I would like to install a 3rd brake light in my 53 3100. Something in the rear window, easily installed and doesn't light up the whole cab (reflecting) when its dark outside. Show me what you have, etc. Thanks.
It’s called a diode You feed the center third brake light with two diodes One feeding from each right and left lights So if either side brake light is on, the center is on as well. Identical diodes are almost always good to put in parallel to increase load capacity. So pick up a handful of 1N400x or similar for about $1 and keep them around the shop Think of them as check valves for current. 1N400x is the family, specific numbers are like: 1N4001, 1N4002, ...1N4006 etc They are almost all rated for 1 amp each and the last digit is the reverse voltage capability The end of the diode with the bar marking would be towards the center 3rd brake light on a negative chassis vehicle in the circuit I described. -s
If the turn signals are the same bulb as the brake lights and you wire the third brake light with diodes, if you use the turn signal without the brakes on, the third brake light will flash with either turn signal. ONLY when you also have the brakes on with the turn signal will the third brake light stay on solid. The third brake light needs to be fed from a separate wire from the output of the brake switch BEFORE the flasher.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
This is the third brake light I rigged up on my 53. While it's not a truck a similar rig could be done on a truck. I used an old implement light housing. It's still 6 volt. I wired it to the downstream side of the brake light switch.
Last edited by Tiny; 10/23/20206:23 PM.
Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet. The three main causes of blindness: Cataracts, Politics, Religion. Name your dog Naked so you can walk Naked in the park.
There are kits available to put lights in the ends of the bed rolls. Easily used for 3rd brake lights.
Martin '62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress) '47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project) ‘65 Chevy Biscayne (Emily) ‘39 Dodge Business Coupe (Clarence) “I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one! Support those brave men/women who stand the "Thin Blue Line"! Hug a cop! USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
