Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Third Brake Light

I am very nervous about being hit from behind. Here in the U.S., there are a lot of people who drive very tall trucks and sport utility vehicles (don't ask me where the "sport" comes from). Add to this the fact that a substantial percentage of drivers are either talking on their cell phones, texting, or checking email, and it's enough to make me want to be as visible as possible when I brake.

Here is what I've come up with. Though it's still a work in progress, it is fully wired and functional. The L-bracket will be painted black, and I might run the wire through the spare wheel if I can find a weatherproof quick disconnect. The zip tie will be replaced by some kind of fixture to hold the lead, and I might try to come up with some kind of housing to make it look more slick. As it is now, access to the spare is gained by undoing the nut from the back of the lamp and removing it from the L-bracket. The bracket that attaches to the luggage rack is a pipe clamp that I found through an Internet search. I'll probably end up painting over the green plastic.

I left enough slack in the lead behind the spare tire so that I can fit a taller L-bracket for when I'm carrying luggage on the rack. Otherwise, it would probably look better if the light were below the top rung of the rack rather than above it, but I think that "higher is better" in this case.

I found the LED lamp at a marine supply store for around 12 dollars. 18 gauge wires run through the conduit to the left taillight, where they are soldered to the brake light hot lead and ground (earth). I was delighted to find that the taillight fixture incorporates little rubber seals, still supple after 40 years, to run the wires through from behind.

Of course, no holes drilled anywhere on the car and everything is easily removable without leaving a trace. All told, it cost about 35 dollars.

Very interesting. I have been thinking about this also.There is an interesting article here:-
http://www.morganownersclub.com.au/technical%20talk.htm

Interesting. I also happened to read the article right below that one. It describes how the handbrake mechanism can puncture the fuel tank in a rear end collision. Yikes!

If your worried about this just glue a steel plate to the fuel tank to add extra protection, I'll try to find a pic of mine.

I made the one in that article (rear light and it works very well. I also made the fuel tank modification mentioned by Dinodan, and that all went well too.

Frightening Photos of the Fuel Tank problem - does anyone know if this is still a weakness on Newer Trads? If so, surely the factory would be aware of it and one would like to think that some eradication development has been done /or is planned?

No, the handbrake system has been redesigned in more recent cars.
BR.
Daniel.

Daniel,
do you know when from?
John

Hi John,
Unfortunately I don't, but when I got my car in 2003, I had a lot of troubles so I looked everywhere to have information about Morgan. By this time I discovered the "handbrake puncture problem" and after looking at my car I saw that she was fitted with a different mechanism. So what I am sure is since 2003 it seems to be safer.
I think the best site where you can find information is:
http://www.gomog.com/allmorgan/allmorgan.html
You would find what you are looking for.
Tell me if you don't and I'll try to find out.
BR.
Daniel.

I don't know whether all traditional Mogs have the steel plate under the spare wheel, but this will offer a lot of protection to the tank in a rear-ender. The other thing to consider is that the spare wheel presents good crash protection, (being heavy and air filled rubber), so without a spare fitted, there is less protection.