Interior/Exterior LED 3rd Brake Light?
#1
LED 3rd Brake Light?
Hey everybody. Wow, long time no post. I was wondering if anybody had installed the LED 3rd brake light. Mine recently broke and I'm debating between getting the factory set for around $160 or the 3rd party rear LED lights for $65 and they are LED...But I don't want it to look ricey or tacky either.
Does anybody have them and can post pictures or any suggestions? Also, another fear is that the LED will look completely different then the other 2 brake lights and again, will look awkward.
This is what I was considering:
http://www.mossmini.com/Shop/ViewPro...77&SortOrder=1
Does anybody have them and can post pictures or any suggestions? Also, another fear is that the LED will look completely different then the other 2 brake lights and again, will look awkward.
This is what I was considering:
http://www.mossmini.com/Shop/ViewPro...77&SortOrder=1
#3
I bought the one with the chrome housing. I actually prefer the factory look of a red lens but did not purchase a factory replacement since they are a lot more money and it seems the factory ones commonly break (like mine did). Between the two sold at Moss, I chose the chrome not because I prefer the look but because it should be brighter and therefore more noticeable. While I was replacing it, I added a flasher circuit as well to even increase conspicuity even more. The housing itself is reasonably built but not quite up to fitment standards of an OEM version. If an OEM one is a 10/10, this one would be an 8.5/10. The actual light output of the Moss unit appears to be brighter than the OEM version. Overall, I'm glad I bought it.
#4
I bought the one with the chrome housing. I actually prefer the factory look of a red lens but did not purchase a factory replacement since they are a lot more money and it seems the factory ones commonly break (like mine did). Between the two sold at Moss, I chose the chrome not because I prefer the look but because it should be brighter and therefore more noticeable. While I was replacing it, I added a flasher circuit as well to even increase conspicuity even more. The housing itself is reasonably built but not quite up to fitment standards of an OEM version. If an OEM one is a 10/10, this one would be an 8.5/10. The actual light output of the Moss unit appears to be brighter than the OEM version. Overall, I'm glad I bought it.
#5
Even after I ordered the chrome one, I still went back and forth a bit in my mind. After I installed it, I felt a bit better...it actually looks decent. I think either one is good in their own ways. If I had plans of blacking out all the chrome trim on the car, I definitely would have ordered the black one.
To the OP. Buy the Moss unit. The extra $100 for OEM is just not worth it.
To the OP. Buy the Moss unit. The extra $100 for OEM is just not worth it.
#6
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#8
I don't think LED looks ricey but sometimes 3rd party solutions can or if you mix normal back end lights with 1 set of LED in the middle it can.
#10
good idea I've also seen some specialty spray paints for plastic lenses. Common one is smoke but I've also seen red. Not sure how good those are though.
On another note, when I took the OEM housing out, I tested the leds and they were still working. That will go in to the spare parts bin for possible use on another project.
On another note, when I took the OEM housing out, I tested the leds and they were still working. That will go in to the spare parts bin for possible use on another project.
#11
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#14
We just replaced ours with a stock unit. Alas there's a lack of affordable aftermarket options here in Canada. And of the few places that stock the third brake light, all were backordered.
I would think a silver housing would look pretty ricey unless you had a light coloured car. And since all third brake lights are LED I can't imagine how that would bother you.
Super easy job. Five minutes with a Torx-20 screwdriver. Open hatch, undo three screws, pop out light, unplug wires. Reverse to install.
I would think a silver housing would look pretty ricey unless you had a light coloured car. And since all third brake lights are LED I can't imagine how that would bother you.
Super easy job. Five minutes with a Torx-20 screwdriver. Open hatch, undo three screws, pop out light, unplug wires. Reverse to install.
#17
Ordering from MOSS as we speak..type?...you read...
Edit: Their website is not Safari friendly. Had to use Firefox...
Last edited by illegalprelude; 01-19-2011 at 01:29 PM.
#18
I installed the Moss unit identical to mini53 (pic below).
One thing to watch out for with these units is that the rubber seal around the edge is not nearly as well constructed as the OEM unit (at least, not on mine). I discovered this after I had washed the car (using a garden hose and spray nozzle; certainly not high pressure) and when I was done I notice that the fixture had soapy water trapped within it. I had to take it off, disassemble it, rinse it, and dry it out with my air compressor. Upon closer inspection, the seal on my light showed an irregular edge and in some spots did not even extend to the edge of the fixture.
