[walter_da_jpr]

A common aftermarket addition to a 4x4 and a lot of other vehicles is the addition of a custom worded third brake light. But who wants to pay for a cover or a decal for over 20 dollars. With some simple office supplies and a few tools, I decided that it was time to get my custom Jeep third brake light idea and actually create it. So I got in there and took apart my third brake light only to find the stupid thing is glued together (lens to the frame).

After a week or so of the thinking process I finally decided that I did not have to seperate the pieces but only split them partially. Then I though of making interchangeable screens to have as many custom sayings as you can. The following write up shows exactly how I pulled it off with my first Jeep light. More will follow as I have created a template.

1. After removing the light, I got a few tools. Hacksaw, exacto knife, office envelope paper, clear packaging tape and masking tape. Hammer and flat head screw driver. I also printed out the Jeep logo to make sure the font style and size was correct.

2. After realizing that the lens would not seperate with a heat gun, hair dryer, hot water. It realize I either chiseled it apart or that with the hacksaw I could cut a slit in it to slide a screen in between the lens and the frame. Thats exactly what i did. (pic sucks)

3.It then traced the light for an overall screen size.

4.With a sharpie and an exacto I cut the piece out.


5. After some wiggling and trimming I slowly slid the screen in and trimmed accordingly becasue of the mounting holes and curves.


Blue tape is for stiffness in the corners.

[walter_da_jpr]

6. I then took the letters and trimmed them out then stuck them to clear tape to keep them straight while i trimmed the envelope paper.



7.I painted the back of the template to keep excess light from penetrating the paper and focusing the light throught the letters. I left the outside facing paper blank to help keep the appearance in the daytime low.

8. With a little more trimming it fit nicely. I put clear tape on boith sides to waterproof the paper but i will be laminating future copies.

Final look:



HTH anyone considering this or having problems seperating the pieces.

WALTER

[nix_toy]

I've found it hard to find replacement 3rd break lights... but I've wanted to do that for a long time.

[Curtis Doran]

I have one of these on mine(except mines the jeep logo), it looks great day and night, only like 15 bucks...!

[sparkeep]

Did you see this thread...

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f46/3rd-brake-light-138410/

Here is mine:
http://gallery.naturespocket.com/generated/Jeep%20Rubicon/Modifications/img_1425__scaled_800.jpg

Homemade out of plastic from a blank CD case and inserted into the housing.

[radryan505]

mines better! haha

[sparkeep]

[radryan505]

Yeah that is pretty read...now that the light is cool you need to work on your country being cool hahaha jk man. That is far more crafty then mine! I surrender!