brake light kits but dont exactly know what they are called. Its where when you hit the brake, the light flashes a few times before going solid. Any idea what they are called?
This is getting to be a serious "while I am in there" kinda deal
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
You might want to check this thread out.
When the 3rd brake light came out, it was mounted on the frame for the hatch glass. On the 84 and 85, there are no provisions for mounting holes that go thru the glass. The OP in that linked thread is having problems getting his lamp housing off so he can paint it and it is most likely glued in place by a previous owner.
The 3rd brake light operates off the brake light switch and there is a separate wire that goes from the switch to the light. You would also need a brake light switch from an 86 or later. You can't just splice into the existing wires and make it work properly.
You could go with LED's to replace the lamp assemblies. There are versions that include resistors to make the turn signals flash properly, but they are pricey. The ones with out built-in resistors just require that you replace the turn signal flasher with an electronic version. You would need an electronic flasher for the 4-ways too.
When the 3rd brake light came out, it was mounted on the frame for the hatch glass. On the 84 and 85, there are no provisions for mounting holes that go thru the glass. The OP in that linked thread is having problems getting his lamp housing off so he can paint it and it is most likely glued in place by a previous owner.
The 3rd brake light operates off the brake light switch and there is a separate wire that goes from the switch to the light. You would also need a brake light switch from an 86 or later. You can't just splice into the existing wires and make it work properly.
You could go with LED's to replace the lamp assemblies. There are versions that include resistors to make the turn signals flash properly, but they are pricey. The ones with out built-in resistors just require that you replace the turn signal flasher with an electronic version. You would need an electronic flasher for the 4-ways too.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,328
Likes: 15
From: Jacksonville FL
Thanks C4, yeah, I was aware that there is an additional provision/switch for the third light in later models. I was not aware the rear glass was different. I guess if I have to glue/tape it in place that will cause problems for future bulb changing. I dont really understand the additional info and the requirements you listed. Are the 86+ switches electronic? Does it have two separate circuits in the same switch or are there two switches? I dont care about LEDs, just wanted the additional light and the kit that would blink it then go solid. You really notice the blinking light as opposed to just another red light.
Thanks for your reply!
Thanks for your reply!
