Third brake light ideas '86 560SL Opinions welcomed

[LUVMBDiesels]

How about two strips frenched in on either side of the star? Put them in parallel to the chrome 'wings' . I have always thought that the chrome + the star looked like a Me 109 seen from head on

[donbryce]

Originally Posted by rocky raccoon

I personally like the clean trunk with no third light at all. Given however that the Feds won't allow it, I would suggest a strip light BELOW the star. This led strip would replace the chrome strip at the lower edge of the trunk lid and extend all the way from tail light to tail light.

Now we're talking ideas! I'd actually thought a bit about this option right after I lost an EBay auction for a NOS chrome strip to replace mine, which is really in bad shape, all pitted.

I'm referring to the strip that surrounds the trunk button and houses the licence plate lights. The one on the trunk lid itself is way too narrow to accomodate a light, IMO.

I gave some thought to cutting out 2 strips about 9" X 1/2" on either side of the button and fitting some flat lens plastic. I'd probably paint the strip body colour, except for the very top which would leave a very thin chrome strip all along the trunk edge. It would be tricky finding room for bulbs for both the licence lights and the brake lights though.

I ran out and cut some tape strips to illustrate the idea better. The actual lenses would have soft rounded ends, and either recessed behind the surface or flush fitted.

LUVMBDiesels, I was composing my post while you were posting yours. Same idea, but in the chrome strip instead. The strips on either side of the star are good too. This is getting better...

[Strife]

There are some very high quality LED strips out there, and there are some horrible ones. From what I've seen, there really is a correspondence between price and quality on these. And if you do this, I'd definitely get a spare.

I kind of like the idea of a smaller star and very thin LED strip frenched in above it (a lot of work).

It might be worth looking at a junkyard. One car relatively plentiful would be a late 80's - mid 90's Chrysler Le Baron. I think this "trunk lump" is somewhere between the size of the 86/87 and 88/89 mercedes assemblies. It should be dirt cheap too.

P.S. Yeah, the licence plate light assembly (3 pcs) is near impossible to find in good used condition and impossible to find in NEW condition (NLA). I had mine rechromed to the tune of 400 clams. At 400 clams, I wax the thing every other week Also, caution: there is a difference in lock hole size between earlier and late license plate lamp assemblies. I don't know where the break is, but my 85 and 86 have a larger hole than a used core that I have.

[Jack M]

I would go for the license plate frame light. I have a 560 and the original light is nothing to look at. But as long as it is there I'll keep it. Good luck, Monty

[SGH86_560SL]

I am all about keeping it original. As bizarre and perhaps ugly the third break light is, its a period piece......I have an 86....I will never change it..but know doubt its you're car...enjoy it how you want it

[mpolli]

I wouldn't bother unless you are absolutely required to. I know in my state no one would know the difference. The name for these things is CHMSL which stands for Center High Mounted Stop Light. They don't do much good when they are mounted low. The point is for people to be able to see them farther back. So I wouldn't waste the time unless you just want to have fun with it.