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third brake light ideas

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BN2guy said:
Hi Healey Rick -

I think the most reliable way to get the red and blue lights to turn on is by speeding. Try it and let us know how it works in your area.

Bill
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That method only gets me to stop, not the driver following to closely behind me.

DerekJ said:
…anybody that can't see Randy's light is driving too close so you have a much bigger problem.
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Speaking of which, I've seen people driving too closely to me while the passenger slowly mouths out the words "Austin-Healey." Maybe we just need to put bigger boot badges on our cars.
 
I realize this string started with a request for ideas about a third brake light that would not require drilling any holes. At one time I was on the same quest and went so far as to glue magnets to the underside of the boot lid to hold in place--somewhat tenuously--a third brake light.

In the end I bit the bullet and found a rather unobtrusive plastic light bar with bright LED's that required drilling two small holes. It allows me to mount my third brake light as high as possible and not in the way of either the hard or soft top when either is mounted. I also electrified the reflector pods for turn flashers.
 

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What I did was use the Lucas license plate light from a Jag. XK140, it has a built in back up light. I rewired the backup light as my 3rd brake light (actually 5th since both of my reflectors are converted to brake/turn lights). Then I got a high intensity red led to replace the light in the Lucas unit. So, looks period correct but adds a bit more light when braking. Of course, it isn't a high mount so that's a negative... but at least it's more light! Sorry for the poor quality pic...AH 3rd brake light Small 50.jpg

Cheers,
Steve
 
Rick,
I got caught in Joomla upgrades... need to change website host... hopefully, I get it back online before to long.
Thanks for asking,
Steve
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Hi Michael,
I see its too late since you've already drilled the two small holes but what I was able to do was use a third break light from a GM product (Blazer/Safari) which has a low profile and is contoured close to the shape of the rear shroud. I placed a couple magnates at the edges and fabricated a couple small brackets from some rubber wrapped harness clips which then just slide under the lip of the boot lid (my lid is steel and not aluminum). I then ran simple 4 wire trailer wiring from the light down to the driver's side rear tail light and with the proper bullet connectors I installed the corresponding (female) end of the trailer harness to the tail light. This, along with the magnets and clips allows me to remove the complete unit in about 30 seconds and I can tuck the female trailer connector under the armourcord so there is no visible evidence at a car show. No drilled holes and due to the low power usage of the LEDs I didn't have to add any relays. Quick and simple.
Note that my car is still pos ground so I had to redo all the LEDs in the light but in doing so I was able to split the light bar and I now have turn signals and a brake light. I apologize as I don't have any photos with me but I can load some (I think) if you're interested.
Safe driving,
Dave
 
Dave--

Thanks but I am fine with the setup I have.
 
I did the same 5 light treatment on my son's BN6 ....
Gregs brake lights 20160710.jpg

Lucas license plate/back up light used on Jag. XK140, repurposed as another brake light with LED... also reflector conversion to brake/turn signals from BCS.... actuated by mechanical brake switch set to turn on brake lights at the slightest touch of the brakes.

Cheers,
Steve
MAF-Concours2013 23 DDLs.jpg
 
Healey Passion,
I did the same thing as you. I Modified the reflectors, using a mechanical break switch and have the "3rd" break light near the license plate.

I'm in the camp that doesn't want to drill holes or modify the car in a way that shows I've modified it. Whenever I add (modify) something, I try and do it in a way that the car still looks stock.
I modified the reflectors to light up as directionals and as breaklights. I added a license plate frame that has a roll of clear led's on the left and right of the frame. They blend into the chrome frame, so unless someone points them out to you, they're not noticeable . When powered they light up red. When I press on the break pedel I have 6 sets of red lights. The idea is more red lights at the rear of the car the better.

Those who say, the 3rd break light needs to be higher to be seen, I'd say your a tailgater. We should always be at least one car length behind the car in front of us. At that distance you can clearly see the license plate and also under the rear of the car.

Guys that say, I want to see the 3rd breaklight two cars in front of me. (Through his back window) Anyone in a low car is not going to see any breaklight two cars up when the car in front of him is a Hummer, Pickup truck, Excursion, or any other behemoth out there. Simply pay attention to the car in front and don't tailgate. Just like we were taught in driving school.

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OH MY Goodness:

We aint worryin bout the fella in the car in front of us we worryin about that fella in the car behind us, N we wanna make sure he can see our tail/ brake lights when we exercise them.
 
Keoke said:
OH MY Goodness:

We aint worryin bout the fella in the car in front of us we worryin about that fella in the car behind us, N we wanna make sure he can see our tail/ brake lights when we exercise them.
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Yup, the guy behind us we're concerned about. He/she needs not be tailgating. If so, doesn't matter how many tail/brake lights we have or where they are...
So for the good drivers, as long as you're at least one car distance back, you'll see all the break lights where ever they're placed on the rear of the car.
 
Aint no good drivers left on" Slauson AVE, 405, 5 ,105, 115,10, 60 Fwys better let em see ya it can make a difference.
 
Keoke said:
Aint no good drivers left on" Slauson AVE, 405, 5 ,105, 115,10, 60 Fwys better let em see ya it can make a difference.
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Per the OP: considering a third brake light. looking for ideas of something not to obtrusive and i would like to attach without drilling holes in the rear shroud. any and all ideas welcome and if you have a picture or two that would be great...

Members have provided ways to address that, plus included photos, I attached 4.
As far as no good drivers or tailgaters behind us, they're certainly out there. No matter where the tail/brake/3rd lights are on the vehicle, it doesn't matter to them.
For the rest of us, the brighter or more break lights people see on the rear of our Healey, the better. The question was how to mount a 3rd light without drilling.

Happy Healeying
 
I didn't say nuthin bout drillin no holes??
 
thanks for all the ideas. i am leaning toward some sort of flip up. i do prefer that it be as high as possible....lots of tailgaters around here trying to read the healey script on the rear....what kind of car is that????
 
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