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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32625
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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mtnphan
Samba Member
Joined: February 13, 2011
Posts: 46
Location: PNW
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 Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2015 11:23 am Post subject: |
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Anyone had to change the bulb yet? Can't seem to get into it without peeling it off the window?
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'85 Wolfsburg Westfalia 2.2 Subie |
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jimf909 
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 7472
Location: WA/ID
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| Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2015 6:39 pm Post subject: |
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They're LEDs. When they fail in one or two decades it'll be time toss it in the landfill and replace it with more modern technology (if the van doesn't head into the scrap heap first).
By the way, I think this is a terrific value and recommend it wholeheartedly.
Safety third, reliability second, good looks first. Or something like that..,
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- Jim
| Abscate wrote: |
Do not get killed, do not kill others.
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Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
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SSWesty
Samba Member
Joined: August 20, 2008
Posts: 732
Location: Bellevue
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| Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2017 4:46 pm Post subject: Re: Feedback on Gowesty "third brake light"? |
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| The Gowesty 3rd brake light seems like it is a crowd favorite. Anyone find something new on the market that they like better? It's time for me to get a 3rd brake light on my westy. |
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PDXWesty
Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2006
Posts: 6247
Location: Portland OR
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Ahwahnee
Samba Member
Joined: June 05, 2010
Posts: 9810
Location: Mt Lemmon, AZ
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| Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2017 5:20 pm Post subject: Re: Feedback on Gowesty "third brake light"? |
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I use a simple LED bar, about 5 bucks from the usual Hong Kong suppliers.
But what I really recommend whatever light you use is a strobe unit like this:
http://tinyurl.com/ycgymjbu
It flashes the light for a bit before coming on solid. Possibly annoying for the person behind you, but I think gets noticed too. |
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kourt
Samba Member
Joined: August 13, 2013
Posts: 1947
Location: Austin, TX
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| Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2017 8:09 pm Post subject: Re: Feedback on Gowesty "third brake light"? |
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^this. I am using the GW third brake light with this modulator. I use the modulator on all my motorcycles, and it really gets the attention of folks coming up behind you.
When I get into a caravan of Vanagons going to some event I always get comments about how my third brake light is the most annoying and (at the same time) effective brake light ever put on a Vanagon.
If you want to really protect yourself from distracted drivers or folks following too close, install this modulator as well.
kourt |
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Alaskaberrys
Samba Member
Joined: June 19, 2016
Posts: 1001
Location: SE Alaska
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| Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2017 8:19 pm Post subject: Re: Feedback on Gowesty "third brake light"? |
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The few I’ve seen of those flashing brake lights do get my attention.
Seems like that unit would be great if you could somehow tie it into your emergency flashers too. Always felt the stock flashers are pretty insufficient when your on the side of a freeway.
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'91 Westfalia, Bordeaux Red Pearl 2.1L 2wd Auto
'91 T3 Syncro Doka, Escorial Green 1.9L TD AAZ “Gremian” (to provoke, irritate, exasperate, vex...) |
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shagginwagon83
Samba Member
Joined: February 07, 2016
Posts: 3800
Location: VA/TN
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| Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2017 8:32 pm Post subject: Re: Feedback on Gowesty "third brake light"? |
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| kourt wrote: |
^this. I am using the GW third brake light with this modulator. I use the modulator on all my motorcycles, and it really gets the attention of folks coming up behind you.
When I get into a caravan of Vanagons going to some event I always get comments about how my third brake light is the most annoying and (at the same time) effective brake light ever put on a Vanagon.
If you want to really protect yourself from distracted drivers or folks following too close, install this modulator as well.
kourt |
I'm sold on the modulator. Trying to buy a 3rd brake light. waiting for the response from the seller to see how long this 'add on decoration' is.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/-/231883278373?
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Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32625
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32625
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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kourt
Samba Member
Joined: August 13, 2013
Posts: 1947
Location: Austin, TX
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| Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2017 4:59 am Post subject: Re: Feedback on Gowesty "third brake light"? |
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^this too. Light leakage in the cabin needs to be accounted for. I too looked for some time at different third brake light setups for my Vanagon. I rebuilt my upper cabinet (see this post) and wanted to integrate the brake light to avoid bridging the tailgate hinge with wiring.
A study of cars on the road shows that the third brake light systems are carefully designed to not leak light into the cabin. Lights are built with directive shrouds to cover the light pathway all the way to the surface of the rear glass. That's what made me realize the GW brake light was probably the best approach--it seals directly to the tailgate glass and does not leak light. Without careful consideration of these design details you may end up with a lot of red light reflecting off the glass on the inside of your van.
The GW light does have a small red forward facing LED that is sort of a confirmation light for the brake light. I like this feature too--it gives me feedback on how I'm using my brake lights to communicate with the driver behind me.
kourt |
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shagginwagon83
Samba Member
Joined: February 07, 2016
Posts: 3800
Location: VA/TN
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| Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2017 6:32 am Post subject: Re: Feedback on Gowesty "third brake light"? |
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| djkeev wrote: |
That brake light is a great bargain, the only negative that I'll mention is that bright red lights mounted inside of the vehicle and not sealed to the glass tend to leak a lot of red glare into the rear of the vehicle and it reflects off of the rear glass.
