High Level Brake Light

[swedishandgerman]

This is something that looks completely out of place on old cars, for sure, but does anyone have a suggestion for a high level brake light that doesn't look like a modern thing in an old car?

It's just that a load of us went out in our oldies at the weekend and I suddenly realised how used to following cars with high-level brake lights I have become nowadays

It sounds naff, but I am considering a chromed motorcycle brake light positioned somewhere

Anyone able to offer a recommendation?

Separately, it was a great day. All up through the Exe Valley and over Exmoor. Barbeque picnic and a dip in the river. Twin 1 in the back with her mother going through cake books, twin 2 up front talking motors with dad (nature/nurture -how did those hobbies develop?!)

[222s]

Not convinced that the bike brake light will look any less out of place than a modern high level. However I do agree about the desirabilty for one, especially with the Amazon's tiny integrated brake / tail lights!

I'm going to fit one to my estate (when the new top tailgate is fitted - long overdue as the current one is somewhat over ripe....) using this slimline unit mounted so it is right at the top. I still haven't decided exactly how though! Doing something similar on a saloon would probably be easier, as all the wiring can be hidden out of the way. In fact, one of these would probably be the most subtle internally, mounted off two slim brackets that tuck behind the headlining. If you're going to the southern BKV, I can bring it along the one I have if that's any help so you can see how it would look on your car

[Burdekin]

How about just making one to fit on the rear parcel shelf and trimmed the same so it doesn't look too out of place?

[Faust]

I’ve fitted a high level brake light to my 133… I appreciated what you’re saying about modern plastic bits looking out of place on an Amazon, but look at it this way: I’d rather have a piece of plastic in a classic car than a written off classic car due to someone else’s incompetence!

If you’re really bothered, I suppose you could fit a light and remove it before shows etc. After all, they’re not exactly difficult to fit (my took 10 mins to wire up).

I like the idea of a chromed unit though… I might have to look into this.

I fitted a Ring LED unit (it’s a sort of flattish oval shape) to my car which is mounted on the rear parcel shelf – I’ve mounted it fairly low so it’s a bit more discrete yet is still visible.

I’m also going to be fitting at least one rear fog light before next winter – as Amazon is a daily driver and given that the average road user in their grey Audi diesel dull box seems incapable of considering classic cars, bikes or anyone else that doesn’t have a car lit up like a damn christmas tree, I want to be a noticeable as possible.

[swedishandgerman]

Thanks all for your ideas. I've not found anything in the motorcylce world that looks reasonable, but I do like the idea of trimming one.

Faust - you're right. I prefer the idea of an out of place looking brake light in my back window rather than a car!

BTW, to anyone who hasn't re-covered their rear light reflectors in sticky metal foil (or if you're Mitch, tried re-chroming them!!), you SHOULD! It makes the rear lights so much brighter

[Derek UK]

Whatever you fit, it's best not to have the lights/leds positioned so that they shine on the inside glass surface and reflect back inside the car. Every time you light them up it'll look like a tart's boudoir in the back. Fair enough if that's the effect you're looking for.........................

[redcar]

lol ^^^ derek, you just made me spill my coffee in my keyboard..

[Carlsson 986]

At the risk of getting shot down at dawn, what about one of these? It is after all Swedish! It would only suit saloons due to the angle that it has next to the rear screen, and no reflection.

Ric

[swedishandgerman]

Good idea! Actually, I'd like the rest of the car to go with the brake light. I had an '88 T16S which was one of the best cars I've owned

[mrmeringo]

Why not fit one like the 740s