I found a period third brake light kit for my 544.

It has a circuit to account for directional signals and the angle of the rear window is adjustable.

Once, I had a problem without third light in our '96 855R and ran it without a housing - there was a small hole in the reflector so I could see the light work.

I drilled a hole in the housing so I could see my brake lights, and plan to do the same for mu 544.

When I got my '54 chevy, it had LED bulbs - they were NOT brighter than standard bulbs due to the arrangement of the LEDs as was mentioned.

In my 544, I have toyed with the idea of using a metal flashlight reflector.

Kai;

This is not a simple issue...

Yes, there is a big advantage in decreased current with LEDs, but because they are of a TOTALLY DIFFERENT LIGHT TECHNOLOGY, one has to be careful when converting over to LEDS...it's not just as simple as slapping the LED equivalents to the 1156/1157 lamps in there and finished...you might end up being LESS visible than before, completely defeating the purpose! Difference is shown here:


If you install LED replacement lamps, I highly recommend testing visibility of the result, by looking at the light output while sitting in another car, close behind or far behind, and off angle right and left (in other words, all viewing positions where you want the lights to be seen from).

See also: http://www.sw-em.com/Amazon_Rear_Light_Fixture_Restoration.htm#Considering_LED_Replacement_Lamps

Good Hunting!

You can polish the steel bulb reflector to mirror like finish and get great results. My friend asked if I had LED`s. Just a thought. Larry