1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Super Ultimate 3rd Brake Light Build

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by MESO, Nov 30, 2017.

  1. Aug 19, 2019 at 7:59 PM
    #2761
    Skydvrr

    Skydvrr IG: @kalopsianick

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2017
    Member:
    #229889
    Messages:
    12,654
    First Name:
    Nick
    YMH
    Vehicle:
    Black '17 OR
    It just happens too frequently. People don't wanna pay for people's hard work. They don't look at the behind the scenes. They look at what's in their hands. You're one of em.
     
    Inferno__Taco likes this.
  2. Aug 19, 2019 at 8:21 PM
    #2762
    Lucy-fur

    Lucy-fur Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2018
    Member:
    #262165
    Messages:
    56
    Vehicle:
    2017 Inferno DCSB
    Am
    Am I? Or are you missing the point of my question? I’ve paid for 9 different products from meso and am not being cheap I’m sure I have a lot more money in my truck than you ever will. I have also done a lot to make it mine. In the industry I work in i see people not wanting to pay for skilled labor more than most. You just sound like a nobody with no talent/ skill to offer and are offended by a question?
     
  3. Aug 19, 2019 at 8:22 PM
    #2763
    MESO

    MESO [OP] Major Modder Vendor

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2015
    Member:
    #148809
    Messages:
    16,294
    Gender:
    Male
    State of Jefferson
    Vehicle:
    2016 DCLB TRD HELLCAT SWAP
    Ok I’ll clear this up.

    As of now, all my brake light housings are made on a HP jetfusion 3D printer. It’s the top of the line printer and uses a proprietary nylon plastic powder.(PA12) THIS IS NOT A CHEAP PROCESS. It’s awesome quality(probably the best you can get for a commercial SLS printer) and a really robust material. Then, I hand paint them(primer+ final Coat of satin undercoat) Plus hardware, seals, etc.

    All while trying to keep the cost relatively low for the end user. Because of course, they will still need to buy the lights themselves. (Which are a pretty good chunk of change!)
    To be honest, this is my least profitable product. I am doing it to support guys that want something custom, and other forum members that wholesale the lights.

    Comparing this to my puddle pods is apples to oranges. The puddles have injection molded housings which is FAR cheaper to produce than 3D printing. So by the time you add in the VLEDs(which I get a heavy discount on because of my volume) and a few extension harnesses, the puddle kit is still a higher margin than a “plastic brake housing”

    still don’t believe me... go to any online 3D print vendor (shapeways, xometry, etc) and upload a test .STL 3D file and see the price it would cost to make on a jetfusion. (P.S, my brake light housing comes in at over $200 there)

    Now the biggest benefit to the current 3D print process is I can make any changes or alterations to a design without changing the cost much. Example: making a bd5 with NMO hole or not. If this were an injection mold, I’d basically get 1 version and that’s it( unless I wanted to open another mold which is $$)

    This whole process is what got me to develop the HEX9 pod. Giving customers a better bang for their buck because the entire housing will be injection molded. Add to the fact I will have a very aggressive price for a 9 light kit(because I am the sole creator and have no other markups or middle man). And mainly because I want to start moving in the direction of growing MESO into it’s own brand/products.

    There is nothing wrong with the current KC and BAJA design housings, albeit a bit expensive.
     
  4. Aug 19, 2019 at 8:23 PM
    #2764
    Skydvrr

    Skydvrr IG: @kalopsianick

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2017
    Member:
    #229889
    Messages:
    12,654
    First Name:
    Nick
    YMH
    Vehicle:
    Black '17 OR
    Okay. Well let's magnify since you're intent on deflecting, in what way are they not proportionally priced? We'll slow it down a few.
     
  5. Aug 19, 2019 at 8:36 PM
    #2765
    Lucy-fur

    Lucy-fur Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2018
    Member:
    #262165
    Messages:
    56
    Vehicle:
    2017 Inferno DCSB
    Thanks for an honest answer.
    if you go back and re read all my comments I think he could have sold his puddle lights for more(as well as some other products) based on what he is getting for the 3rd brake light housing and how fast all of his products sell out. Not based on skill or labor but based on provided product i.e a complete kit vs just a housing. As a business some products are more profitable than others regardless of time/skill spent on it(supply and demand) It was a simple thing that crossed my mind as I will be attempting to by a bd4 third brake light housing again. Now please go back to my original post with genuine questions before you started attacking me over some fan boy b/s. I had a suspicion it was due to the way it was produced.
     
