Third Brake Light

[Porsche-O-Phile]

OK, given the ever-increasing number of inattentive morons in obnoxiously-sized SUVs here in LA (and elsewhere I imagine) I figured it was a good investment to get the 3rd brake light setup from Pelican and install it as extra insurance against getting rear-ended. I got the part (stock for later years, looks good) and am going to install it probably tomorrow.

The pics of the later year cars show it centered near the top of the hatch glass, my question is where to run the wiring. I was thinking maybe down and around and tapping into either the left or right brake light circuit, but I don't know if that'll over stress the circuit since it would then be carrying the load of two bulbs as opposed to one, make that side run a little dimmer than the other or whatever.

Has anyone else done this? For those that have a later model car with the 3rd brake light stock and know their wiring setup, where does it tap into?

All help appreciated. Thanks!

[AFJuvat]

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/mult_third_brake_light/mult_third_brake_light.htm

Ask and ye shall recieve

AFJuvat

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Thanks! PERFECT!!! That's exactly what I needed to know. . . I see I'm not the first one to be rear-end paranoid.

[pearldrum]

I really want one of those lights. I think the three lights look really good plus two brake lights doesn't seem like enough. I just haven't found time to buy one...hopefully it won't take being rear ended to make me eventually buy one.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

There are kits out there to add an extra bulb to the section of the taillight lens bezels next to the ones that light up in the stock configuration, giving more light. If I find the kit, I'll post it - I think it's basically just a harness that someone makes. Don't know what other implications that'd have for your electrical system though (drawing a lot of extra power than the system was intended for). . .

[pearldrum]

Originally posted by Porsche-O-Phile
There are kits out there to add an extra bulb to the section of the taillight lens bezels next to the ones that light up in the stock configuration, giving more light. If I find the kit, I'll post it - I think it's basically just a harness that someone makes. Don't know what other implications that'd have for your electrical system though (drawing a lot of extra power than the system was intended for). . .

Yeah, I've seen those. ************************ is one company that carries it. I don't think it looks as good as the third brake light.

[zehnd]

Dan Wray (Iceshark) from Rennlist. You need to find used bulb sockets.

There are no new ones left. He bought the last few available in North America.

I purchased the kit from him. Good quality.

[IceShark]

Yeah, I think I pretty much cleared out the remaining inventory of the new bulb sockets and doled them out all over the planet. Some went as far as Asia. I've been told the sockets are now out of production for good so it is go to the parts breakers and get used ones. Porsche used them in the tail lights and side markers. The old VeeDub Bugs used them in taillights. Some Audi makes used them also. If you can get the 944 taillight backplate for 10 bucks or so then you have 4 sockets per plate. Not a bad price.

While you can light up the dead North American tail light cells for brake lights I think the high mounted 3rd eye is a good idea as it will catch other drivers' eyes better.

What type of bulb you put in it is the next question. The stock bulb is a 21 watt #1156 incandescent. I also experimented with a 35 watt halogen that put out about twice the light. No problem on wiring and voltage drop but halogen do run hotter and I would be concerned if you are in stop and go traffic in the hot summer and stood on the brakes for over 10 minutes straight. The 3rd eye is a pretty small volume and you might melt some plastic.

I finally ended up using a "Sho-Me" 40 led array made by Able 2 that cops and emergency vehicles use. Fits in pretty nice with only minor trimming, quite bright, will last longer than I will be on this earth and doesn't give off much heat. Only problem is the thing wholesales for about $30 and retails at list for $60 so really isn't a cost effective solution. I got mine for free as a test sample but gave up on the idea of offering them for sale to others due to the high cost and all the hoops I would have to jump through to not step on other distributors' toes. This LED business really is a racket.

In summary, I would get the 3rd eye and use a 35 watt halogen if you can stay off the brake too long. If not I would probably drill some vent holes in the 3rd eye plastic lower case and run the 35s. But if money isn't an issue, go for the LED arrangement.

[Zero10]

Ha... stops you from being rear-ended...
The ford aerostar behind me didn't seem to see my middle brake light... neither did the grand am, and he's not even that high up...
I'm sure driving a black car at night had nothing to do with it =)

Sorry, had to throw in my story there.

I have a 21W bulb in my center brake light, and it doesn't even get warm, and it is very visible through my tint. I don't think you need any more than that (In my opinion).

I am thinking of lighting up my un-used cells when I get a few bucks (which could be a while...), I guess I should start stealing vw-bug tail lights =)

[Porsche-O-Phile]

I was thinking LEDs might be good if I can find clusters that would work in all the rear lights - I've seen them on bikes too and they make a LOT of sense there. Same problem - if someone doesn't see you - you're going to get the losing end of it!

I'll do some digging on some of the motorcycle sites I know and let you know what I find for good LED clusters.

[SoCal Driver]

For those missing sockets in the tail lights: Go to a wrecking yard and find a rear ended 924/944/951 and pry out a few of the metal bulb holders. Take the sockets off of them. This will give you a selection of both single and double circuit socets. Wider choice of bulb wattages.