My 13 year project...

[sprint95m]

I like that Alan!


Are you going to use a relay when you wire it in?
I did so on my car and took the feed to the towbar socket from high level light, so that works off the relay as well.
This was straightforward using a Lucas 6RA relay.

[DoloWIGHTY]

Hi Ian

No mate, I was just going to wire it onto a feed to the stoplights in the boot, it is a very low wattage bulb so I hadn't considered it needed a relay?

Could you give me an idea upon how I should wire a relay into it please?

[sprint95m]

Alan, it was really because of the extra load from the towbar electrics that I reckoned that I needed a relay.
As you say, the LED type draws very little current so I am sure it'll be fine without a relay.

If you decide to fit a relay, please let me know which type and I'll endeavour to let you know the way to wire it
(hopefully without upsetting anyone ......).

[DoloWIGHTY]

[DoloWIGHTY]

Out of curiosity tonight I stuck this light on the meter...



..it draws 1.5 amps!

That's quite a lot isn't it?

So should I fit a relay after all?

[Carledo]

1.5 amps is not a lot and being as its a brake light and won't be on for extended periods I would say don't bother with a relay.

Steve

[DoloWIGHTY]

Cheers.

Just a little update re this brake light.

My (very) limited carpentry skills were dusted off as today I produced the mounting block to raise the unit up to the correct level (just above the screen seal).



The cut outs allow the unit to sit flush upon the mounting block like so:



(and yes that is a pair of old boxer shorts on the bench in the background! )

Biggest problem I have encountered so far is the lamp holder too low;



So I think I am going to have to remove the electrical connections from it and simply use it to hold the bulb in position, I will then hard-wire the bulb.

Dug this old door card out of the roof space:



I shall be using the vinyl from this to cover the mounting block.

I cannot believe that I have spent all day on this!!

[straylight]

(and yes that is a pair of old boxer shorts on the bench in the background! )

eeeewwww, I take special care to remove my underwear from my pics !

that door card looks pristine Alan... say you aren't going to chop it up

1.5 amps is a lot of LEDs, but not out of the question. 'bout 75 or so in that light ?

stu

[DoloWIGHTY]

Cheers Stu.





(it was knackered as it had lots of splits and tiny cuts in the vinyl - in fact I found it a job to find any usable bits.)

Sitting pretty:




The unit will sit flush on the top when finished.

Just ordered an omnidirectional clear LED from eBay to replace the bulb, lot less amps, same wattage and I won't have to worry about ever disturbing the installation to change the bulb.

....more later.

[2drToledo]

That looks very smart! I've always put high-level brake lamps in my Triumphs, but usually the type that attach to the screen. Apart from being ugly, they tend to fall off on warm days.

This is an idea to be stolen, thank you!

[DoloWIGHTY]

This is an idea to be stolen, thank you!

Pleasure, that's why I posted it here - for the benefit of other owners.

Normal commission rates apply .

[DoloWIGHTY]

All done!






After much scratching of the head to find out why I had no volts to the original brake lights (the switch was full of crap), it was a case of wiring up.



Happy with that ^^ (excuse the pun)

[DazasDolly]

Lovely Job there Alan , When are you going to make a do it yourself kit

All the best

Darren

[DoloWIGHTY]

Upgraded washer jets fitted today, found in a box of "junk" that Dad gave me when he moved house. They put a lot more water up onto the screen than the original ones did.





Pleased with that.

[2drToledo]

High-level brake lamp idea stolen! Mine is slightly different as I opted for a lamp from a 1999 Lexus IS200, but the principles will be the same. Thanks Dolowighty!