What's the coolest looking 3rd brake light mod? (photos, links please)

[Redsquall]

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[Chris 16409]

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I like the Corvette/Camero third break light best.

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http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=390974298496

[jackb]

Definitely the C4 Corvette light. It is the only one that looks like it is stock. i have the same one on my car.

[vwdmc16]

Same here, i usually have to point it out to fellow car guys. Nearly everyone thinks it is oem. I even had a die hard corvette guy admit it looks better on my car than his c4.

Check my thread below, i wrote up a how to install one.

[Bitsyncmaster]

Definitely the C4 housing. Even with the stock bulbs it looks good but I had to do better. Think I put in 108 LEDs.

[skipwater]

I used the 1999 GM SUV third break light way back then.

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[Gary]

I used LED side firing light strips under lip of the top

https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/side-emitting/side-emitting-led-light-strips-outdoor-led-tape-light-with-18-smdsft-1-chip-smd-led-335/1542/

I ordered two 19" black side firing strips. Red LED's (of course) and trimmed to fit. Ran the wires to one side and had to extend the wires down the pillar above the quarter glass and to the brake lights.

Here is the result

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[Shep]

I'm (very obviously :tongue: ) impartial to mine, integrated into my BTTF vents:

http://vin559.com/images/projects/bttf_vents/resized/bttf_vents_both_installed_03_640.jpg

I later changed them to light bars instead of the starburst pattern. Having them redone by my fiberglass guy at the moment though to make them both smaller and lighter (and integrated into the louvers too), will have pictures after that's complete. Here's the lighting pattern, integrating all stock taillight functions:

http://vin559.com/images/projects/bttf_vents/bttf_vents_lights_01.png

[Dangermouse]

I assume you mean that you are "partial" to them ;)

By "Parking" lights do you mean "tail" lights or do they have some sort of European like parking-only function?

[Shep]

I assume you mean that you are "partial" to them ;)Right you are. Mixed that one up in my head actually.


By "Parking" lights do you mean "tail" lights or do they have some sort of European like parking-only function?"Parking" is the same as the bulbs behind the reflector part of the taillights. I believe that's "tail"? They come on when you press the headlight switch. Basically just tapped into the stock harness.

[krs09]

I used LED side firing light strips under lip of the top

https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/side-emitting/side-emitting-led-light-strips-outdoor-led-tape-light-with-18-smdsft-1-chip-smd-led-335/1542/

I ordered two 19" black side firing strips. Red LED's (of course) and trimmed to fit. Ran the wires to one side and had to extend the wires down the pillar above the quarter glass and to the brake lights.

Here is the result

33163

Very nice, well done. Could be my favorite.

[krs09]

I'm (very obviously :tongue: ) impartial to mine, integrated into my BTTF vents:

http://vin559.com/images/projects/bttf_vents/resized/bttf_vents_both_installed_03_640.jpg

I later changed them to light bars instead of the starburst pattern. Having them redone by my fiberglass guy at the moment though to make them both smaller and lighter (and integrated into the louvers too), will have pictures after that's complete. Here's the lighting pattern, integrating all stock taillight functions:

http://vin559.com/images/projects/bttf_vents/bttf_vents_lights_01.png

Good idea.. Is it me or are those the biggest vents ever on a BTTF conversion.

[Morpheus]

Bump.

I'm curious what folks have done more recently when it comes to the 3rd brakelight solution. On my first D, I drilled the louvers and installed the old Suburban light, but this time around I was thinking something more incognito.

[Lou and "Boo"]

Of course, I am partial to my anti-third brake light.

Search anti-third brake light on DMC Today dot com and you'll see pics there.

Whoops ! Here's a link:

http://dmctoday.com/showthread.php?184-Anti-third-brake-light&highlight=Anti-third+brake+light

Now I don't suggest anyone trying to do this because.... well...

[Morpheus]

That's an interesting option, Lou. Thanks for sharing!

[Chris4099]

If you are looking for safety, the first thing you should do is simply replace the standard 1156 incandescent brake lights with LED bulbs. This does a better job of alerting the driver behind you then a 3rd brake light. Also has the benefit of greatly reducing the power needed which can cause a voltage drop from simply pressing the brake peddle. Just be careful if you have a cruise control added. Mine didn't like LED lights and I had to add a small incandescent bulb into the wiring so it would properly detect the lights.

I also have a 3rd LED brake light (GM LED one) for even more safety. After nearly 10 years, the LEDs in it are starting to die out. So I too am looking for a new replacement. I like the idea of the under mounted side firing LEDs, but don't like how they may be difficult to be seen from higher up. Kind of defeats the purpose of even having them. I might just go for the older C4 unit with LED bulbs. Fortunately I simply glued the current light to the louvers, so it will be easy to remove without patching any holes.

