993 3rd brake light

[mesa boogie]

Newbie question:

I recently purchased a 1995 993 with the 'bread basket' 3rd brake light and I was curious to know if anyone has ever simply removed this. I looked underneath the deck lid and it appears to be held in place by 2 screws, my concern is the size of the holes that will be left in the decklid...any experience or information would be greatly appreciated.

best regards,

Josh

[InTheAir]

There are a number of '95 owners that have removed the basket handle brake light, filled and painted the decklid, and then installed the '96-98 brake light at the top of the rear window.

[mesa boogie]

Jeff,

Thanks for your reply. Out of curiosity, am I obligated to have the 3rd brake light? Also, any idea of the size of holes removing the light leaves in the decklid?

Thanks again for your input it's much appreciated.

Best,

Josh

[Bill Verburg]

I did mine this past winter, the wire is all there but the connector at the package shelf needs to have it's pins rearranged.

The holes in the deck are 2 x ~.5" on either side for the bolts and 1 which is a bit bigger on the passenger side for the wire. A competent body man will have no issues patching them.

3rd brake light is DOT required but some states don't enforce it at inspection time.

[kang]

Originally posted by mesa boogie
Jeff,

...Out of curiosity, am I obligated to have the 3rd brake light?

Best,

Josh

Yep, I think it is a DOT federal requirement.

[stevepaa]

If it is white, I'll take it if you decide to take it off.

[mesa boogie]

Steve,

Sorry but the car is black...

best,

Josh

[InTheAir]

But, it should be an easy paintjob.

[StanAE86]

Originally posted by kang
Yep, I think it is a DOT federal requirement.

On top of that, I wouldn't be surprised if your auto insurance might find some way of not providing coverage in the case you're rearended for whatever reason and they find out you've purposefully removed a safety device.

So, if you pull it, put in the later model one. Better safe than sorry.