Installing a third brake light
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verified userHi there everyone,
In order to be less hassled by the police and save some $ because of non-conformity I have decided to install a third brake light on my car which is mandatory in Quebec. I've been looking for one for quite a while and could not find anything cheap, and good looking.
I've finally came across a 32 LED module on eBay, for 8$ delivered!
You can find it here:
http://shop.ebay.ca/sis.html?_kw=32-LED+Red+12V+Car+Third+Brake%2FStop+Warning+Light+NEW&_id=270706793411
This is what it looks like:
Installation is pretty simple, the module is glued on the back door using 2 sided foamy tape. You could stick it to the glass but I prefered having it on the metal for a lower fitment. If you install it in the window it will hold pretty well, but if you install it like I did (on the door's metal frame below the glass) you might want to use 3M VHB (very high bond) double sided tape as the one that comes pre-installed is very weak and the module will fall off very easily (and often). You can get VHB tape on eBay for quite cheap (I've paid my 8.5x6.5in sheet 7$ shipped).
Steps to install:
1: Remove the plastic trim on the back door
2: Run a double wire thru the inside of the door frame and exit by the top left rubber tunnel (between the door and ceiling). This part isnt easy or fun.
3: Solder your red and black wires from the module onto the ones you just passed inside the door (Red is +12v, black is negative/ground)
4: Tap your +12v on the Red/Green wire on the rear left tail light and the ground on the black wire. You could also ground it elsewhere, but I prefer having all my wires together.
5: Tie-wrap everything for a snug fit and to make sure your wires dont rub and cause a short circuit
6: Center the module on the door and glue it to the door
7: Align the door's plastic trim and cut a V notch to allow the wires inside, and reinstall the trim
8: Measure your LED module width, height and position, then cut your cargo cover with a skilsaw to allow the module to fit. Mine was 11" wide for 32 LED
9: Test fit, enjoy.
sweet ordered one for myself thanks for the tip, need to replace my old jerry rigged one
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130530438718&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
here's the link to the VHB tape I've used
Ordered one too, thanks for the link viz. Did you try fitting it at the top of the windows? I'd like to avoid cutting the parcel shelf if possible.
Ordered one too, thanks for the link viz. Did you try fitting it at the top of the windows? I'd like to avoid cutting the parcel shelf if possible.
That was my original idea as it would've made wiring it easier, but the problem is the height of the wing. The module would have to be lowered a fair bit using some kind of spacer for the cars or truck with a seating position above the wing.
Since the glass has this curve at the top, it makes the light a bit far too, unless you glue it to the glass but I preferred not to do that. Also the reflection in the glass would be annoying when driving at night if it was that high. I barely see it where it is right now
I'm going to be installing one INTO the wing. I've found tons of kits. I'll likely get a spare wing and wire it up. It will be very pretty and ricey. lol
GTi-R, the best ugliest car I've EVER seen/driven. You can make it cool, you can make it fast but you CAN'T make it look pretty.
I'm going to be installing one INTO the wing. I've found tons of kits. I'll likely get a spare wing and wire it up. It will be very pretty and ricey. lol
be sure to show us pictures, seems like a tough job to me.
HEY! before you go to all that trouble... I could even have it painted for like another 20 bucks: http://www.canadagtir.com/forums/buy-and-sell/for-sale/sunny-gti-wing-w-3rd-brake-light
Mine isn't bigger than yours.. I just like to drive
clean install
nice writeup
-Mike
