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Yabbadubbadoo Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2012 Posts: 914
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Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2014 4:54 pm Post subject: Stop light upgrade to avoid getting rear ended. |
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I've seen am unsettling pattern lately. Type 3's getting rear ended in car accidents and being written off. Let's face it, the rear end hit is the Achilles heel of the type 3 and most often leads to a car that's unfeasible to repair.
I think an upgrade to brightness and visibility of the rear stop lights is a valid way to improve your chances of avoiding this fate. People are creatures of habit who get complacent. Cars nowadays have very bright tail lights. LED's have made them brighter and they respond quicker. Look at any modern Mercedes for example. Considered highly for its safety, ever noticed the brake lights? They practically burn your retinas at a hundred yards. New cars have good lights and good brakes. Younger and less experienced drivers tailgate you a lot these days because their car is equipped to stop well. They don't realize that the best brakes in the world ain't gonna pull you up if you don't see a car stopping or they just look away for a split second to see who sent that text message.
What I'm saying is people are getting used to bright effective tail lights and your dim little incandescent globes in a type 3 are just not normal anymore and I think that is contributing to this pattern of rear end crashes I've seen lately.
Have any of you considered doing a rear light upgrade or have already done it?
Did you just do globes or did you get more technical? How bout a rear center stop light in your back window? _________________ Sydney, Australia.
66 Type 3 Fastback |
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Clatter Samba Member
Joined: September 24, 2003 Posts: 7527 Location: Santa Cruz
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Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2014 5:02 pm Post subject: |
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Always thought it would be cool to get a set of those Jokon reverse lights and wire them up as brake lights.
Also could wire up the back-up lights on the bumper that way too.
Seems that white lights there would get some stoned/teenage/texter attention...
There's also a thin strip of red LEDs that Watsons Streetworks sells for this purpose.
Seems like a fasty has a perfect spot all along the top of the back window that would be a stealth spot to sink this in... _________________ Bus Motor Build
What’s That Noise?!? |
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marchi Samba Member
Joined: August 10, 2005 Posts: 646 Location: Abilene, Texas
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Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2014 5:15 pm Post subject: |
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cutting down trailer lights from walmart down to fit in mine. Plus changed wires around so top light is brak only and middle light bulb is blinker and parking. This way when i do hit the brakes its a whole new light that comes on. Have doen this mod to the 11 T3's i have owned, havent been hit yet after the mod _________________ I drive my VW or I walk
'70 Squareback
'21 Tiguan (daughters)
SOLD
'69 Fastback (Flamer) |
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Yabbadubbadoo Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2012 Posts: 914
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Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2014 5:22 pm Post subject: |
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Hella made a red lens for the bumper lights but that's more commonly used as a rear fog light.
Some good suggestions here. Keep them coming.
I'm definitely going to put one in my Fasty's rear window and that trailer light hack is a good idea. _________________ Sydney, Australia.
66 Type 3 Fastback
Last edited by Yabbadubbadoo on Sat Jul 12, 2014 5:27 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Towel Rail Horizontally Opposed
Joined: April 15, 2005 Posts: 4622 Location: SE CR IA US NA PE
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Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2014 5:24 pm Post subject: |
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A third brake light in the rear window would be a good idea. I think that's where a lot of drivers now focus, if they do at all... _________________ 1974 Thing -- under the knife
1967 Beetle -- spring/summer/fall driver
1996 Subaru OBW (EJ22, 5-speed, AWD) -- winter car, 3-seasons "don't feel like biking today" car
049 > 070 > 053 > 009 |
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Tram Samba Socialist
Joined: May 02, 2003 Posts: 22697 Location: Still Feelin' the Bern- Once you've felt it you can't un- feel it.
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Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2014 6:36 pm Post subject: |
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Towel Rail wrote: |
A third brake light in the rear window would be a good idea. I think that's where a lot of drivers now focus, if they do at all... |
That's the ticket- Up high. _________________ Немає виправдання для війни! Я з Україною.
Bryan67 wrote: |
Just my hands. And a little lube. No tools. |
To best contact me, please use the EMAIL function in my profile |
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Yabbadubbadoo Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2012 Posts: 914
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Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2014 7:10 pm Post subject: |
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My friend recently had his fastback rear ended in traffic. Was one of my favourite cars. The quote he got was around 17k for a complete job. Seems high but panel beaters charge a fortune in Aus.
No insurance policy is gonna make that right. It's not like it's another cookie cutter car you buy off a lot. Your type 3 can't be replaced or repaired that easily if this happens. I don't want to sound like I'm preaching but If a brake light upgrade is on your list, don't put it off. This could happen tomorrow.
69 fastback. _________________ Sydney, Australia.
66 Type 3 Fastback |
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Bobnotch Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2003 Posts: 22356 Location: Kimball, Mi
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Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2014 6:42 am Post subject: |
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Towel Rail wrote: |
A third brake light in the rear window would be a good idea. I think that's where a lot of drivers now focus, if they do at all... |
Good luck with that. I think the newer cars being like they are allow more idiots to drive, when they shouldn't be. Add in that in my area, a lot of the extra lights are usually burned out (vehicle is supposed to have 3 brake lights, but only the left one works), because people think those things should last forever.
