3rd Brake Light Issue

[C_WRX]

Some of the LED's on my thrid brake light on my STi8 replica rear spoiler, the LED bar within the spoiler, have packed in. Not sure if water has managed to get in there, but bottom line a few have ceased working.

Obviously when I'm driving and brake I don't see them light up but I just know that it doesn't look good. Must look a bit like when you see someone "smile" and two of their two front are teeth missing !

Anyway, I believe if I have the spoiler removed I can replace just this part, considerably cheaper than replacing the whole spoiler. The original supplier has now moved away from this model of spoiler and despite them being good enough to contact the previous manufacturer (who has also stopped making it!) there were no spares available. To date they have been unsuccessful in finding a replacement.

Do you folks have any other possible suggestions / ideas / routes I could go down ?

Edited August 8, 2008 by C_WRX

[colzo]

You have said its a replica but would it be them the same size/shape as the original, if so maybe try the dealers mate.

[thewelsho]

You have said its a replica but would it be them the same size/shape as the original, if so maybe try the dealers mate.

Just what I was thinking.

[C_WRX]

You have said its a replica but would it be them the same size/shape as the original, if so maybe try the dealers mate.

So simple didn't actually think of that !! Not entirely sure of the genuine v replica fitment but worth a shot. Ta.

Still also keep em coming though !

[thewelsho]

So simple didn't actually think of that !! Not entirely sure of the genuine v replica fitment but worth a shot. Ta.

Still also keep em coming though !

Could also do away with it. Just disconnect it and perhaps paint it out. Not the best, but the cheapest and will likely look better than a toothless grin!

[C_WRX]

Nice !

You spent the last few hours looking for that, or is it one you have on file for such strange occasions !!

I know it'll make no sense to some people, but I'd prefer to have one there and working, even if money has to be spent getting it so.

[st3ph3n]

Two things - have you check the connector on the brake? Might be worth unplugging it and having a look. It should sit under the bootlid. I have mine unplugged as my wing has no light.

Second - If you can take the brake light out then it should be repairable with some red leds from maplins and a soldering iron.

[C_WRX]

Subaru say that the brake light comes with the whole spoiler only, perhaps can be changed over but they don't sell separately.

Definately the lights, can see through the lense.

Think replacing the LED's would be tough/messy. Dug out my old WRX spoiler and it is a sealed unit, would expect same from this. Different shape bar from WRX spoiler...that'd have been too much like good luck to be able to use that one !!!!

[st3ph3n]

Is your STI style wing bonded or just held in place with the bolts? It's not hard to get them off if it's just bolted so you can have a look.

[terzo neil]

my orginal spoiler and the one i have on the car both led units are held in with 2 screws

[C_WRX]

The spoiler is both screwed and a little bonded on. I am reckoning that the bar will be screw on to the underside of the spoiler so all I have to do is replace that piece of it (wires attached) screw back in place and re-fit spoiler, but, once the spoiler is off I'd prefer to have the new bar ready to go on.

[thewelsho]

Could also do away with it. Just disconnect it and perhaps paint it out. Not the best, but the cheapest and will likely look better than a toothless grin!

Google: Missing teeth - bingo! 30 seconds

Edited August 8, 2008 by TheWelsho