Two part question regarding a third brake light location and battery tray for our 78

[bugstrider]

Hello

Question 1:
I am looking on mounting a third brake light on our 78 SC Targa. If we go with the Hella light, I was just informed that the factory mount for the Targa is at the bottom center of the rear window. Unlike the coupe, where it's mounted at the top center of the rear window. Can anyone confirm or possible post a picture of either location, or even interject with any visibility issues. I also have in hand a few different led options as well. I haven't fully committed to either variation of brake light but I will be installing something. Have had too many near close calls of being rear-ended by careless drivers.

Question 2:
In replacing my turn signal switch I pulled my three ton battery and decided to clean up the battery area. I've ordered a set of the battery mats and I've seen some different battery options. Until I change battery's, is there a viable battery pan that sits on the tray that is usable with the factory battery? I do a search and seem to pull up battery options.

Thanks

[porwolf]

What is wrong with Kachi's 3rd brake light solution, post 2405:

What did you do to your 911 today?

[Tidybuoy]

I purchased a factory rear window for my '74. The window is for and '86 coupe and has the 3rd brake light mounted at the bottom. I believe there are variations for placement by the factory.

I don't have any photos as the window has been sitting in the box for 2 years, waiting for my install. However, I bought it because it has a black outline tinting strip and the rear defogger is routed around the 3'rd brake light mounting spot (which is at the bottom for 1986).

[bugstrider]

Originally Posted by porwolf

What is wrong with Kachi's 3rd brake light solution, post 2405:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/Porsche-911-technical-forum/728449-what-did-you-do-your-911-today-121.html

In a quick answer, not a thing wrong with his option. In fact I've got the exact same unit in my hot little hand. Its just on Monday, I pull a quick stop at a local Pcar shop and see a targa a couple of years younger than ours with the factory 3rd light at the bottom of the window. Then my OCD takes over and I start to think about the possibilities......... Factory at the bottom, Kachi's non-obtrusive running/flashing brake light hidden at the top. Result: uber visibility at night from the rear. A perfect solution to the non-observant bush-Okies that seem to outnumber the normal side of the population here in ElDo County.

I was just unaware of the alternate location and what it really looked like or the opinions from owners that have it located towards the bottom, thus eliminating the rear window obscurement .

Ok, that was NOT a quick answer.

😊

[javadog]

Porsche moved the third brake lights around a bit. I can say that in 1986, both the coupe and the targa had the lights at the top of the rear window. I had one of each...

Having the light at the top obscures the rear vision through the mirror. Always hated it...

JR

[darrin]

Originally Posted by javadog

Having the light at the top obscures the rear vision through the mirror. Always hated it...

JR

I have an '86 targa with the light at the top and haven't had any issue with rear vision blockage. I think the bottom mount would obscure a lot more for me in a targa. That said, I'm only 5'7" so perhaps that's an issue?

[kach22i]

I will say that there are a lot more trucks and SUV's on the road than in the days of old when our cars were built.

Even the cars have their seating position higher.

Higher is safer.

[javadog]

Originally Posted by darrin

I have an '86 targa with the light at the top and haven't had any issue with rear vision blockage. I think the bottom mount would obscure a lot more for me in a targa. That said, I'm only 5'7" so perhaps that's an issue?

Maybe you are able to look under it, I don't know. It might have something to do with how you position the mirror. All I know is that no matter how I adjusted the mirror, the 3rd brake light blocked my view to the rear. It was most noticeable on four lane roads, when the traffic was a fair distance behind me. If they were right on my tail, I could see them.

FWIW, I am taller... but not a giant...

JR