Can I drill into my FRP top to wire/install a center stop lamp (1 Viewer)

[Colonel Camper]

I have a 1997 HZJ73 from the Netherlands with Euro-spec tail lights and no center stop lamp on my FRP top. I guess the center stop lamp didn't come standard on all FRP tops? I was wondering: If I were to buy this all together and have holes drilled, would I be able to get this wired in to work as an additional brake light for more visibility? Has anyone run into this or had this done?

 

[FJ73Texas]

Brace yourself when you price out 81570-60040 if you plan to buy all the components. This is the light itself and yes it is used on some FRP tops as well as other 70 series hard top variants.

I have no idea how it is wired on the FRP models but the wiring on my HZJ77 which has this light comes through the headliner. In your case, I would run a wire from one of the rear brake lights and make a quick disconnect in the harness in case you ever want to remove the FRP top.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

FRP Top.

 

[Rigster]

This is absolutely doable if that is what you want. Like @FJ73Texas said, just install a quick connect. You may be better served to try to obtain a second hand light from somewhere. I think there may even be aftermarket options which would be much more cost effective.

 

[Colonel Camper]

Sorry for the late reply over the holidays but thanks everyone for the advice! Yeah the price on partsouq isn't so friendly when you include everything...I believe after shipping it would be in the $350-450 range if not more. I mean I like the look considering the originality but additionally like you mentioned @Rigster I may go with an aftermarket option. @FJ73Texas @Gun Runner 5 ----Do you find your FRP center stop lamp effective? Is it even very bright or do you also think that there are brighter options that also look good? If so, which ones?

 

[Rigster]

No worries. The OEM light is LED so it is pretty bright. You definitely do not have to go OEM, as there are options. Eg:

LED For Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series Lj78 Lj79 Lj75 Car Rear 3rd Third Roof Hatch High Brake Signal Light Lamp Accessories

good luck with whatever you choose!

 

[FJ73Texas]

Sorry for the late reply over the holidays but thanks everyone for the advice! Yeah the price on partsouq isn't so friendly when you include everything...I believe after shipping it would be in the $350-450 range if not more. I mean I like the look considering the originality but additionally like you mentioned @Rigster I may go with an aftermarket option. @FJ73Texas @Gun Runner 5 ----Do you find your FRP center stop lamp effective? Is it even very bright or do you also think that there are brighter options that also look good? If so, which ones?

Believe it or not, I failed state inspection because my third brake light was not working. Actually it was working but very weak and hard to see in the day time. I went back in the evening when it was a bit darker outside and they could see it and passed me.

Beats buying a new one at the price they want for it and it would have never been an inspection requirement had it not been there in the first place like a lot of 70 series cruisers. I was just unfortunate. I am not sure a new one would have been brighter.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

Sorry, the photo I posted was simply from a 73 Series in the shop but I have no reason to think the added break light wouldn’t be effective.

 

[Rigster]

Believe it or not, I failed state inspection because my third brake light was not working. Actually it was working but very weak and hard to see in the day time. I went back in the evening when it was a bit darker outside and they could see it and passed me.

Beats buying a new one at the price they want for it and it would have never been an inspection requirement had it not been there in the first place like a lot of 70 series cruisers. I was just unfortunate. I am not sure a new one would have been brighter.

I would open it up and clean it... likely it is just a poor ground that would cause it to be dim like that. You may have to chase down the connectors to make sure they are clean as well.