I completed another mod. This particular mod drops the height level of the rear deck brake light. The end result is a cleaner look and better visibility.
I saw a video where a guy CNC'ed a piece of aluminum to basically accomplish what I did with the OEM plastic.
I had started making a handmade aluminum base for this mod but changed my mind and went with the version you see pictured below.
**I still need to check the fitment of this mod against the rear glass and verify it comes as close to the glass as possible. I may need to make an adjustment but I'm really hoping I don't.
Back of rear brake light removed.
Cut off three risers with dremel. Use DA sander or sandpaper on a block to flatten cutoff risers. Drill hole for rivets, cut aluminum to size, and install with rivets. Drill three M8 holes into aluminum...use rear deck panel as a template. File M8 holes into squares just big enough for the squared heads of the carriage bolts.
Painted flat side of brake light
Painted light
Painted flat side with carriage bolts.
Carriage bolts need to be clearanced. Use duct tape to hold in place.
Assembled flat side and light bezel
Nuts and washers installed. Hand tighten these to be safe. If you tighten too much, light bezel and flat bottom side separate from each other.
Rear deck brake light installed. I cleaned and painted rear deck panel with Dupli-Color flat black vinyl and fabric paint.
Closeups of rear brake light installed.
TOOLS USED:
- River Squeezer/Puller or Hammer and Bucking Bar
- Countersunk Rivets (I used size 4-4 w/ 426 Head)
- Drill bit (I used a #30 bit)
- 1 Inch Wide Strip of Aluminum
- Hot Glue Gun
- Grinder or File
- Dremel with Cutoff Wheel
- Sand Paper on block or DA Sander
- Duct Tape
HARDWARE USED:
5/16 x 1inch Carriage Bolt - x3
5/16 Nut - x3
5/16 Flat Washer - x3
Flat Top Hole Friction Clip - x2