rocketraider Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 All these years I had thought the 1971 Toronado was first with high-level 3rd brake lights, but apparently Thunderbird could have had them in 1968.1968 Ford Thunderbird Optional EquipmentNow- back to 40s-50s Chrysler products. Were those trunk mounted brake lights separate from or in addition to the fender mounted tail lamps? and would they qualify as primary brake light or a 3rd brake light? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A. Ballard 35R Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 Japanese taxis had them in the late 1960s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ted sweet Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 appears to be forward facing?All these years I had thought the 1971 Toronado was first with high-level 3rd brake lights, but apparently Thunderbird could have had them in 1968.1968 Ford Thunderbird Optional Equipment? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
padgett Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 I recall seeing them in SEA during the sixties, were popular wherever the traffic was really dense.How about the winking dog in the JCW catalogs ? Or only factory units need apply ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhb1999 Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 appears to be forward facing? It is. That thing on the right of the page LOOKS like a 3rd brake light to our standards but it alerts the driver to blown taillight bulbs. Take another look, on the left of the page it mentions the "Supplemental Brake Light Option" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bkazmer Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 the Mopar center brake lights were in addition to the taillights. Look at any these cars and you can see both. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curti Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 I believe 1946 Chrysler Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jazzer3 Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 41-49 Chrysler products had a trunk mounted stop light but the tailights on the fenders didn't light with the brakes. I had problems in the early 70's getting a 46 Plymouth inspected that had only the center brake light. My current ride, a 48 Chrysler has only the center brake light.Jay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocketraider Posted January 11, 2012 Author Share Posted January 11, 2012 Thanks Jazzer. That's what I was looking for on the Chryslers. I think we can all sympathize with trying to get an older car thru a "modern" safety inspection where the inspector is likely 1/3 the car's age.Looks like Toro remains the first to have them standard. Until today I never knew Ford had offered them that early, and my guess is even then only on Thunderbird. Looks like it may have been wired to serve as a high-level turn signal too, since the page mentions it activates with the middle brake lamp bulb (remember T-birds back then had those gadgety sequential turn signals, which remain one of the coolest things ever put on a car).Anyone know of any earlier 3rd brake light offering before 1968? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest danceswithpumps Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 Is this what you mean? I thought these went on when brakes were applied, but could be wrong.Did anyone mention early 40s Buick?Thanks,Rod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ply33 Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 Is this what you mean? I thought these went on when brakes were applied, but could be wrong.Did anyone mention early 40s Buick?Thanks,RodNo clue about the Buick.As mentioned earlier in this thread Dodge and other Mopars came from the factory with only a center brake light. The fender mounted lights were tail lights alone. Or, if you had the fairly rare factory turn signals, the fender mounted lamps did tail and turn signal duty but still not brake.A lot of people change the tail lights to double contact sockets and wire the brake light into them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Harwood Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 The Buick doesn't light up with brakes, but the '39s used them as turn signals. After that they were non-lighted, just decorative. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 (edited) If this 59 Olds 98 isn't a high mount, I don't know what is!http://images.vanguardmotorsales.com/inventory/cars//99C02312-7sm.jpgNot only higher than the Toronado, but simulated Rocket exhaust....up & in your face!Don Edited January 11, 2012 by helfen (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 How about this one!http://www.cars-on-line.com/43600/59cad43646-2_t.jpgDon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 The forties Chryslers had the high mounted brake lights, they didn't have the low ones. So they win the prize. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 Check this 1932 series BB Chevrolet! any higher and they would have to be on the roof. http://www.gmphotostore.com/images/53217293_pr.jpgI can't find a picture on AACA webb page of the cover car for AACA's magazine of May/June 2010, but the car is a 1933 series BB and pictures were taken by West.. These magazine car photos SHOULD be in the photo section!D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TG57Roadmaster Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 Here's the Chevy Delivery from the AACA 75th Meet in Louisville. It's one I have in our Gallery, but I thought it was a '32...LargerBut check out the lighting in this timeless 1959 Fisher Body ad, from a series in '58 & '59...In '58, the Special's lights were so high and bright you could see 'em from Space!TG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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