Third Brake Light for LOD Rear Signature w/ Tire Carrier
07-25-2008, 05:46 PM
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Third Brake Light for LOD Rear Signature w/ Tire Carrier
There has been a few posts lately regarding LOD bumpers but I thought I would add my install mods to the forum. I noticed in pictures that the tire nearly eliminates rear vision on some installations (large tires) so I had Chris at LOD modify my a-frame to be lower in order to allow good rear sitelines, they have great customer service so it was done no problem. I wanted to move the 3rd brake light from above the tire and have it shine through the gap on the stock rubicon wheel. I wanted to find an LED light that looked like it belonged on a jeep and I finally found what I was looking for at Harrison Specialties. They have many styles and finishes but the perfect one for me was a 1 1/2" 40 light red led mounted on a 2 1/2" "spur gear". I designed and built a holder that fit with the LOD bumper/carrier design, I didn't want something that looked like an afterthought or out of place. I wanted a clean finish without a bunch of wires hanging off so I drilled the 1 1/2" hinge pin and tubing and after hours of careful drilling and die grinding I was able to completely hide the brake wiring in the a-frame of the carrier! No parts were missing from my delivery and the parts alignment was good but I sucked the bumper up tight where the receiver meets the crossmember so I had some die grinding work to line up the holes of the side brackets and the bottom to the frame. A teflon washer was put under the carrier at the pin to prevent wear through the powdercoat. I will be puting a teflon washer on top of the pin as well, probably when I find some stainless button head bolts to use on the bumper. There is a small gap under the latch so I am designing a small teflon "striker" that will slide under the tubing to support the carrier when the latch is locked. The reverse light were patched into the existing reverse circuit on the passenger side tail light. The 3rd brake light was tied into the existing/old 3rd brake circuit, just cut off the old plug and moved it from the tailgate harness into the tail light housing area. I need a place to attach safety chains and a wire harness plug so I will be designing something for that as well, probably a little hidden and in a way to prevent clearance issues. I have added a few pictures but if anyone has any questions I will try and answer them for you.
I also installed a signature shorty up front and added covers on the sides of the skidplate to prevent a collecting point for dirt/mud and to make it look a little more finished. Up next is to add to the skidplate to FULLY protect the sway bar disconnect. I couldn't be happier with my LOD bumpers, they are well built, sturdy and really look like they belong on the JK. Customer service at LOD is number one, Chris will work with you to make sure you have exactly what you want!
I also installed a signature shorty up front and added covers on the sides of the skidplate to prevent a collecting point for dirt/mud and to make it look a little more finished. Up next is to add to the skidplate to FULLY protect the sway bar disconnect. I couldn't be happier with my LOD bumpers, they are well built, sturdy and really look like they belong on the JK. Customer service at LOD is number one, Chris will work with you to make sure you have exactly what you want!
Last edited by Black Ruby; 07-25-2008 at 05:58 PM.
