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Discussion Topic:
Brakelighter - Diodes - '36 Phaeton
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smithcandrew1036V8 |
03-15-2021 @ 11:16 AM
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Okay, so I posted something on this previously, but now have a slighted different question. I am installing a brakelighter third brake light and turn signal under my '36 Phaeton. As far as I can tell, I will need to install diodes in line for the brake and signal wires because of the double-filament bulbs. I am planning to put the brakelighter wiring in cloth conduit because I don't like the idea of multicolored wires running underneath, and well, why not. Now here is the question, can anyone think of a reason why I should NOT also put the diodes in the same conduit? My thought is that it would protect them, and that they would be less likely to get disconnected. BUT, I know nothing about diodes other than what I have read on Wikipedia. So, could the conduit cause problems? Fire hazard? Overheating, etc. I am guessing unlikely, but since there are a lot of much more experience folks on this thread, I thought I would pose the question. Any thoughts welcome. Hopefully this simple project (which was supposed to last an hour and has now lasted weeks) will soon be over. By way of background, this all coincided with a short, and non-functioning turn signals that I finally (think) I have sorted with a new ground.
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1931 Flamingo |
03-15-2021 @ 12:34 PM
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I'm thinking you won't need the diodes. I believe your car had double filament bulbs to begin with, regular headlights/tail lights and stop light. If you're going with LED's it may be different. Paul in CT
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smithcandrew1036V8 |
03-15-2021 @ 1:41 PM
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The brakelighter wiring diagram says to use diodes for installation with double filament bulbs. It is an LED third-brake light, so maybe that is the issue? It is honestly all greek to me.
This message was edited by smithcandrew1036V8 on 3-15-21 @ 1:44 PM
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svmsr1044 |
03-15-2021 @ 1:53 PM
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I have installed a Brakelighter on 3 of my early Fords, no mention of diodes in the instructions, and non used. They have been functioning properly for years. Regards, Steve
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smithcandrew1036V8 |
03-15-2021 @ 1:55 PM
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Interesting. Do you use as both turn signal and brake lights? Am I misreading the wiring instructions? I would rather not install them, but will if needed.
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svmsr1044 |
03-15-2021 @ 1:59 PM
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Posts: 22
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I wired as per instructions and have brake light and turn signal function.
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40cpe |
03-15-2021 @ 2:05 PM
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I see two ways the third brake light could be wired: 1) would be to run a dedicated wire from the load side of the brake light switch to the 3rd brake light. 2) would involve a wire from the bright (brake) filament in each tail light to the 3rd brake light. This would require a diode in each wire to prevent backfeed into the signal system.
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smithcandrew1036V8 |
03-15-2021 @ 2:45 PM
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So option 1 is what i think is in the standard wiring instructions. I am confused as to why they would include the diode instructions to be used with dual filament bulbs. I guess I try it without and if it works move on. If it doesn't I can always try again.
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40cpe |
03-15-2021 @ 6:33 PM
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I posted before I looked for the wiring instructions for the Brakelighter. It looks like someone has drawn the diodes in on your picture. The diodes are not included in the link I looked up. The 3rd light has two separate sides to facilitate the signal function. Each side has a positive and negative connection. Just switch the pos/neg to reverse polarity.
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fenbach |
03-15-2021 @ 8:35 PM
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Posts: 227
Joined: Dec 2009
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here's a link to a better picture of the wiring diagram with the diodes [drawn in]. http://www.brakelighter.com/v/vspfiles/instructions/6-volt_positive_modified_wiring_diagram.jpg notice that the turn signals are also drawn in. the diode on the brakelight keeps it from blinking. the diode on the turn signal keeps it from being a brake light. they [obviously] would not be needed if the brake light and turn signal light shared a common filament. leave the diode off the brake light and it will still be a brake light but will blink. leave it off the turn signal and it will still be turn signal but also another brake light. but back to your question, i connected an IN4001 diode to a 6-volt brake light [and a battery] and held onto it. it does get hot but not to the point i had to let go. why don't you just connect a brake light and your diode in line to a battery, wait a few minutes and decide.
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