Date:         Mon, 23 Feb 2004 08:52:19 -0800
Reply-To:     Robert Keezer <warmerwagen@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Keezer <warmerwagen@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      50 Watt Bulbs on eBay (long)
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

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

_________________________________________________________________
Say “good-bye” to spam, viruses and pop-ups with MSN Premium -- free trial
offer! http://click.atdmt.com/AVE/go/onm00200359ave/direct/01/