3RD BRAKE LIGHT INSTALLATION
In order to add a small bit of safety to my 914, I wanted to add a 3rd brake light
to my car. What I wanted was an LED bar style light that could be mounted on the
underside of the targa bar. I had seen some mounted to the top of the engine
lid before, but I wanted the light to be up as high as possible (on a 914, that
means about waist height). First I investigated this placement because I was
concerned about blocking any of my view out the rear window since rear visibility
is already extremely limited (height wise) using the rear view mirror. I found
that I could place an object 3/4" high without blocking any visibility. This is
because the bolster on the front of the targa bar (inside the car) is what hangs
the lowest.
Next step was to find an appropriate brake light. I looked high and low for
a light that would fit correctly and blend in so as not to look out of place.
I settled on the 3rd brake light used on mid to late '90s GM Suburbans, Blazers, and
Astro Vans. Rather than buy it from the dealer, I found it aftermarket for a
fraction of the cost. It is marketed by Pilot Automotive and the part number is WE6-198.
Once I had the light, installation was very easy - under 2 hours. I only had to
make one modification to the light. I had to add an additional screw mounting
hole at the center of the light (it comes with mounting holes only at either end).
I needed to add this extra hole to get it to conform to the concave shape of the
underside of the targa bar. Normally this light is mounted to convex surfaces
where the extra mounting hole is not needed.
I ran the wires behind the targa bar chrome strips and down into the engine
compartment and then to the rear trunk where I spliced them into the wiring
of the rear brake lights. That was it. Take a look at the results.
I think it turned out really good. If you would prefer, this light could easily
be mounted to the top of the engine lid and would work very well there as well.
In fact, it would be much easier to mount (no extra mounting holes because the
surface is convex), and easier to wire up.
If you are going to add a 3rd brake light like this to your car, good luck! And
be sure and drop me an e-mail and let me know if you found this informative. I
always like to hear from people I have helped.
"WHERE TO BUY" update
These brake lights seem fairly difficult to find. Sources come and go. People periodically tell
me where they got their lights from, so below are listed the latest rumored sources. I have had
no connections or dealings with any of them:
Quote from Stratplayer:
I've found a guy who has them the price is $21.90 shipping is about $8.00. I asked him if it would
be ok to give out his phone # so people who are looking to use the same bar can get them.
Hoping this ok to post here, the guy who has them phone is
949-651-6479 ask for Robert and should be able to take care of you.
If this doesn't work out, they are available for $40 at:
http://www.trucknvans.com/bulbs/ledbulb.htm
demick@yahoo.com