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Third brake light on a 1st gen 4Runner

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Old Aug 6, 2009 | 07:34 PM
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High mount third brake light on a 1st gen 4Runner, lots of pics.

I would like to add a third brake light to my '86 Runner. I'd like to find an LED light that I could mount under the rear wiper cover. Has anyone done this mod? Seems so basic but my search yielded nothing for a 1st gen.

Last edited by LITLRED; Aug 22, 2009 at 09:13 AM. Reason: Clarity
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Old Aug 6, 2009 | 07:44 PM
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Ive never seen it done before. Definitely would be different. Make sure you post up some pics if u decide to do it.
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Old Aug 6, 2009 | 07:46 PM
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I never thought about putting it up there, but I did put one in my 2.5" reciever hitch.
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Old Aug 9, 2009 | 03:21 PM
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I found the light I want to use. $10 plus shipping.

http://autolumination.com/fixtures.htm

Last edited by LITLRED; Aug 22, 2009 at 10:22 AM.
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Old Aug 9, 2009 | 03:31 PM
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There used to be a 1st gen not even a block from me that had a third brake light and spoiler from a second gen. It looked really good. Just tap it into one of your brake wires I was assume.
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Old Aug 9, 2009 | 03:46 PM
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Cool! Post up when you fab it up!
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Old Aug 9, 2009 | 05:34 PM
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From: Lake City, Fl
3rd brake light on my 91 PU

also a functional turn and parking signal




it would be cool to see one maybe mounted up inside the back hatch, and somehow shining out through the back window, at least I would think it would be cool


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Old Aug 22, 2009 | 02:52 AM
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Third brake light with lots of pics

Here it is finally.

My current configuration

Picked up this $6.00 bulk light at the auto parts store, Big improvement over the tiny stock light mounted low on the side. I wired it to the existing switch so I can control it from the front or rear.
To mount the third brake light, first I found the center then mounted the light to the cover with 2 self tapping screws.


I fished the wires through the roof. It took a couple of tries.

I opted to tie in the wires directly to the plug at the LH tail light.

Of course since its a 1st Gen I put disconnects for the removable top.

I wanted a high mounted light visable above our tent trailer.



Last edited by LITLRED; Aug 22, 2009 at 09:02 AM.
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Old Aug 22, 2009 | 07:44 AM
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Well, you've inspired me!! Nice job!!!!!
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Old Aug 22, 2009 | 08:18 AM
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Just curious..... Why?
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Old Aug 22, 2009 | 09:08 AM
  #11  
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Wanted to give tailgaters a stronger message.
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Old Aug 23, 2009 | 08:14 AM
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Looks good. You could have got the same LED light in white for your cargo light, then they would match, and it looks a little lower profile. Or maybe I'm just a sucker for LED's. I don't know why, they just look cool. Nice job!!

Does it throw any glare off the back window??

Last edited by kiyobrown; Aug 23, 2009 at 08:18 AM.
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Old Aug 23, 2009 | 11:07 PM
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Originally Posted by kiyobrown
Looks good. You could have got the same LED light in white for your cargo light, then they would match, and it looks a little lower profile. Or maybe I'm just a sucker for LED's. I don't know why, they just look cool. Nice job!!

Does it throw any glare off the back window??
Come to think of, I haven't yet driven at night, I'll know tomorrow comming home from work. I definitely like your idea about the LED cargo light. It would look better and use much less power.
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Old Aug 25, 2009 | 09:52 AM
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Yeah If the glare isn't terrible I will be looking into the brake light/cargo light combo. Awesome idea. "LITLRED brake light mod" HA. Too bad it won't work with the soft top. I just looked at your pics again..... What the solid backseat hell you got going there? It took me a sec to realize you didn't have the stock split fold down's.
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Old Aug 25, 2009 | 05:03 PM
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i think its a school bus seat
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Old Aug 25, 2009 | 05:12 PM
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From: Colton/Rialto CA.
it looks awsome great job on mounting it on there
but i wouldve put a longer one on there dont you think
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Old Aug 25, 2009 | 05:22 PM
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if you want to you can take your tail lights apart and spary them with chrome paint to make them a little brighter
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Old Aug 26, 2009 | 09:20 AM
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I think you can get a discount on your auto insurance if you have a third brake light. For my truck with a shell, they asked me if the shell had a third brake light and gave me a discount when it did. The mod might pay for itself.
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Old Aug 26, 2009 | 09:24 AM
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Originally Posted by OutlawMike
I think you can get a discount on your auto insurance if you have a third brake light. For my truck with a shell, they asked me if the shell had a third brake light and gave me a discount when it did. The mod might pay for itself.

Interesting, it won't hurt to ask, right?
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Old Aug 26, 2009 | 10:02 AM
  #20  
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$10 mod wouldn't take much for ROI.
This is my first 4 runner. When I saw one with the split back seat I thought that was pretty cool. I don't know where my "school bus" seat came from. lol The glare isn't a problem. All you see is a slight halo of red if you look directly at it.
Overall I'm pretty pleased with it, though I agree a longer one would be better. Thanks to all of you who've inspired me to mod my truck.
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