Super Ultimate 3rd Brake Light Build

https://mesocustoms.com/collections

 

Thank you

 

yup my website, or I have various threads throughout the marketplace

Who said I haven't been working on them?
I have some test samples out, but I am not sure if I want to make it a LENS replacement(as seen here) or a COMPLETE replcement.
The pros of the lens replacement is I can include the bulb adapters, and they would literally plug right into where the stock bulbs went. Seals just like stock.
2nd Gen's let me know your thoughts

 

That’s what I’m looking for! The second gen light... The lens replacement sounds incredibly convenient... what would the pros be for a complete replacement?

 

Would the lens replacement stick out farther compared to a flush full replacement?
We only have the rake light up top so putting the bed light would require a bit of wiring and adding a switch and everything.
Any thoughts on adding the antenna mount on top for 2nd and 3rd gens?

 

I would tend to agree, a lens replacement sounds really nice and easy. Not having to remove/replace the factory sealing is ideal.

Also any chance you could get a 2nd gen version with the KC HiLites? I believe it could still be just a lens replacement if the footprint matches the existing light. I think a KC 4-light setup would be the best looking!

And as a side note, I don't think any 2nd gens came stock with a bed light like the 3rd gens did they? I only mention it because I see one of the test units has the middle light angled downwards.

 

This will be easiest for most people to install. I prefer non-lens replacement KC setup though if it comes out. I think it’s going to match way better with the 2nd gen tail lights.

 

That was the whole reasoning behind it. Not having to dick with the OEM seal. 2 screws OEM lens pops off. Pull out the old bulbs and plug in the new adapters/lights. Reinstall and done.

Doing up a KC version now. Like @JdevTac said, I think the rings will compliment the 2nd gen lights very well! Never really put 2 and 2 together until he mentioned it.

3rd Gen access cabs and ALL 2nd gens did not come with bed lights(cargo lights, whatev). Which is why I really wanted to make one and see how I liked it. As for installation, the wire is not present in the headliner so you would definitely have to do some wire extensions. One way would be drill a small hole right through the back of the stock brake housing(with the lens off obviously) then you could fish a wire through that and into dome light/isolated switch/etc.

I was going for most user friendly. Although I might be able to make both versions.

 

In for the next round of KC’s. Mind is made up!

 

My install for your original BD replacement for the 2nd gen was just as easy as a lens replacement and has had zero leaks into the cab.

I would honestly love to see a 2nd gen with 4-5 BD Rock Lights to use as a 3rd brake light/chase light combo, understanding that it will be much wider than the OEM light, and maybe even the potential to have an NMO antenna mount to it in the center as well.

The only issues I have with the original BD design were; it was difficult to remove the lights once pressed in to access the bolts that hold the light to the cab (that could be beneficial to deter theft however), as well as recently one of the rock lights has gone out and now the design has changed (but who knew that was going to happen).

 

Drop in KC for 2nd Gen.

Critisism and input welcomed

 

OMG

 

Input: I need it!
Criticism: what's taking so long? LOL

 

I actually like this a lot. No screwing with the already intact weather seal. Should be super easy to drill a small hole and feed wires in for running the middle 2 as bed lights. I like the outer shell shape a lot, more than the 3rd gen version that has each KC basically surrounded by a pod. This looks clean.

A bead of black or clear RTV around the edges on install should keep any moisture out too.

I guess my only question is, is there enough room between the factory housing and KC portion to have a small connector sit? I’m assuming there is with a compact connector maybe molex or something.

 

Now that's exactly what I'm looking for! Nice work

And now the "cargo lights" idea makes sense. That would be a cool upgrade to do!

 

2nd Gen and 3rd Gen AC would be the same 3rd brake light, correct? I'm in for whatever is the easiest install.

 

Wha!!!! Is this direct plug and play?

 

Same, I have a different kind of build so I’m ready to mount the most amount of lights posssible

 

Okay, printing a tester now. I actually changed up the design a bit. I wasn't happy with the way my housing joined the stock brake light base. The transition just did not look natural and you could see the part line all the way around. So what I ended up doing was making it fit OVER the stock light (going all the way to the metal of the cab) but still bolts up like the stock lens and uses the stock seal. I think this will be much better ascetically, and also it make the entire housing slightly larger in overall dimension which helped blend the large KC cyclones in better

You know it.

Yes. both the same

There's tons of room inside where the OEM bulbs are at.

 

Probably also better for shielding against water intrusion