Installing Clear Third Brake Light - 2014 Taco

My 2014 MGM Taco needed a clear third brake light. Since the tail lights are already sort of clear, I thought this would be a nice mod and would look a bit different than all the others. In looking on this site, it became clear that there are no how-to threads on how to change out a third brake light (at least none that are recent) so I thought I would share how I did mine. Here goes!

First, I destroyed my bank account and got one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0038B18TK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Anzo USA 531013 Toyota Tacoma LED Chrome Third Brake Light Assembly

It ain't cheap, but Anzo seems to be a somewhat decent parts maker. Time will tell I guess.

Now to change my stock light:
First step - Using a T20 Torx bit screwdriver, remove the two screws set into the stock brake light:


Next, use a plastic pry bar and gently pry underneath the housing to separate it from the cab. It's stuck on pretty good, so you'll need to pry around the fixture from the sides.


The light fixture will detach. The stick-on gasket underneath will be destroyed - this means there is no turning back! On another note, I wonder how long these things really last without leaking??!?


Now gently scrape/peel the remains of the gasket off the cab. Since I have a new truck, it wasn't that hard to peel the gasket away, but I can imagine a few years will make this task more difficult. Some "Goo Gone" might be needed at this stage if you can't just peel it away.


Now plug in the wiring to the new light fixture and peel the backing away from the new stick on gasket. Be sure that there is no wax/dirt on the surface of the cab to prevent it sticking on tight!


Now thread in your T20 Torx screws FIRST before sticking the light fixture on to the cab. Line up the screws with the plastic carrier holes in the cab. If you don't do this step, you'll stick your fixture on the cab and be unable to thread in your screws.


Now tighten the two screws and firm up the stick on gasket. You're done!


Looks good hah!


The red LEDs light up brightly! I think this mod adds to the appearance of a silver/MGM truck. What do you think?

 

Need pics of the light on!

 

+1

 

Yeah some actual lights would help? Kind of pricey though

 

Will take some tonight!

 

I like it just not for the price. Most normal people wouldn't know that wasn't a stock light.

 

looks good, can't wait to see it lit up.

also did i see that you had the LED's in your old light? and can i buy those?

 

Does that light assembly come with a reach around?

 

You did see LEDs in my old light fixture, good eye!

You can get LEDs cheaper than dirt on eBay. Check out this auction:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2Pcs-5x-505...Parts_Accessories&hash=item23445f46f0&vxp=mtr

2 of the red ones for $0.01 with free shipping. You do need three though, so you'll need to buy in quantities.

If you don't want to deal with auctions, you can get a great price for 20 of them:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/20-x-T10-19...Parts_Accessories&hash=item232abcb426&vxp=mtr

It's a "buy it now" for $5.95.

Don't waste your money with sellers that get them in large quantities and then sell them to you for $19.95 each.

 

What's a reach around?

 

Well done man, nice write-up. This can also a helpful "how-to" for people that want to install a xm radio antenna thru the 3rd brake light and out onto the roof

 

Seriously????

 

wut?

 

Here you go!



In the dark



Lights up good! Is it $150 good? That's up to you to decide!

 

Nice

 

wow that looks a lot brighter than the stock unit. wish the reviews werent so poor though about the leaks, or id be all over this. it looks great during the day too, keep us posted!

 

I didn't think I would like this, but I kind of dig it

 

Another MGM Taco parked next to me (mine is the one on the left) and gave me a chance to take a pic comparing/contrasting the third brake light.

What do you think?

 

Great writeup, a very subtle but profound change!

 

It looks good but for half of that price maybe. If I were walking by I doubt I would have noticed the change.

You could always do this and color match your truck if you want it to be subtle and still stand out. $5 and time.

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