Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2004 19:29:27 -0500
Reply-To: Doug <vanagons@COX.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Doug <vanagons@COX.NET>
Subject: Re: 50 Watt Bulbs on eBay (long)
In-Reply-To: <Law9-F1123s2gu59Vvj000145e2@hotmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed
Robert Keezer wrote:
> I had the opportunity of comparing the 50 watt bulbs to the stock Vanagon
> bulbs last week.
> I know this has been discussed before but I rarely pay attention til it
> concerns me.
>
> The seller recommends 8 bulbs. I have concluded that you should only
> need 4
> bulbs and here is why.
> The reason the tail lights have 10 watt bulbs from the factory is to
> avoid
> glare and melting the lense. VW originally supplied 10 watt bulbs. These
> original bulbs were OSRAM. Take a look at yours and you might find a 5
> watt
> little round bulb. The original OSRAM is a oblong bulb .
>
> The VW supplied 21 watt bulbs for the rest-turn signal, back up- and
> brake
> lights.
>
> I replaced these 21 watt bulbs with 50 watt bulbs and since these are
> intermittent use lights, there is little risk of melting the lens
> unless you
> ride the brakes or back up miles at a time.
>
> They are very bright, and I'm not worried about overloading the wiring
> without relays.
>
> I don't think that you should use anything higher then 10 watts for the
> running tail lights.
>
> These 50 watt bulbs are commonly found in RV 's used for reading
> lights or
> for high intensity reading lights, and you can buy them at most RV supply
> stores.
>
> You also shouldn't use the 50 watt bulbs for the flashers- they don't
> flash
> as bright
>
> Now the front turn signal bulbs.
>
> I found the eBay ones (CTOO) to be the same as my stock ones, so the ebay
> seller either got stock bulbs mixed up in his supply or he is claiming
> these
> to have 48 watt flashers.
>
> The bulbs I tried that came from this seller are no brighter than stock.
>
> As for the price, at $2.99 per bulb, that might be average, but the
> shipping
> of $4.00 for less than a ounce makes this $6.99 bulb. And you need 8?
>
> Just go to your local RV supply store and buy them for less.
>
> You should not use more than four -in the rear only. I have never
> found 48
> watt front turn signal bulbs anywhere.
>
> In my opinion I thnk the seller is aksing too much for shipping , which
> could at least come with insurance for that price, and telling you to
> replace some bulbs that you should leave alone .
>
> As I said before, the brake and back-up lights can be improved with 50
> watt
> bulbs- so the seller is half-right.
> The seller implies that VW did'nt make the bulbs bright enough. I don't
> think brightness is the whole issue.
> The distracted drivers and worse are. I have a scanner radio, and I am
> amazed at how many of the police calls are drivers with revoked or
> suspended
> licenses, or DUI. Thses are just the ones that get caught.There is a
> lot of
> lousy drivers out there.
>
> The driver behind you is more likely to rear-end your Vanagon while
> dailing
> a cell phone number . I installed a third brake light in my westy
> which is
> the bar type from a 93-99 Jetta. It sits in the shelf behind the rear
> hatch
> window.
>
> I have looked into LED lights and these are probably the best- but at
> 15-20.00 per bulb out of my price range.
>
> Robert
>
> 1982 Westfalia
>
>
>
>
>
> Robert
>
> _________________________________________________________________
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>
Robert,
I have to comment on this...
I took the opportunity to buy these "Eblitz" bulbs from the same vendor
(one who is well known to this list)
as well as a few other sundry items. I compared the bulbs with the ones
already in my Westy, and the difference is like day and night! The idea
is to be seen on the road by other drivers... be they good, bad, or like
cell phone yackers, indifferent! Before pictures (if I had thought of
it) show a barely lit dull red, not likely to get anyone's attention,
but the higher intensity bulbs look like "normal" auto lights. And yes,
thank you three folks who p-mailed me to warn about melted lenses, but
I've been checking the lenses for about 4 months of constant use now,
and all's well. As far as the price of Shipping and Handling, it is what
it is!
Like I say, this vendor is well known and respected by this list, and
continues to help those who need info on these rare vehicles we drive.
Drive Long and Prosper :-)
Doug in CT
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