Considering third brake light.

[ashman40]

[mondshine]

I use the Model 38 Hella center brake light which can be purchased from Daniel Stern Lighting;
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/products/products.html
I believe Daniel Stern is the only source for this item in the US.
Manufactured by Hella in New Zealand, it is a very nice quality piece; much nicer than the usual Chi-Com stuff. I made the electrical connection behind the driver's side trim panel in the back seat.

Also located there is the WebElectric BLP-1 Universal Brake Light Pulser Module. The BLP-1 pulser module connects to the center high mount brake light and automatically pulses it when you apply your brakes. The light will pulsate on and off for about a second, then stay on steady for as long as you press the brake pedal. The unit is designed to create a gentle fluttering of light, so your car is more noticeable, yet it doesn't aggravate the driver behind you. The "Delay-Repeat" circuit means the brake lights have to be off for at least 15 seconds before the cycle can be restarted. So, if you are in bumper-to-bumper traffic, the brake light isn't always pulsing.

Good luck, Mondshine

[JerryMCarter1]

there is also a product that will allow the third brake light to triple flash each time you step on the brakes -- $20.00 on the net
_________________
Experience always triumphs over hearsay and You get to select which theory to believe

[Willhelm]

Wow, some great info here! I picked up a pair of 12" red LED strips to mess around with. I really like that Hella unit. If it had been on display I would have grabbed that!

[Willhelm]

So here is the project in it's entirety. The pics pretty much tell the story. If you only have something crappy to say, please save it and just post your own superior work. I worked to the best of my abilities and it does what it is required to do. LED strips from Auto Zoned, the bracket was made from free discarded steel banding. I picked up the power next to the voltage regulator as mentioned by Ashman. Thank you everybody for the advice and recommendations.
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[JerryMCarter1]

Man ----you knocked it completely out of the PARK ! ! ! !

Wow

love it - I need to get started on one for my vert !
_________________
Experience always triumphs over hearsay and You get to select which theory to believe

[Nepenthe88]

[CarlIseminger]

Does anyone have examples of a third brake light on a 'vert? I can see putting the Hella version in the window, so when the top is up you have the light, but what about when we drive with the top down?

Oh, and by the way, great work Willhelm. Using your head and spare parts to create something wonderful like that.

[JerryMCarter1]

Here we all thought you were some sort of a nerd !

_________________
Experience always triumphs over hearsay and You get to select which theory to believe

[PaRacer]

Here's mine - Trucklite led mounted inside. You don't even see it until you step on the brakes.

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'73 Standard "Sunshine"

[Willhelm]

Thanks all. If nothing else let it inspire. I'm happy the thread grew into something so useful. The contributors here posted some really good information about options and wiring. Hopefully it comes up for people doing a search, I know all my questions where answered. Thanks again for the help and kind words.

[68IHscout]

[Redvolk65]

here is mine not bad for $5.00 dollars

next

[Willhelm]

Ha! I thought I was getting off too easy. Yes there is some glare on the rear window. It really does not trouble me, in fact it tells me the brake lamps are working which is good to know and I wondered about sometimes. I'm not really a frequent night time driver so for me I won't have to worry too much. Crossover and SUV headlights are my pet peeve. If I can put up with that in my rear view mirror a little red glare is a minor inconvenience. You make a good point though. I reckon one could go a step further and make a shroud but I opted for simple. I admire all the cool solutions people are posting. Seriously though, it is what it is. I'm going to leave the post alone. Awesome if others want to add to it.

[JerryMCarter1]

The research has been conclusive and verified internationally to the point that every car maker has them- Apparently tail lights are not at eye level and people can see that third light quicker -which can save lives !

Jerry
_________________
Experience always triumphs over hearsay and You get to select which theory to believe

[Nepenthe88]

[68IHscout]

After what Jerry Mc poste d I am inspired to come up with something of my on creatio n(like the (O P)

[JerryMCarter1]

I will build one for my vert in late Sept -- for sure

Jerry M. Carter
_________________
Experience always triumphs over hearsay and You get to select which theory to believe

[cferry7]

Hi Willhelm -

Thanks for the information concerning NY Police or NY Vehicle
Mechanical Lighting Violation Law's.

I feel fortunate that in states MD, VA, NC I've been stopped for Lighting on my Beetle in the past, they have always been very considerate - most times only a Verbal Warning.
Brings up interest about the Historic Vehicle Mechanical / Lighting
/ Operation Laws ?
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1st : ' 71 Super , 1641 cc , ~ Stock - a keeper !
2nd: ' 70 Standard , Totaled 7-14-01 , R.I.P.

[68IHscout]