Gary,
Can you take a pic of your setup but from a higher elevation? Similar to what SUV and truck drivers might see it from?

[DMCVegas]

As stated earlier in the thread (last year), the C4 Corvette option is probably the best one out there. Unlike the GM SUV bar, the C4 light was meant to be disassembled for servicing the bulbs. Or as shown, you can also convert it to LEDs. Which even if the LEDs burn out and go bad, you can still just replace them instead of the entire unit like the SUV version. Which will get harder and harder as years go by.

I would never discourage someone from installing a CHMSL (aka 3rd brake light). I think that they should really be at the top of any owners list of useful modifications.

If you even want to return the vehicle to concourse stock, filling two holes, let alone the cost of a replacement louver is a fraction of the cost for the repair of a rear-end collision.
A bad enough rear-end collision can total your car once and for all.
While the effectiveness of CHMSLs has been questioned in modern times versus in the past, the truth is that even in a diminished capacity the still offer a better chance to protect you than nothing at all.
While the stock brake lights do work well, the fact is that 35 years later when everyone is now driving higher trucks and SUVs, they may not even see your brake lights past the hood of their own vehicle. A CHMSL is higher up and is far more noticeable.

[Lou and "Boo"]

Robert, can you tell me the years that are the C4 corvettes? Trying to see if rock auto has that specific third brake light at a reasonable cost.
Or, if you want to do the 'finger work' maybe you could post a link to rock auto or another site that sells that exact C4 corvette third brake light.
Thanks yo !

[Soundkillr]

Top Mount light on c4 was 84-89 and changed to rear bumper from 90-96 (unless it's a zr model) you will want to search 84-89 corvette.


Robert, can you tell me the years that are the C4 corvettes? Trying to see if rock auto has that specific third brake light at a reasonable cost.
Or, if you want to do the 'finger work' maybe you could post a link to rock auto or another site that sells that exact C4 corvette third brake light.
Thanks yo !

[DMCVegas]

Robert, can you tell me the years that are the C4 corvettes? Trying to see if rock auto has that specific third brake light at a reasonable cost.
Or, if you want to do the 'finger work' maybe you could post a link to rock auto or another site that sells that exact C4 corvette third brake light.
Thanks yo !

86-89 definitely. I'm pretty certain that 1984's did NOT have them. I've seen some 85's that have it, and some that don't. So I've no idea if that was because of owner customization or a mid-year production change.

I don't see the assembly over on Rock Auto. Which is really weird. But, they can get pricey. Usually when they pop-up on eBay, they're about $150 or so, and have been for the past few years.

BUT, there is an alternative!

http://car-part.com/

That's a national database of participating junkyards and dismantlers across all of North America (including Canada and Mexico). They inventory cars and parts online, pull off what you need, and ship it out to you. Every once in a while you'll find a wrecked DeLorean on there too (Elite Auto in Sun Valley, Ca. currently shows a DMC-12 with complete rear suspension they're parting out for $150. If you need a new rear hub carrier, they've got one waiting!). But there are quite a few Corvettes listed, and some of the ones that have photos do show the CHMSL is still in place. It might be worth finding the nearest wrecking yard near you to visit to pickup, or just have it shipped out.

[Michael]

Well you did ask for the "coolest" so here you go:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDH90096OTw

[Lou and "Boo"]

That's my buddy Dave's electric Delorean. I believe the third brake light lettering was done by Louis Costa senior.
The Long Island Delorean club has got to be the coolest one going !

[Patrick C]

http://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/281929025046

One of many on eBay right now. Just needs some wet sanding and a coat of SEM trim black.

[Redsquall]

Yes! That is what I'm imagining - how can I get / make that?


That's my buddy Dave's electric Delorean. I believe the third brake light lettering was done by Louis Costa senior.
The Long Island Delorean club has got to be the coolest one going !

[Edwin5814]

Is it cool, if you don't notice it until it turns red? I went incognito with smoked dual third brake lamps to match the dual left and dual right brake lamps.

401344013540136

[Michael]

I have something on the back burner in mind for 5609 as soon as Spring arrives. Here is a hint:

http://topcars2017.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/2017-Dodge-Charger1-e1450952188951.jpg

[Lwanmtr]

I have something on the back burner in mind for 5609 as soon as Spring arrives. Here is a hint:

http://topcars2017.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/2017-Dodge-Charger1-e1450952188951.jpg

Your planning to make it a 4 door? hehe


Actually the lights on that electric look cool. Would be cool if when people make these things they'd post how to's or even put kits together.

[dmc3130]

I did these about 12 years ago.