I suppose I could have sent it back, but I wasn't certain that a replacement unit would have been an improvement. I just ended up fabricating my own supplemental gasket out of thin rubber material, and that seems to have done the trick.
One thing to watch out for with these units is that the rubber seal around the edge is not nearly as well constructed as the OEM unit (at least, not on mine). I discovered this after I had washed the car (using a garden hose and spray nozzle; certainly not high pressure) and when I was done I notice that the fixture had soapy water trapped within it. I had to take it off, disassemble it, rinse it, and dry it out with my air compressor. Upon closer inspection, the seal on my light showed an irregular edge and in some spots did not even extend to the edge of the fixture.
I suppose I could have sent it back, but I wasn't certain that a replacement unit would have been an improvement. I just ended up fabricating my own supplemental gasket out of thin rubber material, and that seems to have done the trick.
#19
Good question. In my case, I just noticed one day that the entire lens was missing. It looked like it just shattered cleanly off. I know I never impacted it with anything so I can only attribute it to substandard build quality. The 3rd brake light is not something I'd choose to replace with a different one if mine did not break. Hopefully, the Moss unit will last longer.
#20
I installed the Moss unit identical to mini53 (pic below).
One thing to watch out for with these units is that the rubber seal around the edge is not nearly as well constructed as the OEM unit (at least, not on mine). I discovered this after I had washed the car (using a garden hose and spray nozzle; certainly not high pressure) and when I was done I notice that the fixture had soapy water trapped within it. I had to take it off, disassemble it, rinse it, and dry it out with my air compressor. Upon closer inspection, the seal on my light showed an irregular edge and in some spots did not even extend to the edge of the fixture.
I suppose I could have sent it back, but I wasn't certain that a replacement unit would have been an improvement. I just ended up fabricating my own supplemental gasket out of thin rubber material, and that seems to have done the trick.
One thing to watch out for with these units is that the rubber seal around the edge is not nearly as well constructed as the OEM unit (at least, not on mine). I discovered this after I had washed the car (using a garden hose and spray nozzle; certainly not high pressure) and when I was done I notice that the fixture had soapy water trapped within it. I had to take it off, disassemble it, rinse it, and dry it out with my air compressor. Upon closer inspection, the seal on my light showed an irregular edge and in some spots did not even extend to the edge of the fixture.
I suppose I could have sent it back, but I wasn't certain that a replacement unit would have been an improvement. I just ended up fabricating my own supplemental gasket out of thin rubber material, and that seems to have done the trick.
#21
#22
Could you describe more what you did? Mine is doing the same and I am getting a little misting in it. Where did you get the rubber (no snide remarks from the peanut gallery please!)
I installed the Moss unit identical to mini53 (pic below).
One thing to watch out for with these units is that the rubber seal around the edge is not nearly as well constructed as the OEM unit (at least, not on mine). I discovered this after I had washed the car (using a garden hose and spray nozzle; certainly not high pressure) and when I was done I notice that the fixture had soapy water trapped within it. I had to take it off, disassemble it, rinse it, and dry it out with my air compressor. Upon closer inspection, the seal on my light showed an irregular edge and in some spots did not even extend to the edge of the fixture.
I suppose I could have sent it back, but I wasn't certain that a replacement unit would have been an improvement. I just ended up fabricating my own supplemental gasket out of thin rubber material, and that seems to have done the trick.
One thing to watch out for with these units is that the rubber seal around the edge is not nearly as well constructed as the OEM unit (at least, not on mine). I discovered this after I had washed the car (using a garden hose and spray nozzle; certainly not high pressure) and when I was done I notice that the fixture had soapy water trapped within it. I had to take it off, disassemble it, rinse it, and dry it out with my air compressor. Upon closer inspection, the seal on my light showed an irregular edge and in some spots did not even extend to the edge of the fixture.
I suppose I could have sent it back, but I wasn't certain that a replacement unit would have been an improvement. I just ended up fabricating my own supplemental gasket out of thin rubber material, and that seems to have done the trick.
#23
Seems to be effective. Of course, I've also been more careful about not directing a pressure washer stream right at the lens. I'm sure that helps too.
#24
#25
My LED 3rd Brake Light has been waiting for install since the Fall Colors Run in October, 2010!