Colorado 3rd brake light / cargo light install - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Justins76 · 09-06-2009, 09:37 PM

Here's my 3rd brake light/cargo light from a late model Chevy Colorado.

I used a jig saw with a metal cutting blade. The horizontal cuts were easy, the vertical ones were harder since the metal is folded over in the center. Hole size is approx 12" x 1 3/8". The plastic bulb sockets needed a bit of sanding to have everything sit flush. I need to new foam weatherstripping to replace the old and shrunken stock foam on the light.

Hopefully tomorrow I'll get the wiring hooked up. Wires kept getting snagged inside the cab where it turns down at the door jam, and since i cant see whats happening behind the metal, I might have to route them a different way. Funny thing is the stock wires slide back and forth freely in there.

3r!c84 · 09-06-2009, 09:41 PM

looks good.good job

**N2TRUX** · 09-06-2009, 09:51 PM

Cool update. Is that the way it mounts on the Colorado? It kinda looks like it would flow better if it was turned over.

boatpuller · 09-06-2009, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Cool update. Is that the way it mounts on the Colorado? It kinda looks like it would flow better if it was turned over.

yea,that's what i thought too.it kinda look's upside down.but,either way cool update and nice work.

Driveway Dreams · 09-06-2009, 10:37 PM

I thought it should be flipped too. But it is a nice functional addition to the ol' truck.

Justins76 · 09-06-2009, 10:41 PM

Thanks guys. Yup, that's how GM has it altho the colorado guys sometimes flip it over. But then the lights will be angled upwards. Once I wire it I'll see how the light pattern works both ways. I rather have it turned around too, lol

Cherub · 09-07-2009, 12:11 AM

does it have some space at the top? would water get in there?

trenchwarfare · 09-07-2009, 12:19 AM

Just make an angled plate for behind it?

spaseghost · 09-07-2009, 11:24 PM

wow, i like that. very clean and super functional, i think i have something to do next weekend...

rigon4 · 09-08-2009, 02:16 AM

I would put yellow bulbs in the sides and hook them in to the turn signals!! looks good

*nekkidhillbilly* · 09-08-2009, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rigon4

I would put yellow bulbs in the sides and hook them in to the turn signals!! looks good

kinda makes cargo lights useless

Justins76 · 09-09-2009, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cherub

does it have some space at the top? would water get in there?

I replaced the worn out stock gasket with some closed cell foam tape. There was a big downpour yesterday and no water got in I'm happy to report.

Justins76 · 09-09-2009, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trenchwarfare

Just make an angled plate for behind it?

Thats a good idea.

Justins76 · 09-09-2009, 10:37 PM

The fixture calls for #912 bulbs. For the cargo lights i substituted 921 which are little bit brighter. The ran the brake wire from the white wire off the brake switch, I ran the stock cargo light orange wire to the cargo light. Now it works like the newer trucks, don't need the door open to have the light on.

09-06-2009, 09:37 PM	#1
Justins76 OutOfMyMind & I'llNeverKnowWhy Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Another world, some other time Posts: 672	Colorado 3rd brake light / cargo light install Here's my 3rd brake light/cargo light from a late model Chevy Colorado. I used a jig saw with a metal cutting blade. The horizontal cuts were easy, the vertical ones were harder since the metal is folded over in the center. Hole size is approx 12" x 1 3/8". The plastic bulb sockets needed a bit of sanding to have everything sit flush. I need to new foam weatherstripping to replace the old and shrunken stock foam on the light. Hopefully tomorrow I'll get the wiring hooked up. Wires kept getting snagged inside the cab where it turns down at the door jam, and since i cant see whats happening behind the metal, I might have to route them a different way. Funny thing is the stock wires slide back and forth freely in there. Attached Images __________________ -Justin-Out of my mind and I'll never know why 1976 Chevrolet Silverado C10 350 4bbl / TH350 Big10 longbed 1986 Pontiac Firebird T-Top 5.0L TPI 700R4 WS6 1992 Pontiac Firebird T-Top 5.0L TBI 700R4 My cardomain page I don't like to save, it's more fun to spend!!

