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Mon May 21, 2012 3:47 am

Eric&Barb wrote: Just wire into the brake wire junction in left rear engine compartment where all the wires connect from the taillights to the wiring up front.
If you go with an interior 3rd light, run your wire down to the VR area under the left rear seat. The main harness that runs from the front to the rear passes through this area on the way to the rear. If you can find the black/red wire that runs from the brake switches you can tap into it with a splice and you are good to go. If you are unsure, use your test lamp (the one with the needle sharp tip). Ground the loose end of the test lamp and poke into the black/red wire while you step on the brakes (with key in ON position). If you have the correct wire the test lamp will light up!

Mon May 21, 2012 12:41 pm

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

Mon May 21, 2012 12:51 pm

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

Mon May 21, 2012 2:36 pm

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!

Sun May 27, 2012 8:37 am

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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Sun May 27, 2012 12:01 pm

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

Wow

love it - I need to get started on one for my vert !

Sun May 27, 2012 12:13 pm

Willhelm wrote: 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.

WOW!! I don't know why anyone would have anything bad to say about that, it's gorgeous, and kicks the ass of MY craptastic 3rd. Nice thought process on the gusset by the way. I prob woulda left it out, got pissed when the bloody thing flopped all around like a bobble-doll like and ripped it out :lol:

Sun May 27, 2012 1:12 pm

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.

Sun May 27, 2012 1:34 pm

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

Sun May 27, 2012 5:17 pm

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

Mon May 28, 2012 7:05 am

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.

Mon May 28, 2012 7:20 am

Willhelm wrote: 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. hey take it easy we are not done with you here ,..I have to get in my two cents worth ,...that is some very creative well done work , and it looks great , one question , on the pic inside looks like there is glare on the glass from the light if so what you doing to direct the light just straight back ...

Mon May 28, 2012 7:40 am

here is mine not bad for $5.00 dollars

next

Mon May 28, 2012 8:53 am

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.

Mon May 28, 2012 9:23 am

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

Mon May 28, 2012 1:06 pm

JerryMCarter1 wrote: 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

This is exactly why I put a 3rd on, and why I mounted it high. Everyone today seems to be driving SUV's might just as well have something closer to their height, so that they can see you (especially if they're tailgating!!). (ps, I'm also gonna go back and add a link to this in my build thread in case anyone's trolling thru and looking for ideas, cause there's some really good examples here! Kudos all!!)

Mon May 28, 2012 5:22 pm

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

Mon May 28, 2012 5:39 pm

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

Jerry M. Carter

Mon May 28, 2012 6:14 pm

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 ?

Mon May 28, 2012 6:41 pm

cferry7 wrote: 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 ? lighting ?? Like a burned out bulb ????or for the lack of a third light???