Lotus Europa Community
Lotus Europa Forums => Garage => Topic started by: richard-wilkins@hotmail.c on Monday,January 02, 2023, 11:25:22 AM
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Hi
Not sure whether this has been covered before, but I am moved to fit a 3rd brake light. I've got a suitable lamp which will fit below the roof line on the outside of the car. I intend to run the through the vents into the car and back through the rear bulkhead to feed from the brake switch. Is it ok do you think to drill a small hole in the firewall to facilitate this do you think? Not sure what the bulkhead is made of.
Thanks in advance for any replies.
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Missing word from my post-"cables"
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Firewall is a sandwich of fibreglass and fibreboard. The fibreboard does not like water.
There is already a hole through it where the wiring loom passes through it.
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….this any help?
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Thanks for the quick reply. I presume you passed the wiring via the same route? Is that a "stick-on" led strip?
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Hi Richard
This was done on Her before I got her ….don't know where the wires go yet.
There are two forms of MG TF third brake light…..it's this one:
http://mgf.ultimatemg.com/group2/lighting/HLBL/HLBL.htm
There are other forms of MG TF third light which are more curved.
Never removed it to see what’s going on behind….but it's a very neat solution. Will be some time before I see her again as I have some busy times ahead…..but will check the paperwork when I get home to see if there any clues and then pop the lens when I see her next
All the best
Andrew
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Thanks Andrew. Great help. I will have a look at the MGF job.
You'll probably find the wires do go through the vent slots at the rear of the roof panel. A completely unintentional bit of help from Lotus!
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There are two other people who fitted a light above the rear window: 1970EuropaGuy (http://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php?topic=3226.msg32604#msg32604) and matmacwac (http://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php?topic=2894.msg29365#msg29365). matmacwac got the idea from 1970EuropaGuy and this appears to be the light they used (https://www.princessauto.com/en/9-5-8-in-led-third-brake-trailer-light/product/PA0008640591). matmacwac included a link with instructions but that link is stale. Maybe a PM to either of them might net you some instructions if you need them.
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I installed a 3rd Brake light. The new inexpensive led light came from the usual parts store. It had a chrome surround which I removed. I used a belt sander to thin down the top and bottom to flat. I drilled up into the cab just above the rear window gasket behind my 3rd led brake light. I fed the leads into the cab joined them to light gauge red and black wires and then fed them around above the rear window and down to join the harness out of the back of the cab . I then took the wires and spliced them into the rear right wires for the brake circuit. The light was then (kitchen /bath) siliconed to the body held in place with tape until it set. Hope this helps.
Sandy
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Thanks for all the advice. The job will begin shortly. Where other drivers will insist on tail-gating, the need for a higher, more visible "in your face" stoplight is becoming more apparent. When it's done, I'll post some pictures.
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Given a Europa is knee high to a grasshopper, I'm not sure that the location of any third brake light is as critical as its brightness. First make sure you have fitted the brightest, red LED bulbs to the existing brake lights. After that, I would go for an FIA rain light that includes a brake light option.
https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/group.asp?GroupID=RAINLITE
Some of the options are VERY bright and have options for regular or irregular flashing patterns. They are extremely visible. Far more visible than a simple row of red LEDs.
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Yes. Point well made about the height! Before I decide which method to use, I will look at all the possibilities.
I must say how impressed I am with all of the replies. Thank you.
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It probably needs to be lifted on stilts so it's higher than the bonnet (hood) of the SUV's/Chelsea Tractor's/US Pickups!
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Even that's no guarantee to being seen!! :)
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Another member came up with a brilliant addition for the third brake light.
I'll go thru my build to direct you to it, because i just cant seem to find it.
Dakazman
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Many thanks. Look forward to seeing it.
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Here is one mod, however I'm still looking.
http://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php?topic=1279.msg11062#msg11062
Dakazman
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Thanks. That took some digging but wasn't it worth it! What a neat job that is. Very very professional looking. Looks factory original.