I'm looking for a 3rd brake light for my wagon. I don't want to mount anything to the roof like many SUV's seem to have. I'd rather something that attaches to inside the rear glass. Can anyone recommend or suggest one that won't brake the bank? LED would be good, and something that mounts at a bit of an angle. Thank you! Jack
I'd suggest you go to the U-Pull-it in Ganesville and walk around. At other salvage yards I found one mounted inside on the rear package shelf of an 80's Buick that worked great in my 1941 Ford on the package shelf. These types have a sort of shroud or scoop that fits tightly against the inner glass and can be cut to shape. On my 1955 Chevy wagon I used a flush mount 1987 Escort sedan rear brake light. But had to cut out a hole and mount it with pop rivets. Same with my 1948 Chevy panel truck except it is a Ford Taurus light flush mounted. These are just ideas. There are many cars using third brake lights that fit inside the glass or even hot rod type using LED lites. Auto parts stores may have those.
I will give you an idea I used on my wife's Cutlass Cruiser when mounting reverse lights. You can get flexible LED strips and mount them in the gap between the tail gate and bumper. It's a bit low for a 3rd brake light but if you mount it inside the rear window you will get bad reflection every time you hit the brakes. Here is a video of the install. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47Ug5Deq2sY
The problem you have on your wagon is the tailgate and hatch glass design. I'd suggest looking at the units Chebby and GMC used on their late '80s-early '90s S-Blazer and S-Jimmy which have the same tailgate/hatch glass concept as the G-body wagons.
If mounted inside the rear window with a shroud around the lite you WILL NOT get a reflection. I've had the Buick lite on a short pedistal and shield for over ten years in the 41 Ford. Without actually mounting one try it at night. Mounting a third brake light down low is useless. The original purpose was to get a light up high to be seen above vehicles behind you. Check cars with them high and others mounted low to see the difference. There are narrow LED strip lites of many lengths that can be stuck on the inner glass or even above the tailgate. 1987 Escort sedan lite on a 1955 Chevy
Guys, Thank you so much for your input... I really appreciate it. I definitely want to mount something higher, or else it doesn't serve it's purpose. S-10 Blazers, Astro vans, Suburbans, all seem to use the same type of roof mounted LED lights. Perhaps I'll have to look at Ford and Mopar products as well. Denny, I will have to take a trip over to U-Pull-It or LKQ. I agree that the shrouding around the light will help as far as reflection is concerned. I have checked out 3rd brake lights on package trays. There seems to be more of that type out there, but I want something without the pedestal. I suppose it could always be trimmed off. Also, thanks for the links, too. Jack
The original intent was to have a light where people were not used to seeing one, same with the daytime running lights. A few years go by and for some reason people don't even notice when a high mount brake light isn't working on the car in front of them. Totally useless anymore except to have an extra bulb in case your regular brake lights get burned out.
Volvo 240 wagons had a light that mounted in the tailgate glass directly. That eliminates any glare, and it moves out of the way when the glass opens. You might also look for the high mount light from an 85 through 91 Country Squire or Colony Park, as well as the full sized GM box wagons. It surface mounts to the outside of the tailgate, just below the window, so is right at eye level for the car behind.
Thank you Mike, ... good suggestions. At least it will help provide me with a shopping list when I comb the junkyard. Thanks again for your input. Jack
Center High Mount Stop Lamps have been mandatory equipment on cars since 1986 and light trucks since 1994. Aftermarket accessory versions were available for a long time as well. I think you may be happy with a certain one though. 1997-1999 Ford Escort wagon http://search.ebay.com/230493214688 Two simple flanges to screw it into place. Plastic cover available in tan or gray or just paint to match. Another great vehicle to try and find would be a first generation Subaru Impreza wagon. This one would mount to the headliner so not sure if it'll actually be VISIBLE through the back window of your Malibu. You could mount it to the liftgate frame or at the bottom of the back window. Another idea is use a universal unit as made for truck caps or RV's or trailers. They are supposed to mount with screws (through fiberglass) but you could always put some sort of flange in place by the liftgate trim top or bottom and screw it into that instead. Here's just an example: http://www.amazon.com/Trailer-Camper-Truck-Brake-Light/dp/B006J84XM8/ref=pd_sbs_auto_1? And here's one for you if you're cheap and don't care if it isn't bright or if the tape that comes with it is garbage. I'm cheap so of course I gravitate to such things: http://www.amazon.com/Rear-Third-Brake-Light-Stop/dp/B005HU5SKK/ref=sr_1_93?
