83 Buick Regal Estate Wagon 5.3 LS, bagged

[Longroof79]

I have been searching for any threads talking about a wagon 3rd brake light and everything seems to be about adding one on. I have what I assume is a factory light attached to tailgate right above the license plate area. I read in a thread talking about a wire harness going in to tailgate so that also makes me think it's a factory option? Mine doesn't come on but after getting through some wiring I want to change out the bulb and check for 12v if that doesn't fix.. however, I can't seem to figure out how to open the thing up and scared to damage. Has anyone dealt with this light?

I think that light is an add-on. I can't say I've ever seen one on a wagon before. I would think you'd want the light mounted higher to be more effective. But I suppose any 3rd brake light is better than none.

 

[vandall]

Gotcha.. thinking more about it .. it has a small trailer hitch so whoever did that may have added on the 3rd light. Makes more sense. Either way I hope it's properly tied in to brake lights - I will put in a bright LED if I can get that sucker open. Thanks Jack!

 

[Ribbedroof]

Nice wagon, and yeah, that lamp is an add-on

 

[vandall]

Couple shots from this year's Greenwood car show. I parked between a bitchin El Camino and a Bronco.. pretty period correct!

 

[Longroof79]

You're welcome buddy.
Your wagon looks absolutely gorgeous. I'm sure it attracted much attention. Next to that El Camino, it makes it look like a 4X4.
An LED bulb in the 3rd brake light might enhance the effectiveness of the lamp. Although I've heard that LED bulbs don't work that well. It might still be worth a try.

 

[83StreetMachine]

The third brake light I've always added to my Gbody wagons in the past came on late 80s to early 90s FWD celebrity/century wagons.

It will bolt right onto the handle for the rear glass. These lights have 3 bulbs in them and are nice and bright.

 

[vandall]

Forgot to update the hot 3rd brake light discussion! It's working. Haha

We got through a lot of the electrical issues such as turn signals, parking lights etc. Still a couple more problems to trace. I added a sweet security feature (hidden switch nonsense). I am driving it more regularly and it is super fun to drive! It handles well, has gobs of power, and I still need to get the new exhaust components installed BUT I do like the raspy and how crazy engine braking sounds so I drive it in 1st and 2nd as much as possible. 🙂

 

[Longroof79]

Forgot to update the hot 3rd brake light discussion! It's working. Haha

We got through a lot of the electrical issues such as turn signals, parking lights etc. Still a couple more problems to trace. I added a sweet security feature (hidden switch nonsense). I am driving it more regularly and it is super fun to drive! It handles well, has gobs of power, and I still need to get the new exhaust components installed BUT I do like the raspy and how crazy engine braking sounds so I drive it in 1st and 2nd as much as possible. 🙂

That looks great, man. Very effective, too..
What are you using for your brake light bulbs? , they look pretty bright.

 

[GP403]

re-opened. reminder that threads without replies after 1 yr are automatically locked by the system. thx. carry on!

 

[vandall]

Wooo! Thank you. I asked to reopen the thread because I have been working on improving some things on the car, and will post up photos and more information shortly.