09-06-2009, 09:41 PM	#2
3r!c84 Badass Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: lox. fl Posts: 4,586	Re: Colorado 3rd brake light / cargo light install looks good.good job __________________ Think outside the box? -84c10 (1stcar)→My Build← -00 Saturn 5spd drop a gear and disappear! 1/4:13:90

09-06-2009, 09:51 PM	#3
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: Colorado 3rd brake light / cargo light install Cool update. Is that the way it mounts on the Colorado? It kinda looks like it would flow better if it was turned over. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

09-06-2009, 10:37 PM	#5
Driveway Dreams I have car A.D.D. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Greeley, Northern Colorado Posts: 4,147	Re: Colorado 3rd brake light / cargo light install I thought it should be flipped too. But it is a nice functional addition to the ol' truck. __________________ -Gerald Building vehicles in memory of the first "car guy" I ever knew, my Grandpa. Bob Dunham 1935-2009. Rest in peace. 61 GMC Suburban SOLD The 86 build thread SOLD Are you a Colorado member?Click here.

09-06-2009, 10:41 PM	#6
Justins76 OutOfMyMind & I'llNeverKnowWhy Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Another world, some other time Posts: 672	Re: Colorado 3rd brake light / cargo light install Thanks guys. Yup, that's how GM has it altho the colorado guys sometimes flip it over. But then the lights will be angled upwards. Once I wire it I'll see how the light pattern works both ways. I rather have it turned around too, lol __________________ -Justin-Out of my mind and I'll never know why 1976 Chevrolet Silverado C10 350 4bbl / TH350 Big10 longbed 1986 Pontiac Firebird T-Top 5.0L TPI 700R4 WS6 1992 Pontiac Firebird T-Top 5.0L TBI 700R4 My cardomain page I don't like to save, it's more fun to spend!! Last edited by Justins76; 09-06-2009 at 10:46 PM.

09-07-2009, 12:11 AM	#7
Cherub Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Houston Posts: 970	Re: Colorado 3rd brake light / cargo light install does it have some space at the top? would water get in there? __________________ 2014 LTZ Z71 Silverado 82 C15 LQ4/4L80E Conversion 78 Suburban build (SOLD) 83 4x4 Suburban(SOLD) 82 C15 (my first truck)

09-07-2009, 12:19 AM	#8
trenchwarfare Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: WNY Posts: 313	Re: Colorado 3rd brake light / cargo light install Just make an angled plate for behind it? __________________ ____________________________________

09-07-2009, 11:24 PM	#9
spaseghost certified tard Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: grand junction, colorado Posts: 182	Re: Colorado 3rd brake light / cargo light install wow, i like that. very clean and super functional, i think i have something to do next weekend... __________________ 85 swb bbc 5% tint 16.356 @ 84.81 8/07/09 4800 Ft., bad timing, carb tune, and traction, fugg it. 16.169 @ 84.29 8/28/09 good timing, no carb tune, some traction... 06 Equinox LT AWD, wife's and family ride 03 Mustang V6, CAI, Duals, Pullies, Programmer, Short Throw, wife's dream car?! 90 Eagle Talon, other project / space taker, GOT head!! 08 Silverado 2500 HD, the bad ass work truck

09-08-2009, 02:16 AM	#10
rigon4 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: east syracuse ny Posts: 371	Re: Colorado 3rd brake light / cargo light install I would put yellow bulbs in the sides and hook them in to the turn signals!! looks good __________________ 1981 K-5 Blazer 2wd 1985 C-10 Short step 1988 C-10 Suburban

09-09-2009, 10:37 PM	#14
Justins76 OutOfMyMind & I'llNeverKnowWhy Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Another world, some other time Posts: 672	Re: Colorado 3rd brake light / cargo light install The fixture calls for #912 bulbs. For the cargo lights i substituted 921 which are little bit brighter. The ran the brake wire from the white wire off the brake switch, I ran the stock cargo light orange wire to the cargo light. Now it works like the newer trucks, don't need the door open to have the light on. Attached Images __________________ -Justin-Out of my mind and I'll never know why 1976 Chevrolet Silverado C10 350 4bbl / TH350 Big10 longbed 1986 Pontiac Firebird T-Top 5.0L TPI 700R4 WS6 1992 Pontiac Firebird T-Top 5.0L TBI 700R4 My cardomain page I don't like to save, it's more fun to spend!!

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