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One more islander... Samba Member
Joined: May 14, 2010 Posts: 399 Location: Canada: British Columbia West Coast
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Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 4:18 pm Post subject: Feedback on Gowesty "third brake light"? |
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I'm thinking about picking up one of these, among other odds and ends, while the Gowesty sale is on:
At $29.95, and considering that Gowesty is usually fairly pricey, it seems really cheap. Doing a search elsewhere for similar LED light kits turns up prices from $85 to $100.
Has anyone installed this kit? Did you find it of reasonable quality? I like the idea of the third brake light; is this the best way to go, as of Nov 2012?
Thanks!
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Kathy |
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rc3 Samba Member
Joined: October 14, 2011 Posts: 54 Location: Texas
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Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 5:40 pm Post subject: |
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I just installed one on my 87 , The Instructions are good and it was a easy mod. The quality seems fine to me and hard to beat for the price. there is a 15 % discount through November 26 use promo code thanks12 at check out.
Best regards
Robert |
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joseph928 Samba Member
Joined: September 22, 2011 Posts: 2114 Location: flagstaff az.
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Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 5:42 pm Post subject: light |
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You are right it is a good price. Just put one in, about 30 min. Works real well nice and bright. Went into a syncro westy with air so the wires were easy to run but there instructions cover all scenarios. _________________ 1987 syncro westy tin top sun roof , GW2.3, rear locker, decoupler, Gary Lee tire rack & winch mount, lift, south african grill, big brakes , rhein alloy ,15 BFG AT, Fiamma 10 foot awning ,140 watt rear 85 watt front solar , mppt, truckfridge, automatic fire extinguishing system, tencent oil cooler, And a RMW SS exhaust! - 1971 bug convertible 1776 engine- 2010 Subaru turbo - 1993 Toyota 4x4 truck - 1999 Harley 95 CI, big bore, Andrews cams . Also 80-84- vans. Stock 65 sunroof bug. |
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One more islander... Samba Member
Joined: May 14, 2010 Posts: 399 Location: Canada: British Columbia West Coast
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Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 6:07 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for the feedback!
I'd looked at the video they'd produced on how to install it, and the instructions certainly were clear and extensive. I was just concerned about the price, which seemed really low compared to other alternatives online.
I think it's time to take advantage of that Thanksgiving sale...
Cheers
Kathy |
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madspaniard Samba Member
Joined: August 18, 2008 Posts: 3795 Location: Alameda, CA
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Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 6:45 pm Post subject: |
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I think the kit is worth the money. I would have gone with the kit if available at the time I installed my 3rd brake light _________________ 1991 Westy auto w/ Peloquin TBD
"The only difference between me and a madman is that I'm not mad” - Salvador Dali |
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singler3360 Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2009 Posts: 1191 Location: Corvallis, Oregon
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Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 7:27 pm Post subject: |
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One more piece of feedback that after all is said and done, I also think their kit is worth it. I like that it sticks to the glass. |
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86syncrowesty Samba Member
Joined: September 23, 2010 Posts: 115 Location: Colorado Front Range
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Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 8:01 pm Post subject: |
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Second all the others. I searched for an option without success but my one suggestion would be to consider an led brake bulb upgrade at the same time. _________________ 1986 Vanagon -- Syncro, Westy
2.5L Subaru |
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jmranger Samba Member
Joined: January 14, 2010 Posts: 701 Location: Quebec
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Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 9:29 pm Post subject: |
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No direct experience with GoWesty kit - which looks very nice.
For people looking for an alternative, JCWhitney seems to still stock the LED bar described in this thread. ~$10, but tap splice/connectors and grommets unlikely to be included. Their website changes all the time - better to search for SKU 283526 and/or MFG P/N PL06147. I'm very pleased with that setup. |
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Timwhy Samba Member
Joined: January 01, 2009 Posts: 4002 Location: Maine
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Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2012 3:54 am Post subject: |
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jmranger wrote: |
No direct experience with GoWesty kit - which looks very nice.
For people looking for an alternative, JCWhitney seems to still stock the LED bar described in this thread. ~$10, but tap splice/connectors and grommets unlikely to be included. Their website changes all the time - better to search for SKU 283526 and/or MFG P/N PL06147. I'm very pleased with that setup. |
X2 on the JC light bar. I wouldn't be able to get my window blanket tight to the rear window if there
were a light stuck to it. Running wires and hooking up a third brake light is pretty easy, I think it is
a worthwhile mod that may help you be seen better! _________________ '15 Audi A3 Quattro
'09 VW Tiguan (dead)
'87 VW Westy
'91 Tin Top
'90 Cabby
What the Westy wants the Westy GETS
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_search.php?search_author=Timwhy&show_results=summary
http://www.youtube.com/user/TIMWHY2?feature=mhee |
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Home Team Van Samba Member
Joined: January 02, 2008 Posts: 465 Location: wilmington, nc
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Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2012 6:47 am Post subject: |
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jmranger wrote: |
No direct experience with GoWesty kit - which looks very nice.
For people looking for an alternative, JCWhitney seems to still stock the LED bar described in this thread. ~$10, but tap splice/connectors and grommets unlikely to be included. Their website changes all the time - better to search for SKU 283526 and/or MFG P/N PL06147. I'm very pleased with that setup. |
That's what I went with. If installing on a Westy, I think the JC Whitney light is a no brainer as you can attach it to the rear shelf. _________________ _________________________________
82 Diesel Westy |
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CessnaJon Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2008 Posts: 677 Location: Senoia,GA
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Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2012 7:21 am Post subject: |
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My only concern is applying it to a tinted window.Any one done this yet? _________________ 1973 Westy (shared birthday)
1990 Westy Multivan
2015 Passat TDI 6sp
2015 Sportwagon TDI 6sp
LR-JET, Gulfstream 159 |
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specialev Samba Member
Joined: March 25, 2011 Posts: 281 Location: Mukilteo WA
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Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2012 7:58 am Post subject: |
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It's bright enough that people would see it through the tint.
