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Old 07-19-2019, 10:09 PM   #1
jack31A
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Default Model A Brake Lights

So I got a new brake light switch and tail lights work now. but i notices that the lens has red on the bottom and and orangeish yellow on top. the brake light is on the top with yellow side lens. Is that how they were or do i need to try and cut and switch the wires? I’m new to Model A’s and apologize for my newbie ness.
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Old 07-19-2019, 10:21 PM   #2
Mike V. Florida
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Default Re: Model A Brake Lights

As with modern cars red should be stop.
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Old 07-19-2019, 10:34 PM   #3
Dick Steinkamp
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Default Re: Model A Brake Lights



The top lens is the brake light and it is amber. The bottom lens is the tail light (illuminates with the head lights or parking lights) and it is red. When the tail light is illuminated, it also lights the license plate through a "window" in the bottom of the housing.

If the brake light was the red one on the bottom, the license would only be lit when the brake was applied.
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Old 07-20-2019, 12:23 AM   #4
J Franklin
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Default Re: Model A Brake Lights

I have replaced my original lens with an early aftermarket one that is all red, top and bottom, and quite reflective also. There are too many bad drivers to keep the amber stop lens.
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Old 07-20-2019, 12:34 AM   #5
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Default Re: Model A Brake Lights

I actually ordered some glass lenses from Mac's for mine, all red, with the word STOP in the brake section. They are really eye catching.

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Old 07-20-2019, 05:18 AM   #6
Patrick L.
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Default Re: Model A Brake Lights

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The lens you have are original style and should probably be legal in your state. New laws require newer lens to be red. Even if those are illegal in your state I've not heard of anyone being ticketed for them.

Any of the 'A' vendors do have replacement red lens.
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Old 07-20-2019, 01:44 PM   #7
JohnLaVoy
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Default Re: Model A Brake Lights

I like the LED replacement lens where the whole lens is red and you can have it all come on for tail light and get brighter for stoplight.
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Old 07-20-2019, 02:34 PM   #8
TerryH
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Default Re: Model A Brake Lights

I also really like the LED tail lights....much brighter and all red. Also having two tail lights on the rear of the car....I can’t imagine driving a Model A today with only one tail light.....
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Old 07-21-2019, 09:45 AM   #9
1930artdeco
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Default Re: Model A Brake Lights

Madder a ‘third’ brake light up on top of my spare tire. Since people today are conditioned to look for that light and not so much for the Bic light of a twilight we have. This way when I hit the brakes both come on and people just assume the right side is not working. It catches their eye and they stop-unless they aren’t paying attention and roll into you����.

Mike
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Old 07-21-2019, 10:58 AM   #10
Jim Brierley
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Default Re: Model A Brake Lights

On my tudor I had 1936 tailights, with 1-piece lenses, this gives a bigger light and easier to see. Same as LaVoy only different. Also had a 3rd light in the rear window.
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Old 07-22-2019, 08:32 AM   #11
DD931
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Default Re: Model A Brake Lights

Not all states allow amber stop lights.
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Old 07-22-2019, 01:07 PM   #12
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Default Re: Model A Brake Lights

For years (40+) I ran an original single tail light with original lens (yellow on top). I run a 12 volt system.

Last year, I decided to get the reproduction red lens with STOP etched into the top section. Then more recently, I decided to switch to LEDs for all lights except headlamps. I found that running white colored LEDs through a red lens was not satisfactory; only an incandescent bulb would do.

So now I run an LED 1156 style retrofit bulb with red light emitting LEDs together with my original yellow on top lens. Wow! When that super bright red LED lights up it turns the yellow lens bright RED! When not lit, the lens stays the stock yellow!

From superbrightleds.com:

1156 LED Light Bulb with Stock Cover - (36) SMD LED Tower - BA15S Base
Product Code: 1156-R3W-G
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Old 07-22-2019, 03:15 PM   #13
Ted Duke
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Default Re: Model A Brake Lights

Just a suggestion.


Have someone drive your car for a few miles at night with varying lighting conditions. Follow them. Then decide if you want to drive with that ONE "stock" taillight.


I have followed friends with stock Model A taillights in proper working condition at night and IMHO it is a big mistake to trust your life to them.
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Old 10-19-2019, 09:28 PM   #14
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Default Re: Model A Brake Lights

Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnLaVoy View Post
I like the LED replacement lens where the whole lens is red and you can have it all come on for tail light and get brighter for stoplight.
@JohnLaVoy Where'd you pick this up from? I'd love to take a look. Was it 6V?
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Old 10-19-2019, 09:32 PM   #15
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Default Re: Model A Brake Lights

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Originally Posted by SimplyCosmic View Post
@JohnLaVoy Where'd you pick this up from? I'd love to take a look. Was it 6V?
They are made by United Pacific. I bought mine from Mikes Affordable.
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Old 10-20-2019, 09:40 AM   #16
russcochiolo
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Default Re: Model A Brake Lights

Here's mine with tops and bottoms of all three lit up. 6 volt led's from a forgotten post. I'm going to try a momentary flasher on the 3rd light next like I've seen on motorcycles.
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Old 10-20-2019, 04:12 PM   #17
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Default Re: Model A Brake Lights

Here's something a bit different. A fellow in our club has fitted a rather powerful LED stop and tail light behind the spare wheel and faced it FORWARD. His is a pale coloured car and the whole back of the car is illuminated red. There is no chance of missing it!
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Old 10-20-2019, 05:05 PM   #18
M2M
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Default Re: Model A Brake Lights

Quote:
Originally Posted by mngreen View Post
For years (40+) I ran an original single tail light with original lens (yellow on top). I run a 12 volt system.

Last year, I decided to get the reproduction red lens with STOP etched into the top section. Then more recently, I decided to switch to LEDs for all lights except headlamps. I found that running white colored LEDs through a red lens was not satisfactory; only an incandescent bulb would do.

So now I run an LED 1156 style retrofit bulb with red light emitting LEDs together with my original yellow on top lens. Wow! When that super bright red LED lights up it turns the yellow lens bright RED! When not lit, the lens stays the stock yellow!

From superbrightleds.com:

1156 LED Light Bulb with Stock Cover - (36) SMD LED Tower - BA15S Base
Product Code: 1156-R3W-G

Seems it will not work on 6V according to website info
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Old 10-21-2019, 06:52 AM   #19
ryanheacox
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Default Re: Model A Brake Lights

I have the STOP lens on my Fordor along with a 32cp bulb and anyone that has followed me says it's plenty bright. If I were to change to anything else, it would be LED.
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Old 10-23-2019, 09:15 PM   #20
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Default Re: Model A Brake Lights

I have 6v LED tail lights, a LED brake light in my back window, LED turn signals and LED headlights. Even though they are all 6 volt LED lights they are all as bright as any late model modern car. When they are off they look stock, but when they are on they allow me to see and be seen.
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