'63 Third Brake Light on Cab?

[Heater63]

I'm finishing up the cab sheetmetal, and wondering if I want to add a third brake light there, and open to ideas. First I was thinking of an LED strip in the tailgate, but how would it look on the back of the cab? Anybody done this?

[mr andrerson]

i had been thinking about this on my 65 DD. i saw someone using a tahoe third light somewhere. i wondered if there was a clean inside the glass unit myself.

[k1rodeoboater]

http://www.persh.org/pickup/ThirdBrakeLight.htm

there you go

[markeb01]

For a 3rd (& 4th) brake light, I installed a set of Ron Francis red Brite Lites on the back of my cab:

http://www.ronfrancis.com/prodinfo.asp?number=BL%2D69R

They are rather discrete, and are connected to the brake light circuit so they come on as blinkers, stop lights or when the 4 way flasher is switched on. They do not light up when the tail lights are on. Along with the four Cadillac tail lights, there’s a lot of stop light power at night.

For emergency situations I also have a pair of amber bullet style Brite Lites at the top of the rear stake pockets. On my truck these are operated independently by a police car headlight wig-wag flasher. Red lights mounted in this location could serve as high mounted brake lights instead on the cab:

http://www.ronfrancis.com/prodinfo.asp?number=MC%2D61

Here’s how they all look on the truck:

[Clyde65]

I used this one.

http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....5Z5Z50000029b#

[protrash64]

I was just staring at the 60-66 wiring diagrams; where do you tie into the brake light circuit so as to avoid the turn signals?

I'm stealing my 3rd brake light from a billet license plate frame that is now illegal in AZ 'cuz it covers the state name....wasn't using it anyway!

[Big Fenders]

Here's what I used from a 1999 Chevy Suburban
I wired directly from the brake light switch.
Bob

[protrash64]

Originally Posted by Big Fenders

Here's what I used from a 1999 Chevy Suburban
I wired directly from the brake light switch.
Bob

You mean the switch on the column mount, correct? This is where it seemed to be the most simple to me.

[mr andrerson]

hey clyde65 do you have a pic installed?

[Big Fenders]

Originally Posted by protrash64

You mean the switch on the column mount, correct? This is where it seemed to be the most simple to me.

The switch behind the brake pedal...
Bob

[lakeroadster]

Originally Posted by Big Fenders

Here's what I used from a 1999 Chevy Suburban
I wired directly from the brake light switch.
Bob

Do you have a photo of this from the side? Wondering how noticeable this is and how it effects profile of the cab.

Thanks.

[Big Fenders]

Hardly noticeable at all except when brakes are used. The assembly didn't quite fit the contour [radius] so I used a little black silicone sealant to fill in the ends.
Bob

[Blue666]

Bob,

Thanks a bunch. Really shows that the light fits up tight & close, no gap. Looks like a must do, easy cheap project.

Thanks,

Blue666

[lakeroadster]

Bob,

When you fished the wire inside the cab did you take the dome light out for better access or was that not necessary?

[bulldoggraphics]

I have the light from the '68 style on mine works and looks great
The next step for me in an LED Bulb for less heat on the very close plastic lens

[eandsintn]

Originally Posted by bulldoggraphics

I have the light from the '68 style on mine works and looks great
The next step for me in an LED Bulb for less heat on the very close plastic lens

That looks very good! I love the fact that it looks very period specific. Much like the 60' Impala tail lights I'm using.

[Clyde65]

Heater,

My dad got a tank for his 1930 Chevy 2door sedan from the Fuel Cell guy, it worked perfectly too. Yea I know Boyds might be a little cheaper, I am waiting on a group buy to get one, he is in Florida I think. Probably in March or so. Saving my duckies!

[Big Fenders]

Originally Posted by lakeroadster

Bob,

When you fished the wire inside the cab did you take the dome light out for better access or was that not necessary?

Yes...access through dome light hole. I used an electricians snake to pull the hot brake wire.
Bob

[lakeroadster]

Bob, one final question. I bought the Suburban third brake light and it has double sided tape all along the bottom, along with the two mounting holes.

Did you use the double sided tape or just the screws? I am "on the fence" as to if I want to use the tape.

Some of the tape they have now adays is so strong I am afraid I will destroy the plastic housing if I want to remove the light (for paint and bodywork)?

Really amazing how good it fits the contour of the cab back lip. Thanks for turning us on to the idea!

[roofingbloke]

Here is mine, I took three moon gear knobs, drilled out the eye sockets and fitted 6 x led lights, then mounted them on a plate,

Looks great at night,

[Heater63]

Wow, this is great info guys. What a great board we have here. Thanks for the leads. Clyde, that one from Julianos sounded too thick (deep) in the description, but looks pretty thin on your truck. I'm thinking it would look good above the rear glass too. Are you pleased with it?
Big Fenders may have the bomb tho, I like that look. Bob, how does that 'burb unit fit/look/and work in that location ( It's mounted upside down, and not parallel to the line of sight from the rear ) Did you have to add any drain holes or anthing?
Bad62, have you done one of the F*rd units yet or seen one on our trucks?

-Tad

[Clyde65]

heater63,

I like it because it is very bright and it is rather small. It is basically stuck on the outside with two sided tape and I drilled one hole on the drivers side to pull the wires through. I like it.

[Heater63]

Thanks Clyde, and all others.

Clyde, saw where your thinking about an aluminum tank. I just got a 20 gal from FuelCellGuy, www.aluminumfuelcell.com right down the road in Mineola. Very Pleased with it, although, a Dave Boyd group buy can be cheaper.

-Tad

[Heater63]

OK,
my award goes to .... roofingbloke
great creativity and effort to pull off a one-off. Kudos.

[protrash64]

Originally Posted by Heater63

OK,
my award goes to .... roofingbloke
great creativity and effort to pull off a one-off. Kudos.

X2 good job, thats cool!!