Date:         Mon, 9 Apr 2007 17:04:52 -0400
Reply-To:     Mike <mbucchino@CHARTER.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike <mbucchino@CHARTER.NET>
Subject:      Re: Extra tailight in spare socket?
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
              reply-type=response

 I did this nice mod to my tailights, using 2 of the center contacts pried
from another junkyard tailight assembly.  You need to remove them and
re-install them (carefully bending some things to accomodate them, then
bending back to re-secure them).  But wait, you also need the uninsulated
female wiring harness connectors for the blank spots on the plugs, too!
These can be purchased at most FLAPS, but just get them from the same
junkyard vehicle, using a small pick to release the little locking tab, and
push it out of the back of the plug, being sure to get a few inches of wire
to splice them into your harness.  I spliced mine into the parking light
circuit to get some extra lighting back there.  You could wire them to come
on with the front foglights, or you could wire them to come on with the
brakelights instead.  To each, his own!  I used higher wattage bulbs all
around, but remember, they draw more current and the added heat can melt the
taillight bezels or lenses, and even switches and fuseholders.  Use the
smaller dome 'euro' bulbs to keep the glass from getting too close and
melting the lenses.  Brighter is good, but melted parts is not so good.
BTDT.

HTH,
Mike B.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike S" <mikes@FLATSURFACE.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, April 09, 2007 3:48 PM
Subject: Re: Extra tailight in spare socket?


> You can get more light by replacing the stock taillight bulbs (#67, 4
> candlepower) with #93 bulbs (15 cp). They do have a shorter life,
> though.
>
> At 11:56 AM 4/9/2007, Gregor Brandt wrote...
>>'86 Westy
>>
>>I am thinking of getting more light out of the back of the van for
>>night
>>driving.  I removed the lenses and noticed an extra socket, which I
>>assume
>>is for the Euro foglamp.  This socket has no 'springy' power connector
>>at
>>the bottom of it.  I would like to use this socket for an extra
>>driving
>>light, has anybody else done this? If so, what did you use for the
>>springy
>>powerconnect at the bottom of the bulb?
>>
>>Thanks
>>
>>Gregor
>