Which type 3rd brake light is for a Carrera coupe?

adamnitti · adamnitti's Garage

I just added a third brake light to my old BMW and now I want to add one to my Carrera. When they started adding these to the later Carrera's, which type did they use for the coupe? Was it the gooseneck type, or one that sat on the rear deck, or...???

Could someone maybe post a pic of theirs? Thanks-

ChrisL · 12-20-2001, 07:09 PM

According to Peter Morgan's Original Porsche 911, non-tail Carreras had it mounted at the top of the rear window in 1986, at the bottom in 1987, and then back to the top from then on. I'm not sure that it changed exactly by model year, as I've seen '87s with it at the top. The pod thing was for cars with tail spoilers. Here's inside and outside pics:

(boy are my windows filthy!)

Somehow it always seems to be in the way when looking out the rear view mirror.

Hope this helps,

Chris.

JDaniel · JDaniel's Garage

Early 87' model carrera's had the gooseneck light attached at the rear spoiler. Later '87 models had the light affixed in the upper rear window as posted above by Crisl.
This is a photo of my car, #151 from 1987.

JoeF · 12-21-2001, 03:18 AM

Does any one know where to get a Porsche inside mount third brake light but with black adhesive? Like the one in the picture chris sent. I went to buy one somewhere, but the salesperson told me the adhesive was white.

adamnitti · adamnitti's Garage

thanks, guys. that's the info i needed. i guess since i have a tail, then, i have a couple options depending on how i want things to look. i just wanted it to be placed 'correctly' according to factory.

KTL · 12-21-2001, 05:30 AM

My 87 is #1433 from 12/86 and it has (had) the periscope looking third light. I couldn't stand seeing it in the rear view mirror anymore and had to pull it. Point is, if you decide to use the periscope-type light, you have to drill THREE holes in the decklid. One for the wiring pass thru and two for the mounting screws. I'd have to recommend the high mount inside light. Don't know how the wiring is routed for the high mount.

usurpah · usurpah's Garage

Just to add another point...I've got an 88 with the internal 3rd brake light. I have to stress Chris' point: that brake light is ALWAYS in the way.

When looking out the back window, with the slope of the rear glass, the 3rd brake light is perfectly placed to block the car right behind you. I'm always swinging my head side to side to get around it. I'm 6'3", so maybe I need to lower my seat a little bit more, but it's pretty bad.

So, if you can find a 3rd party light with a thinner area, I'd sacrifice the original look and go for it.

- Eric

Iggy · 12-21-2001, 06:27 AM

Another problem with the inner third brake light: it comes standard with WHITE adhesive tape.

So, I've got the same questions as JoeF....where do ya get black adhesive?

ChrisL....what is that covering your light?

ChrisL · 12-21-2001, 08:24 AM

Iggy,

What covering? Inside or outside? That's the way I got it.

Chris.

JoeF · 12-21-2001, 08:25 AM

What is the better way to go visibility wise, mount the third brake light at the top of the rear window, or at the bottom?

nhromyak · nhromyak's Garage

I got one used for my '85. I have heard about the complaints from others regarding the brake light high inside. Hence, I placed mine low and inside. Hardly notice it when I look in my rear view.

BTW: if anyone find the black tape for this, I will personally send them $1.00!!!

I used some black silicone RTV. Works, looks kinda' funnka'

Good luck.