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New 3rd Brake Light (and it's customized)

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Old May 16, 2013 | 10:39 PM
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Smile 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:




 
Attached Thumbnails New 3rd Brake Light (and it's customized)-img_7176.jpg   New 3rd Brake Light (and it's customized)-img_7178.jpg   New 3rd Brake Light (and it's customized)-img_7179.jpg  
Old May 16, 2013 | 10:41 PM
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And now the pics from the changes made to the 3rd brake light:








 
Attached Thumbnails New 3rd Brake Light (and it's customized)-img_7163.jpg   New 3rd Brake Light (and it's customized)-img_7165.jpg   New 3rd Brake Light (and it's customized)-img_7167.jpg   New 3rd Brake Light (and it's customized)-img_7168.jpg   New 3rd Brake Light (and it's customized)-img_7174.jpg  


Last edited by The_Maniac; May 16, 2013 at 10:43 PM.
Old May 16, 2013 | 10:42 PM
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Final pic before installation.
 
Attached Thumbnails New 3rd Brake Light (and it's customized)-img_7175.jpg  
Old May 17, 2013 | 05:52 AM
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That came out looking really nice!

Agreed, it is very dim though. Is it at least brighter in person
 
Old May 17, 2013 | 06:05 AM
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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
 
Old May 17, 2013 | 06:56 AM
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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!
 
Old May 17, 2013 | 08:26 AM
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Try to find out what LEDs are in my tail lights, those things are stupid bright :p
 
Old May 17, 2013 | 10:19 AM
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Originally Posted by ChibiBlackSheep
Try to find out what LEDs are in my tail lights, those things are stupid bright :p

Ditto and make sure you make me one, lol. I need something stupid bright, ahaha.
 
Old May 17, 2013 | 10:32 AM
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Originally Posted by ChibiBlackSheep
Try to find out what LEDs are in my tail lights, those things are stupid bright :p
^ my god are they ever
 
Old May 17, 2013 | 10:45 AM
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Thats a Great Idea Jason....

To Bad my 5th gen does have it!
 

Last edited by STUMPMI; May 27, 2013 at 10:40 AM.



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