  6. Aug 19, 2019 at 8:40 PM
    #2766
    Skydvrr

    Skydvrr IG: @kalopsianick

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2017
    Member:
    #229889
    Messages:
    12,654
    First Name:
    Nick
    YMH
    Vehicle:
    Black '17 OR

    So, just to be clear, you're upset you weren't charged more? Or that you didn't receive your perceived quality based on price? I'm guessing the later. This is a fascinating question, truthfully. Tons of pyschology goes into marketing. A truthful answer could be very valuable.
     
    Lucy-fur[QUOTED] likes this.
  7. Aug 19, 2019 at 9:03 PM
    #2767
    Lucy-fur

    Lucy-fur Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2018
    Member:
    #262165
    Messages:
    56
    Vehicle:
    2017 Inferno DCSB
    Are you that thick headed? If quality wasn’t there I wouldn’t keep buying more products from the same source. If an increase in cost keeps the supply available longer it’s good for some consumers and the vendor. My questions were answered a couple times none of which you provided the correct answer to. have a nice day
     
  8. Aug 19, 2019 at 9:09 PM
    #2768
    Skydvrr

    Skydvrr IG: @kalopsianick

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2017
    Member:
    #229889
    Messages:
    12,654
    First Name:
    Nick
    YMH
    Vehicle:
    Black '17 OR
    Ohhh okay. Quality is on point, but you're upset that @MESO isnt making enough money. That's fair. Happy you got your stuff answered!
     
    Lucy-fur[QUOTED] likes this.
  9. Aug 19, 2019 at 10:05 PM
    #2769
    FishnTx

    FishnTx ⚓️rather be feeschin⚓️

    Joined:
    Mar 22, 2017
    Member:
    #214004
    Messages:
    9,101
    Gender:
    Male
    South East Texas
    Vehicle:
    ‘17 OR
    What I miss??
     
  10. Aug 19, 2019 at 10:34 PM
    #2770
    pop.tremuloides

    pop.tremuloides Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2018
    Member:
    #275450
    Messages:
    1,091
    Gender:
    Male
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD OR DCSB
    DBACK HD, Armor, SP9100, lights...etc
    Here are my thoughts.....

    EVERYBODY want's a Brake Light that is customized.

    I had a FREAK hailstorm literally put a GOLF BALL piece on my BD5.

    BOOM the entire headliner from the rear passenger area was soaked.

    NOT a fault of Stew whatsoever......What I will say, after a polite email, he reached out (not the first time mind you) and hooked me up with one of the last BD5 things.

    So .... literally a customer for life! I'm kind of new to the game here on TW for MESO products but I will say this.

    Simply contact MESO.

    He has been simply the BEST person for ANY product he makes.


    So THANK YOU @MESO

    ......side note......

    If you have not read his blog or looked at his website, he went overseas to make products for the entire TW community. How many of you have done that?


    Thanks Stew....you rock!
     
    medjah, mtip, Wengel21 and 8 others like this.
  11. Aug 20, 2019 at 8:31 AM
    #2771
    brentano

    brentano Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 4, 2016
    Member:
    #198952
    Messages:
    166
    Vehicle:
    2017 TRD OR AC SSM
    Will this run include the 3rd gen AC BD3 with a "down" light?

    Meso 3rd Brake.jpg
     
  12. Aug 20, 2019 at 6:20 PM
    #2772
    Idahotaco88

    Idahotaco88 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2018
    Member:
    #272568
    Messages:
    334
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steven
    Vehicle:
    2017 black AC OR
    Kings 2.5 with adjusters, icon rxt stage 2. SCS stealth blue on 35s
    Interested also :spending: I like the kc4. Just wanting more lights haha and bed lights will be awesome.
     
  13. Aug 21, 2019 at 11:12 AM
    #2773
    airmac_11

    airmac_11 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2018
    Member:
    #272596
    Messages:
    265
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2019 Cement DCSB Premium/ Tech TRD 4x4 Sport

    Man, I wish you would have made a video of your install. Nice job. I have the same 3rd brake light (BD4 Cam) and I'm afraid to take the step toward install because I have little to no knowledge and resources (i.e. youtube help on install) Added to my apprehension is installing an interface to handle the Tailgate Cam, BedCam and the Front Cam. Crux offers a system that can handle up to 4 different cams including the OEM tail Cam.

