New 3rd Brake Light (and it's customized)
#1
05-16-2013, 10:39 PM
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Mentor, Ohio
Posts: 12,156
New 3rd Brake Light (and it's customized)
OK, this was an idea I had a couple years ago.
Original idea:
If I could get a clear 3rd brake light lense, use 3 different sized LEDs behind it (go small-medium-big-medium-small) and use LEDs with red diffusers and have a black backing for them. The idea was to better emulate the tail lights.
Well, I stopped the original plan due to difficulty fabricating a clear lense without buying an eBay 3rd brake light.
End result:
Get the eBay 3rd brake light with clear lense and chrome backing. Replace the LEDs using a clear diffuser with ones that have red diffusers (ditched the multiple sizes, too difficult).
Remove the chrome backing and not paint it, rather tint it with VHT Night shade and some clear coat.
I will admit, the LEDs are not as bright as I had hoped. I may end up swapping them in the near future.
What does it look like:
Original idea:
If I could get a clear 3rd brake light lense, use 3 different sized LEDs behind it (go small-medium-big-medium-small) and use LEDs with red diffusers and have a black backing for them. The idea was to better emulate the tail lights.
Well, I stopped the original plan due to difficulty fabricating a clear lense without buying an eBay 3rd brake light.
End result:
Get the eBay 3rd brake light with clear lense and chrome backing. Replace the LEDs using a clear diffuser with ones that have red diffusers (ditched the multiple sizes, too difficult).
Remove the chrome backing and not paint it, rather tint it with VHT Night shade and some clear coat.
I will admit, the LEDs are not as bright as I had hoped. I may end up swapping them in the near future.
What does it look like:
#4
05-17-2013, 05:52 AM
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Southeast PA
Posts: 25,136
That came out looking really nice! 
Agreed, it is very dim though. Is it at least brighter in person
Agreed, it is very dim though. Is it at least brighter in person
#5
05-17-2013, 06:05 AM
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Mentor, Ohio
Posts: 12,156
Sadly no. So I will have to play with some LED ideas to remedy that. But at least it's in the right direction for looks 
#6
05-17-2013, 06:56 AM
With the tint on the reflector you're going to need some super bright LEDs. Even then the dark tint is going to absorb the light instead of reflect it so output will be reduced. I like the idea, but skeptical as to whether or not you'll achieve the results you hope for. Good luck!
