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Third brake light?
One of my fears when I drive my Cobra is getting rear ended because the car is so low that visibility of the brake lights isn't that good and most people are barely paying attention. I was thinking about installing a very discreet third brake light in the roll-bar. I found a 3/4" LED with a smoked finish so it basically looks black when its off. I think having that little extra alert to other drivers up higher will make me feel a bit better but I'm worried it's going to look hokey. I'm sure someone out there has done something like this, any input or opinions would be appreciated.
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I have seen a few of these. Some guys have drilled holes into their roll bars and inserted red LED’s and they are bright. The nicest third light I have seen was out of Australia if I recall. Low profile and installed just behind the seats before the trunk between the stripes of you have them.
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I share your concern. I've also considered a third brake light, but struggle with the aesthetics. I won't have a roll bar on my new street 427, so the light bar would need to mount on the cowl behind the seats. I picked up something from Northern Tool, but it leaves a lot to be desired in appearance. If you have a link for the Australian light mfgr it would be appreciated.
I think the biggest thing that will help visibility from the rear is LED tail and brake lights. I have them on my SPF and they really help. |
Depending on your roll bar they can look good and work great. We have had several here that have roll bars that go all the way across the car to the passenger side and they installed them in the center of the roll bars and they are very good. One person that had the old original type of roll bar installed a steel plate that bolted to the roll bar and the light was extended out over the center of the car. I never really liked that set up but it worked and others thought it was good.
Ron |
Yes, it's been done...
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http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d...kelight001.jpg |
And here's the detailed "how to do it" thread: http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/all-...as-runner.html
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Here is the one I referenced in my reply that is from Australia. It’s Hella part 5242 and I’ll post a couple pics of it installed and painted.
https://www.autoelecwarehouse.com.au...12V-p/5242.htm http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d...8065A3C8B.jpeg http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d...927C77A705.png |
With my West Coast Cobra I was able to mount an LED strip on the bottom surface of the full-width roll bar. It's effective and relatively hard to see unless you're looking for it.
For those willing to drill holes, take a look at the 3rd brake lights used by Mazda for the MX-5 / Miata. In particular look at 2008 and 2016 generations. The latter appears lower and wider then the former - pick your poison. |
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I am thinking of putting a brake light and turn signals on my full width roll bar. Turn signals from the front and a daytime running light too perhaps. Maybe I can put them on magnets and just unplug them if I want to look really nice.
The last thing I want is a lifted F250 running over my back end. |
I wonder if something like this on the rear downtube of the roll bar would look okay? It's a pretty low risk move because it can be easily removed and there's no drilling. I can just run the wires right in to the trunk. It's only 4.5" long, I just wish it came in a smoked lens version.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...ustomerReviews |
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I agree with Patrick. Some more ideas.
http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d...451AA87C6.jpeg http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d...DA0CA75F4.jpeg http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d...912A96BE3.jpeg |
Patrick's "Close Encounters of the Third Brake Light"
He really wows 'em at the local cruise-in on Friday nights. http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d...rakelights.jpg |
I think you stole that line from me.
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I've stolen everything.
Except for that pic. That's mine. |
Wouldn't you two feel better about yourselves if you simply said "Patrick's fabricating skills are clearly top-notch. Alas, if only we were half as good as he.":cool:
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Fabricating threads? Sure.
Third brake-lights? Check. Cake sprinkles bottle/catch can? Check. Car cocoon? Check. Turkey pans with metal spring garter belts? Check. Who knows how many I'm missing. I miss Chas. |
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This is what a friend did on his TC....
http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d...1212_KZ_TC.jpg It's just leather-strapped onto his spare tyre. Not suggesting that you strap a spare onto the rear of your Cobra, but just saying that the period-correct solution can take a little contemplation and 'chewing the fat' sometimes before it becomes apparent. More info: it's a '70s motorcycle tail/stop light, and it looks OK :) Cheers! Glen |
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