Every van should have something like this retrofitted. I've got the GW kit and I like it. Install is simple and helps me be seen! |
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CessnaJon Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2008 Posts: 677 Location: Senoia,GA
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Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2012 8:05 am Post subject: |
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My concern was whether or not it will adhere to the tint;will the tint adhesive support the light and stay stuck to the glass? _________________ 1973 Westy (shared birthday)
1990 Westy Multivan
2015 Passat TDI 6sp
2015 Sportwagon TDI 6sp
LR-JET, Gulfstream 159 |
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SloFloSyncro Samba Member
Joined: June 16, 2010 Posts: 80 Location: Oceanside, CA
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Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2012 8:17 am Post subject: |
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CessnaJon wrote: |
My concern was whether or not it will adhere to the tint;will the tint adhesive support the light and stay stuck to the glass? |
I personally would cut a section of the film out and steam it free. I wouldn't want to go to the bother of an LED Brake Light, then reduce it's effectiveness by the tint. |
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madspaniard Samba Member
Joined: August 18, 2008 Posts: 3795 Location: Alameda, CA
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Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2012 9:15 am Post subject: |
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SloFloSyncro wrote: |
CessnaJon wrote: |
My concern was whether or not it will adhere to the tint;will the tint adhesive support the light and stay stuck to the glass? |
I personally would cut a section of the film out and steam it free. I wouldn't want to go to the bother of an LED Brake Light, then reduce it's effectiveness by the tint. |
My 3rd brake light is glued to the tint film. No problem so far. I tested the light's brightness before installation (tinted vs. not tinted window) and decided the difference was minimal. The light is super bright, I don't feel you lose any effectiveness. The biggest advantadge of a 3rd brake light is it's position and height but I understand people wanting to cut out the tint film under the light. In my case it was not worth it. Maybe I can take a pic this weekend. _________________ 1991 Westy auto w/ Peloquin TBD
"The only difference between me and a madman is that I'm not mad” - Salvador Dali |
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911pickup Samba Member
Joined: March 06, 2004 Posts: 625 Location: Near Goats on the Roof
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Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2012 5:00 pm Post subject: |
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Looks like a great product for the money. I mounted an LED strip on the inside of my Westy and it works great. The only downside is when I brake at night it lights up the inside of the rear window. If I had it to do again I'd go with the Westy kit; especially with the 15% discount.
One thing you may want to add is a brake strobe module. Makes the center brake light very visible and it's super cheap ($4.95)
http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/led-vehicl...e/195/845/
I've had one in my Westy for about six months and I like it a lot.
Ron |
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Ryan Keating Samba Member
Joined: March 04, 2004 Posts: 217
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Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2012 6:52 pm Post subject: |
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I installed it with the led bulb kit. Works great and was easy to install after watching the video. I would suggest it and think the price is fair. |
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jmranger Samba Member
Joined: January 14, 2010 Posts: 701 Location: Quebec
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Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2012 9:35 pm Post subject: |
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Ugh. No. Really, no.
Well, to each its own, but no.
Yes, it's more visible, but when I see such a flashing light, my brain doesn't tell me "he's braking". It's telling me "what the heck am I seeing". Not good. Same for people that wire their center braking light with flashers. Creates confusion, and prevent reflexes from kicking-in.
Have I said no already?
If you really want to improve your odds, take a bit of time to check that your brake lights turn on even when very slightly depressing the pedal. If they don't, your brake light switches are worn - and those too are $5 parts (two per van). Search for 113.945.515G or 113.945.515H. Details in this thread.
Sorry for the off-topic excursion.
JMRanger |
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911pickup Samba Member
Joined: March 06, 2004 Posts: 625 Location: Near Goats on the Roof
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Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2012 5:37 pm Post subject: |
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As you mentioned, "Each to their own." I've had friends, who were following me, tell me how attention-grabbing the flashing center brake light was. This could be, in part, because very few cars have flashing rear, center brake lights, so it grabs people's attention.
The main purpose is to be noticed, and a flashing rear brake light does that. Will it save me from getting rear-ended? Only time will tell. |
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timichango Samba Member
Joined: April 07, 2012 Posts: 858 Location: Squamish, BC, Canada
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Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2012 6:20 pm Post subject: |
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911pickup wrote: |
Looks like a great product for the money. I mounted an LED strip on the inside of my Westy and it works great. The only downside is when I brake at night it lights up the inside of the rear window. If I had it to do again I'd go with the Westy kit; especially with the 15% discount.
One thing you may want to add is a brake strobe module. Makes the center brake light very visible and it's super cheap ($4.95)
http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/led-vehicl...e/195/845/
I've had one in my Westy for about six months and I like it a lot.
Ron |
Agreed, If I were doing it over, I might also try surface mount, as the LED strip on the rear shelf definitely creates a red glow in the rear window. It's not a glare, per-se—it doesn't affect my ability to see clearly out the rear window, as far as I can tell—and isn't distracting anymore, but initially it was a bit offputting.
The upshot is that you definitely know exactly when your brake lights are kicking in. _________________ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vroomhilde-San: Our 1991 Silver Vanagon Westy automatic + Subie EJ25 |
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