I personally think the best defense, is being actively aware of what's going on around you. Most people are in a big damn hurry, and aren't paying attention, so you kind of have to do it for them.
Installing a 3rd brake light is probably a good idea, but the question is whether or not the idiot behind you will ever see it. _________________ Bob 65 Notch S with Sunroof
71 Notch ...aka Krunchy; build pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249390 -been busy working
64 T-34 Ghia...aka Wolfie, under construction... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412120
Tram wrote: |
"Friends are God's way of apologizing for relatives." |
Tram wrote: |
People keep confusing "restored" and "restroyed". |
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Yabbadubbadoo Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2012 Posts: 914
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Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2014 7:14 am Post subject: |
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Bobnotch wrote: |
Towel Rail wrote: |
A third brake light in the rear window would be a good idea. I think that's where a lot of drivers now focus, if they do at all... |
Good luck with that. I think the newer cars being like they are allow more idiots to drive, when they shouldn't be. Add in that in my area, a lot of the extra lights are usually burned out (vehicle is supposed to have 3 brake lights, but only the left one works), because people think those things should last forever.
I personally think the best defense, is being actively aware of what's going on around you. Most people are in a big damn hurry, and aren't paying attention, so you kind of have to do it for them.
Installing a 3rd brake light is probably a good idea, but the question is whether or not the idiot behind you will ever see it. |
Yup that's the issue. The newer cars give people a false security. They goof off behind the wheel, drive too close, too fast and are generally a#holes because cars are filling in the gap of incompetence that people are allowed to get away with. Modern cars are like a cocoon for space cadets. All the creature comforts and safety enhancements have made people quite detached and insensitive from what's happening around them. Sure you can be more aware but you can also sit there and watch grandma plow up the back of you while stopped in traffic and she gets out and says she didn't see you. That's what happened to my mate.
What I was suggesting is not only a third light but an upgrade in brightness and effective visibility. If someone shines a torch in your face you're gonna take notice. It's that effect. Mercedes did it. I mentioned before, the rear lights on their modern cars are so intense it's obnoxious. If I ever run up the back of a Mercedes it will be because I was asleep, was pushed by the car behind or I died suddenly somehow. _________________ Sydney, Australia.
66 Type 3 Fastback |
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Donnie strickland Samba Member
Joined: December 21, 2009 Posts: 2403 Location: Moody, AL
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Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2014 11:00 am Post subject: |
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Bobnotch wrote: |
Installing a 3rd brake light is probably a good idea, but the question is whether or not the idiot behind you will ever see it. |
That's how my Bug got totaled last September. The lady who rear-ended me told the police she was "turned around hollering at her kids, and when I turned back around everybody was stopped". She hit me going 45 mph; never touched the brake.
A 3rd brake light certainly is a good idea, but they have to be watching the road to see it.
However, that gave me the opportunity to get into a Type 3 finally. _________________ 71 Elm Green FI A/T Squareback |
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KTPhil Samba Member
Joined: April 06, 2006 Posts: 33875 Location: Conejo Valley, CA
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Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2014 11:17 am Post subject: |
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I was tapped from behind in my '71 Square many years ago. It slightly creased the right C-pillar, and broke a seam along the engine bay in that area. The shop pulled it out a bit, but it never sealed right after that. It was only about 10mph! I was stopped at a traffic light, waiting to turn right, pulled forward to peek around the car to my left, and then I stopped for traffic. The idiot behind me assumed I'd keep going and didn't brake when I stopped. But it couldn't have been even 10mph. These cars are very weak in the ass.
Years ago I put a third brake light on the rear package shelf, and it worked for many years. When I had the car restored, that was tossed (warped and cracked). I wanted to put a '67 Bug reverse light housing with a red lens there, but it turns out it can't fit there-- too big. So I have nothing for now.
I'd like to find a low profile LED array that would be bright and also blink when I brake, motorcycle style, for the best warning.
Of course they have to be looking up, not texting, to see it...
Last edited by KTPhil on Sun Jul 13, 2014 3:06 pm; edited 2 times in total |
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Yabbadubbadoo Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2012 Posts: 914
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Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2014 11:24 am Post subject: |
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Yup KT. That 'weak in the ass type 3' is a sad fact but on the other hand you could say vw had crumple zones sorted decades before the rest even caught on.
Let me know if you find something sleek. I want it invisible till I brake and it's burning death rays at the drivers behind.
_________________ Sydney, Australia.
66 Type 3 Fastback
Last edited by Yabbadubbadoo on Sun Jul 13, 2014 11:40 am; edited 2 times in total |
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Mike Fisher Samba Member
Joined: January 30, 2006 Posts: 17962 Location: Eugene, OR
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Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2014 11:26 am Post subject: |
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My middle light has a red bulb in it & makes me feel a little safer than stock.