    Despite possible solutions- their is a rumor that MESO will be looking at the new 2020 Tacoma and will put his powerful intellect into some mod that will include Cam in the side mirrors along with the puddle lights.

    So for right now I'm sitting tight with the BD4 Cam housing waiting to make my next move. Should I run up against an easy install video and be comfortable running the Crux system in my Etune system I might forgo my patience and install. Otherwise I'm hoping MESO can come up with something to help me out.
     
    Last edited: Aug 21, 2019
    CttAznRanger likes this.
  14. Aug 21, 2019 at 11:36 AM
    #2774
    NoOne

    NoOne El Taco Guapo

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2018
    Member:
    #243575
    Messages:
    5,494
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ø ©
    Gulf South
    Vehicle:
    2022 Tacoma DCLB OR (AT) - BC
    2018 SR5 - (Sold) 2018 OR - RIPieces 2022 OR - BluCrush
    Confucius say - man who waits, gets nothing done.

    Folks here are plenty helpful, just ask.
     
    JustinL and Skydvrr like this.
  15. Aug 21, 2019 at 11:46 AM
    #2775
    airmac_11

    airmac_11 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2018
    Member:
    #272596
    Messages:
    265
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2019 Cement DCSB Premium/ Tech TRD 4x4 Sport
    So I guess I'm asking for a install video and or diagram to set my fears at ease. Until then patience will be my road toward nirvana.
     
  16. Aug 21, 2019 at 12:27 PM
    #2776
    NoOne

    NoOne El Taco Guapo

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2018
    Member:
    #243575
    Messages:
    5,494
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ø ©
    Gulf South
    Vehicle:
    2022 Tacoma DCLB OR (AT) - BC
    2018 SR5 - (Sold) 2018 OR - RIPieces 2022 OR - BluCrush
    I don't make videos, but I've done the 3rd brake light a few times and even built and tested a BD4-CAM. It wasn't what I needed, so it found a new home. That said, it is as easy as any of the other 3rd assembly installs (several in this thread), with the exception of having an extra cord that needs to be run. How you choose to do that is up to you. You could go across the roof and down a front pillar, or down a rear pillar and across the floor to the front under dash. These can be accomplished separately, since it is a separate cord (connectors are within a foot of the cam). Once you replace the 3rd Assembly, accessing the area again is MUCH easier - since the screws are on the outside. The KC is easier, but the BD isn't that much more cumbersome. Where you will have your hands full is doing the cam integration and that isn't covered by MESO. Best to look at the interface you are planning to use for that.
     
  17. Aug 21, 2019 at 10:31 PM
    #2777
    sewerpickle

    sewerpickle I say FUCK way too fuckin much!

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2019
    Member:
    #295254
    Messages:
    47
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Erik
    Hesperia
    Stuff to make it more springy and bouncy... but less crashy...
    These are the nicest looking housings I’ve seen. I can’t wait for the next round. :spending:
    @MESO will there be any second gen BD3-NMO?
     
    Caboose117 likes this.
  18. Aug 23, 2019 at 4:17 AM
    #2778
    DiamondW

    DiamondW Stockblocker

    Joined:
    Feb 1, 2019
    Member:
    #281480
    Messages:
    2,206
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kent
    Gonzales Co. TX
    Vehicle:
    ‘06 AC SR5, ‘17 Tundra, ‘14 GX460
    Anyone know what time the drop is?
     
    sewerpickle likes this.
  19. Aug 23, 2019 at 5:03 AM
    #2779
    dead.fm13

    dead.fm13 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2016
    Member:
    #200656
    Messages:
    900
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Chesapeake, VA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tacoma TRD Sport
    5100/888's front, JBA UCA's, 5160's/Dakar's rear, Ray 10 MDB 17", 285/70/17 Ridge Grapplers, Hondo Garage Radio Knobs, MESOJDM Ultimate Turn Signals, MESOJDM Ultimate Combo Maps/Dome, MESO Total Tail Stage II, MESO Puddles
    Stew probably does
     
  20. Aug 23, 2019 at 5:13 AM
    #2780
    xMaverickx

    xMaverickx Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 28, 2018
    Member:
    #274162
    Messages:
    396
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeremy
    New Brunswick, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2016 MGM Limited V6 4X4 DCLB
    Ready and waiting.
     
    sewerpickle likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top