3rd Brake Light redux
I just replaced the tail lights and center brake light on my coach. They were showing their age, probably too much UV, the brake light and a tail light both had a corner broken off. The plastic was getting brittle.
Before I bought the replacements searched the forum archives and learned that FT used the lights from a 92-94 Ford Econoline van. Many posts about a 92-94 3rd brake light costing $100 plus and I found that to be the case. I was wondering what was so special about that light, even used ones were around $50, but a new 2007-2013 was available for $50. Would that work? The picture looked identical to the 92-94 version on my coach. Took a chance and ordered one (ebay). It fits exactly.. I think the only difference in the various models of the van which Ford made from 1992 - 2014 or maybe even a year or two later, is the plug on the end of the wiring. I had to cut that off anyway to make the connection, FT connected the wiring with crimp connectors. From the Wikipedia article on the Econoline van, it went through 4 generations, with the 92 to around 2014 being in the 4th generation. There were several changes to the van from 92 to 2014 but the back of the van remained basically the same. After 94 though the taillights no longer have the yellow turn signal segment, so if your coach has that, you need to buy the 92-94 version tail lights. I bought a new pair from Amazon for about $50. Made in Taiwan. The brake light ad said OEM and it has the Ford logo. Doubt if a used brake light would be of much value as it is mounted on the roof of the van above the rear doors where it gets lots of sun. Some early versions of the van had a white interior dome light mounted on the back of the brake light. It is not needed for our coaches and will have to be removed, so no need to buy that.
Topic: 3rd Brake Light redux