Hello I have just purchased a 96 DX hatchback and was noticing that the housing that has the 3rd break light in on top of the hatch is painted to match the car. I find this interesting b/c my 93 hatch is black and many of the 96-00 hatches are black unpainted too. Is there any reason behind this or is it just what they did in 96, as I saw a 98 that was identical in the local jy that had a black one as well. Input on why Honda did this would be appreciated but is just my curiosity at play again. Thanks!

 

Break?
or
Brake?

 

Back in 94 is when the 3rd brake light was mandated. Alot of car companies didnt paint the housings and back then the whole car was painted on most cars. I bought a new truck in 94 and it had a black 3rd brake light housing. This was before the black plastic craze that started with the CRV, Avalanche, etc..


But in all actuality, the law states that if the regular brake lights arent at eye level, a 3rd light must be used. 99.9% of all car have eye level brake lights. I disconnected mine.

 

there are 2 hatchback rear wings (3rd tail light housings)
the cx has an all plastic one in the natural black color. its also shaped differently.
the dx has a metal top and plastic lower and the metal is painted to match the car.