Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

I'm trying to add a 3rd brake light to my 69. On the 69 both upper and lower rear lights function as combo stop lights and turn signals. When I tie into the left brake light wire, the 3rd brake light will flash with the left turn signal when activated. I'm assuming it would be the same if I tied into the right side. So, the dilemma is that when you just want to make a turn or change lanes the 3rd brake light will flash. While I can live with this, I would much prefer to have the 3rd brake light act independently of the turn signals. Any of you electronics experts have a solution? Curtis?? Thanks!

Hi Mike
So the wire you’re looking for runs through the hazard switch or turn switch. I found this out working on Potato-Judges electrical gremlin. I can’t remember the color of the wire, I think green with yellow stripe, but it’s there. Just use a test light to find the right wire and your good to go. Also, of course there’s the brake switch it’s self Which is a long run but it is a small car. I might recommend a relay not knowing the current draw of the new third light. But if you go led you should be ok.

Hope this helps

Matthew

Matthew, looking at the wiring diagrams, it does not seem to show any independent brake light wire running to the rear in the harness. As you mentioned, there looks like an independent brake wire coming off the hazard switch. Perhaps I can feed off of there and just run to the back. Like you said, it's not a long car! I had also thought about coming off the brake light switch but wasn't sure if it would be effected by the turn signals also. Was hoping for an easy solution, but I don't know why I would be that lucky! If worse comes to worse I can always rig up a second brake light switch and feed it directly off the battery!!! Thanks for your help.

I ran a wire from the third light to the brake switch.

I added a third brake light. I'll put the reverse light on the othe side when I can get some more mounting brackets.

Curtis wrote: ↑Sun Jun 23, 2019 10:35 pm I added a third brake light. I'll put the reverse light on the othe side when I can get some more mounting brackets.

Curtis,
I know in Europe a fog lamp is always mounted on the left side, but wouldn't you want the 3rd brake light to be a CHMSL?

Alvin wrote: ↑Sun Jun 23, 2019 11:14 pm

Curtis wrote: ↑Sun Jun 23, 2019 10:35 pm I added a third brake light. I'll put the reverse light on the other side when I can get some more mounting brackets.

Curtis,
I know in Europe a fog lamp is always mounted on the left side, but wouldn't you want the 3rd brake light to be a CHMSL?

I would if I had a place to put it. This is quick and easy and brighter than the stock. 21 watt halogen.

Might find a way later to mount one at back of the hoop. These are sold in Europe as a red fog light.

I think something like this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/5M-16ft-300led ... 1460611457
Under the rear cockpit trim could work as a third brake light.

spl310 wrote: ↑Mon Jun 24, 2019 10:10 am I think something like this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/5M-16ft-300led ... 1460611457
Under the rear cockpit trim could work as a third brake light.

I thought of that, haven't tried it yet. This took maybe 20 minutes to put on. Made a wire adapter and bolted the light on.

Some ideas from a past discussion:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=26067

As far as mounting for safety reasons, the higher the better. The idea is to put it in the field of vision for the inattentive driver behind you. Think it this way: In a small car, the brake lights are low. If the ID (Inattentive driver or idiot driver) is too close, the lights will be even lower in his field of vision. ID is looking down the road at the next stoplight or at the trees or the cloud in the shape of donut and doesn't see the little car with the lights down low in front of him. Test with a too-big truck and a parked roadster to see how far back you have to be to se the rear lights.

Yes, that is well know that higher is better. But any extra is better and that thing is really bright and easy to install. 20 minutes tops and that included having to run back and forth for the wire and terminals. You won't miss it at night if you're even 1 car length back in a car or S(illy) U(psize) V(ehicle). Sorry, like was posted the other day, they're just a big station wagon just like my Honda van. Most of them and my van will never go out to the woods or wherever and trample over nature.

And if they're that close you''re kind of screwed anyway. And I am very careful where I park. At the Street Survival driving class they had a semi there and showed the kids where you have to be to be seen in all directions.

I plan on mounting my third on the roll bar with the flashy module. I’m looking at the led strip placed into the soft top....some how at this point...and having a switch to switch between the roll bar third and the soft top. I’m also looking into putting something on the hard top but not sure if I’m going to use it or not at this point.

Matthew

I often suggest that owners of early cars swap the brake and turn signal lights because of this.

charlee0620 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 25, 2019 11:18 am I plan on mounting my third on the roll bar with the flashy module. I’m looking at the led strip placed into the soft top....some how at this point...and having a switch to switch between the roll bar third and the soft top. I’m also looking into putting something on the hard top but not sure if I’m going to use it or not at this point.

Matthew

I guess it all depends on the design/shape/size of your roll bar... but could it be positioned/attached to the roll bar in a way where it's visible thru the back "window" when the top is up? No need to have two sets of lights or a switch that way.