How-To: LED 3rd Brake Light

[Focus]

Since I recently installed my Carbon Fibre Trunk Lid spoilerless, I had to add the interior 3rd brake light. I hated how the bulb looked and I wanted something different, so I made changes with an LED.

Here goes:

The Bezel Freshly painted Black, using SEM trim black:
http://www.mazdaspd.com/images/ledbrakelight/HPIM1531.jpg

That's dust on the bezel, duh...
http://www.mazdaspd.com/images/ledbrakelight/HPIM1532.jpg

The lens piece with the Incadescent light mount removed:
http://www.mazdaspd.com/images/ledbrakelight/HPIM1533.jpg

The adapter made by a buddy of mine at his machine shop. The holes are radiuses so that the LED are press fit. This piece is also press fit in to the red lens:
http://www.mazdaspd.com/images/ledbrakelight/HPIM1534.jpg

This side is what presses up against the lens, also beveled for a cleaner look:
http://www.mazdaspd.com/images/ledbrakelight/HPIM1535.jpg

Some 70,000 mcd LEDs ebay special !
http://www.mazdaspd.com/images/ledbrakelight/HPIM1536.jpg

A couple of pics with LEDs mounted:
http://www.mazdaspd.com/images/ledbrakelight/HPIM1537.jpg
http://www.mazdaspd.com/images/ledbrakelight/HPIM1538.jpg

Lit up:
http://www.mazdaspd.com/images/ledbrakelight/HPIM1539.jpg

Adapter mated to the lens:
http://www.mazdaspd.com/images/ledbrakelight/HPIM1541.jpg

Here's a shot with no flash:
http://www.mazdaspd.com/images/ledbrakelight/HPIM1542.jpg

[Focus]

Vehicle Installation:

Remove Back Deck and find the harness that's going to the passenger side shock tower. Within this harness tap on to the Black ( Ground ) and Green/Yellow Wire ( Brakes ) because if you had a spoiler there will be no connector inside the car.
http://www.mazdaspd.com/images/ledbrakelight/HPIM1562.jpg

View from further back
http://www.mazdaspd.com/images/ledbrakelight/HPIM1563.jpg

And finally installed on my dirty rear deck...
http://www.mazdaspd.com/images/ledbrakelight/HPIM1564.jpg

[Focus]

Final Results:


http://www.mazdaspd.com/images/ledbrakelight/HPIM1565.jpg

http://www.mazdaspd.com/images/ledbrakelight/HPIM1566.jpg

http://www.mazdaspd.com/images/ledbrakelight/HPIM1567.jpg

http://www.mazdaspd.com/images/ledbrakelight/HPIM1568.jpg

Here is a little movie I took of the flashing sequence of the brake light. This is after about 10-15 seconds on the brake pedal. Basically it shows you how the 3rd brake light pulses as you apply the brakes, but since I was alone I could not film at the same time.
http://www.mazdaspd.com/images/ledbrakelight/HPIM1569.MPG <---- Right Click and Save as...

These pulsers can be bought at:
http://www.3rdbrakeflasher.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=65&zenid=adf53b709c2a4e4306fda0597e059adc

[pdhaudio83]

Nice man! I await final pics :D

[DemonIAm]

very cool!

[kansei]

sweet. incandescent bulbs are FTL

can't wait to see it mounted up

[Protege v2.5]

Super clean. can't wait to see this finished

Are there any good books/websites out there for beginner DIY stuff like this?

[TheMAN]

it would be a good idea to make a simple voltage regulator for the LEDs as automotive electrical system is crazy on electronics... you don't ever get a constant 12 volts, it's either too much or too little

[pro5x2]

I'd do this if I didn't already have an LED third brakelight. lol

[bazooka joe]

it would be a good idea to make a simple voltage regulator for the LEDs as automotive electrical system is crazy on electronics... you don't ever get a constant 12 volts, it's either too much or too little

good point!

[BRIAN MP5T]

Nice Job John...

[FunkRider]

I like it without the red lense cover. Why cover up that cool aluminum plate if the LED output is already red? Unless it goofs with the output when installed

[Focus]

OK 2nd and 3rd posts updated with full install pics. Also there is a little video showing the brake light pulser !!