_________________ https://imgur.com/user/FisherSquareback/posts
69 FI/AT square Daily Driver
66 sunroof,67,70,71,71,71AT,72,72AT,73 Parts
two 57 oval ragtops sold
'68 Karmann Ghia sold
Society is like stew. If you don't keep it stirred up you end up with a lot of scum on the top! - Russ_Wolfe/Edward Abbey |
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Yabbadubbadoo Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2012 Posts: 914
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Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2014 11:37 am Post subject: |
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I remember seeing somewhere a reverse light accessory bulb that goes where the license plate lights are. I think it extends the lenses down a little and has reverse lights pointed at you combined with a new license plate light lens. May have been for beetles. Does anyone have a pic of those gadgets? I think a red led mod in that lens might also work as a centre mount brake light. The LED's look white until they are lit up. Would be rather stealthy. _________________ Sydney, Australia.
66 Type 3 Fastback |
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vlad01 Samba Member
Joined: October 27, 2010 Posts: 3069 Location: Australia
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Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2014 4:20 pm Post subject: |
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do fords get rear ended? their brake lights not working is a know factory fault since 90s to current models.
Actually never hear this trend before for the type 3
on a side note, I never had anyone really even close call a rear end me and I don't even use my brakes much at all, so my lights don't go on much.
I recon if anything its stupid drivers behind that are the problem. Since when do you need brake lights to see a car slowing down unless its night time? _________________ The best of VW engine development!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BROWqjuTM0g
71 Aussie notchback, the money pit
92 VP vacationer, old faithful never die
95 VR executive, Restored beyond factory
92 VP S Pack, bought it new old |
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ALLWAGONS Samba Member
Joined: June 03, 2000 Posts: 4164 Location: Pasadena CA/DTLA soon China
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Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2014 4:33 pm Post subject: |
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When I had my type 34, I added a 3rd brake light, as it seemed drivers could not see my lights when I would brake.
_________________ I'd be UNSTOPPABLE if not for Law Enforcement and PHYSICS.
I recycle old cars and parts, other than when I rot, that's as Green as I am going to get.
Thanks to my Tesla driving neighbors, I feel more relaxed driving my SUBURBAN and old VW's.
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Yabbadubbadoo Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2012 Posts: 914
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Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2014 11:18 pm Post subject: |
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ALLWAGONS wrote: |
When I had my type 34, I added a 3rd brake light, as it seemed drivers could not see my lights when I would brake.
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Thats a good alternate use for that rear fog light, as Mike Fischer did too but you found the red lens version. _________________ Sydney, Australia.
66 Type 3 Fastback |
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Yabbadubbadoo Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2012 Posts: 914
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Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2014 11:27 pm Post subject: |
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Clatter wrote: |
Always thought it would be cool to get a set of those Jokon reverse lights and wire them up as brake lights.
Also could wire up the back-up lights on the bumper that way too.
Seems that white lights there would get some stoned/teenage/texter attention...
There's also a thin strip of red LEDs that Watsons Streetworks sells for this purpose.
Seems like a fasty has a perfect spot all along the top of the back window that would be a stealth spot to sink this in... |
Oh I put it together now. The Jokon reverse lights are the license plate lights I referred to after your post. I didn't know the name. Duh. Are they out of production or still around? _________________ Sydney, Australia.
66 Type 3 Fastback |
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Kick Kombi Samba Member
Joined: July 09, 2008 Posts: 184 Location: Central Coast, NSW, Australia
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Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2014 2:40 am Post subject: |
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This is a great topic for a thread with some great ideas.
I have been thinking about painting the middle strip section of my later model bumper Red. I could probably hide a third brake light with some red LEDs in the rear bumper easily. It already has a hole in the middle of my bumper so could do another 2 or 3 either side. Maybe a bit low if they are right on my arse, but I would be slowing right down if that was the case anyway.
All I have to help me from being rear ended at the moment is a sticker, telling people to go around!
My sticker and the bumper with a hole already in the middle of section I'm thinking of painting red to match my wheels.
_________________ My 71 Squareback (Sold!): http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=591450
My 72 Kombi: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7922816#7922816 |
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Yabbadubbadoo Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2012 Posts: 914
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Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2014 3:41 am Post subject: |
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Kick Kombi wrote: |
This is a great topic for a thread with some great ideas.
I have been thinking about painting the middle strip section of my later model bumper Red. I could probably hide a third brake light with some red LEDs in the rear bumper easily. It already has a hole in the middle of my bumper so could do another 2 or 3 either side. Maybe a bit low if they are right on my arse, but I would be slowing right down if that was the case anyway.
All I have to help me from being rear ended at the moment is a sticker, telling people to go around!
My sticker and the bumper with a hole already in the middle of section I'm thinking of painting red to match my wheels. |
Might be getting a bit low on the bumper strip but it's something!
Why not test it out and then decide? Buy an led strip light from Jaycar and wire it up with some alligator clips to a battery and double sided tape it in various spots. If had to choose one spot that I would expect to be most effective I'd probably choose the top of the rear glass. It's somewhere totally different and up high so it's in a prominent position. On a fastback or notch I like the lower part of the rear glass for an easier install. _________________ Sydney, Australia.
66 Type 3 Fastback |
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