Are the GT rear vents on the top of the window needed?

[First opel 1981]

My son wants to mount a 3rd brake light in the roof vent holes and, well, so do I.

Are they necessary to be free (open) or can they be closed off with the light mod?

I did my first one with lights but it was a bad idea because i couldn't replace burned out bulbs without removing the headliner but this time it will be LED.

Thanks for input.

[P.J. Romano]

Tons of material on this subject:
http://www.opelgt.com/forums/1c-ligh...ear-vents.html

[First opel 1981]

Lots of info on LEDs and a little on the vents. ~L~

Thanks for the link. It looks like I shouldn't close the vents off completely but some lights in there won't hurt much.

I don't know why i can't find these threads when I'm actually searching for them. I do try though before I ask questions as I know it's frowned upon to go over topics that have already been answered.

[Phoenix]

General concensus is it won't hurt as long as you leave a few of the them there. Personally, I'd like to mold in a 3rd brake light from a Corvett or Camaro.

[blancojp]

Originally Posted by First opel 1981 My son wants to mount a 3rd brake light in the roof vent holes and, well, so do I. Are they necessary to be free (open) or can they be closed off with the light mod? I did my first one with lights but it was a bad idea because i couldn't replace burned out bulbs without removing the headliner but this time it will be LED. Thanks for input.

That area is a tunnel that ends at a funnel style collector which has a 1" hose attached to it. There are metal vents or openings on the inside, at each side near the package tray. You can't miss them because your headliner is attached to them. It is OK to close them as long as you treat the area with a rust deferrent as they are very prone to rust. I have done this to many GT's over the years with very good results. But never remove the hose since that will add two additional openings on the rear floor area and create unwanted road noise.

If you want to put a third brake light at the location, find a late model Chevy Tracker convertible and mold in the light. You should be able to mold in the brake light housing while still retaining several of the slots if you want. The light housing is about 2" in heigth so a bit of cutting and molding is required.

If you can leave a few vents and add the light in the center, the rear will look real neat and factory.

[markandson]

Has anyone ever found a third lite from a car that has the same slope as the rear window of the GT so that it can be mounted inside the car on the rear package shelf. I think if I add one to my car that I would do it this way in order not to mess with the vents.

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by markandson Has anyone ever found a third lite from a car that has the same slope as the rear window of the GT so that it can be mounted inside the car on the rear package shelf. I think if I add one to my car that I would do it this way in order not to mess with the vents.

Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply

Bottom of the page, 'Model 37' looks like it would work. And it's made by Hella.

[ungermm]

I have thought that a rope light might be an option for installation in the rear vents.

For a brake light mounted on the rear shelf, I used one from a Lincoln Mark VII. It fits nicely and is readily available for a few dollars at a wrecking yard.

RattyGT 058.jpg