Wiring all rear lights for brake lights

[bossbob]

Some have suggested that I convert all 4 rear lights so they operate as brake lights. So, I'm curious as to how many have done this, and what is the procedure.

How would I wire the other two lights, is it as simple as splicing into the brake light harness and not using the factory harness for the top 2 lights?

[todd lorber]

So, I'm assuming your car is a '68?
Yes, all you'd have to do is splice into the brake light wire and make a small pigtail to feed the other light. Same with the turn signal if you wanted them to operate like a '69-'70.
Please do a proper splice (solder and shrink tube) rather than just the cheesy crimp on fittings. There are wiring diagrams on this site, but it should be pretty self evident which wires you need to access.

[Curtis]

If it's a 68 you won't have turn lights unless you use the dimmer tail light filament on the lower or upper. Not recommended.

[Pjackb]

If it's a 68 you won't have turn lights unless you use the dimmer tail light filament on the lower or upper. Not recommended.

You comment got me thinking have we seen anyone retrofit the reflectors to act as turn signal? it could be bright enough with LEDs

[zippy67roadster]

I did it on my 67 1600 race car as I have no need for turn signals, LOL. I even converted them to LED's so cars behind me can really see them.

[redroadster]

It s better to get a higher 3rd brake lite , like a LED strip .
Most drivers see the 3rd / high brake lite 1st ....that's how its existence developed

I knew a guy that had a Mizzou Law school license plate frame on his Miata I asked him if he went there , "No , but it seems everybody backs off when they notice it "

[bossbob]

If it's a 68 you won't have turn lights unless you use the dimmer tail light filament on the lower or upper. Not recommended.

Are you talking about the bulbs themselves? The car has 1157 dual filament bulbs in all four lights right now. It's how I got the car. If I splice from the lower loom and run a pigtail to the upper loom can I do both, the brake light wire, and the turn light wire, and have them work. Or is this what your saying is not recommended?

Yes, my car is a 68, this is not something that has to be done, just a recommendation I had heard somewhere before.

Thanks again.

[Curtis]

It can't be done with one filament. Brake light supplies constant power and turn on-off power. Brake power will cancel turn and you'll be feeding back through.

69-70 has different wiring and turn switch so one side flashes and the other brake lights.

[spl310]

It can't be done with one filament. Brake light supplies constant power and turn on-off power. Brake power will cancel turn and you'll be feeding back through.

69-70 has different wiring and turn switch so one side flashes and the other brake lights.

Could you use one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/CURT-58240-Non-P ... 0GI6&psc=1

[Curtis]

It can't be done with one filament. Brake light supplies constant power and turn on-off power. Brake power will cancel turn and you'll be feeding back through.

69-70 has different wiring and turn switch so one side flashes and the other brake lights.

Could you use one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/CURT-58240-Non-P ... 0GI6&psc=1

Well sure if you want to change all your wiring, buy a turn switch, hazard switch, have system that's much more complicated. Frankly I hate making the high window harnesses, especially the 69-70. I added a third brake light, simple.

[Curtis]

One of what? No link.

[spl310]

Odd, the link shows when I look at it. The item is a CURT 58240 Non-Powered 3-to-2-Wire Splice-in Tail Light Converter, Not Compatible with LED Lights. It is intended for trailer lights to convert from the independent turn signal and brake lights to the combined.

[Curtis]

I have one on my truck but I couldn't tell you.

[Mattk]

You know I really debated on this topic of weather to go “integrated” or “non-integrated.” In the end I’m going non-integrated. The reasoning is that, even though more brakes lights are way better, I like the look of the turn signals back there and I plan on having a lot of really bright lights on the roll bar with the flashing module. Plus the particular way I’m wiring up things it’s just easier. So I hope that my strobing spot lights will be adequate if not I’m screwed.

m2c

Cheers