But if that doesn't bother you go for it!
Dave |
Thanks Dave. I didn't consider this, and am glad I posted before I purchased the light bar. I will further research another sealed brake light. I might go with the GoWesty
| kourt wrote: |
^this too. Light leakage in the cabin needs to be accounted for. I too looked for some time at different third brake light setups for my Vanagon. I rebuilt my upper cabinet (see this post) and wanted to integrate the brake light to avoid bridging the tailgate hinge with wiring.
The GW light does have a small red forward facing LED that is sort of a confirmation light for the brake light. I like this feature too--it gives me feedback on how I'm using my brake lights to communicate with the driver behind me.
kourt |
Oh wow, that map on your ceiling is insane! I was thinking about doing something similar with the headliner, but I think I like that location a lot better!
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Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan |
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shagginwagon83
Samba Member
Joined: February 07, 2016
Posts: 3800
Location: VA/TN
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| Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2017 10:21 am Post subject: Re: Feedback on Gowesty "third brake light"? |
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I was talking at a guy at work. Said something about making my own brake light. So here is what I am thinking.
An 'addressable' Multi-Color LED strip along the top window. Maybe around 2 feet long (maybe longer). Anyway, it will be arduino powered.
-When brakes are put on, flash red (like the strobe box, except it will be on software side)
-When blinkers are used, do the newer 'mustang' style blinker for that particular side - in orange of course.
What do you guys think? I could build this for with an MSP430/Arduino. Cost would be around $20 for parts. The code would pretty simple honestly.
Main problem is micro controllers like 5v source. I could get a 12v-5v adapter but main problem would be getting a decent 12v source. Cause this little CPU will be on when the car is on - watching for 'input source' (blinkers or brake light)
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Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan |
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PDXWesty
Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2006
Posts: 6247
Location: Portland OR
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| Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2017 12:11 pm Post subject: Re: Feedback on Gowesty "third brake light"? |
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| djkeev wrote: |
the only negative that I'll mention is that bright red lights mounted inside of the vehicle and not sealed to the glass tend to leak a lot of red glare into the rear of the vehicle and it reflects off of the rear glass.
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I don't find this to be the case at all with the light on the cabinet. In my installation it's barely noticeable.
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89 Westy 2.1 Auto |
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kamzcab86
Samba Moderator
Joined: July 26, 2008
Posts: 7923
Location: Arizona
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| Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2017 12:22 pm Post subject: Re: Feedback on Gowesty "third brake light"? |
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| PDXWesty wrote: |
| I don't find this to be the case at all with the light on the cabinet. In my installation it's barely noticeable. |
Ditto. After mine (dates back to ca. 2001 with 2nd owner) fell off the glass for the third time, I mounted it to the body, above the rear shelf:
At night, I can barely see its glow in the mirror. There again, it's 20 years old and not as bright as newer ones are.
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~Kamz 
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
 1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子 |
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scottz
Samba Member
Joined: April 13, 2008
Posts: 477
Location: Bellingham, WA
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| Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2017 1:09 pm Post subject: Re: Feedback on Gowesty "third brake light"? |
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| kourt wrote: |
The GW light does have a small red forward facing LED that is sort of a confirmation light for the brake light. I like this feature too--it gives me feedback on how I'm using my brake lights to communicate with the driver behind me. |
I like this feature as well, for the same reasons. |
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lucianosanchez
Samba Member
Joined: May 04, 2016
Posts: 212
Location: Ventura County
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| Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2017 1:47 pm Post subject: Re: Feedback on Gowesty "third brake light"? |
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| Ahwahnee wrote: |
I use a simple LED bar, about 5 bucks from the usual Hong Kong suppliers.
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Do you have a link to that light?
Thanks,
Luciano
_________________
1983.5 Aussan Brown Westfalia | 2016 to 2020
1983.5 Beige Westfalia | 2019 to Current |
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Multiman mv
Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2017
Posts: 987
Location: Martha's Vineyard, Ma
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| Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2017 2:22 pm Post subject: Re: Feedback on Gowesty "third brake light"? |
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| I installed the gowesty light on my 91 multivan two years ago. It has worked perfectly and the installation was very straight forward and easy. I have dark, tinted windows and the light is plenty bright even through the tint. I Highly recommend the gowesty kit. Simple, easy to install and effective. |
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Vnyd Dog
Samba Member
Joined: August 25, 2015
Posts: 384
Location: Napa
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| Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2017 2:26 pm Post subject: Re: Feedback on Gowesty "third brake light"? |
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Can anyone opine or post a photo of how well these interior mounted lights do or do not shine through deeply tinted glass?
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'87 Westy 1.8T Conversion, Orignal Owner, European Delivery @ Westfalia factory in Weidenbrueck.
The Story:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=713391&highlight=life |
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