Date:         Wed, 29 Aug 2007 00:51:01 -0500
Reply-To:     Matt Roberds <mattroberds@COX.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Matt Roberds <mattroberds@COX.NET>
Subject:      Re: High-Beam LED Indicator Bulb
Comments: cc: "Jack R." <jack007@COMCAST.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <20070828232645.OUZB16709.fed1rmmtai105.cox.net@fed1rmimpi01.cox.net>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

> From:    "Jack R." <jack007@COMCAST.NET>
> Date:    Tue, 28 Aug 2007 19:09:50 -0400
>
> Does anyone have an extra High beam LED Indicator bulb, the blue one,
> or can these be obtained from a Radio Shack?

It's a plain old incandescent lamp with either a blue filter in front of
it or a blue silicone rubber "condom" on it.  If it has a blue filter,
the filter is attached to the instrument cluster.  If it has a condom,
sometimes the new lamp comes with one and sometimes you have to move it
over from the old lamp.  If the filter is broken or faded, you can get a
replacement from a theatrical or stage lighting store - they sell sheets
of colored plastic called "gels" that are made to go in front of stage
lights.  There are many colors; pick one that looks close.  The time I
bought a few, a sheet about 24" (60 cm) square was a couple of bucks and
is enough to do several hundred Vanagons.

I've not had much luck finding VW instrument lamps (at least for
air-coolers) at the generic FLAPS - usually I have to go to the FLVWPS
or the dealer.  If you can find the part number and/or get the old lamp
in your hand, you might call around or go to the FLVWPS (even if they
just handle air-cooled) or try the VW/Audi, BMW, Mercedes dealer parts
counters.

These days, you *could* replace it with a blue LED.  LEDs run on just a
couple of volts, so you need a resistor in series with any LED to make
it work on a 12 V system.  For some lamp types, you can buy a LED
packaged with the resistor in a plastic base the same shape as the old
lamp, so it plugs right in.  Otherwise, you can use a blue LED with
separate resistor.  In this application, using a separate resistor is
probably a good idea, because you might want to adjust the resistor
value for the best compromise between being able to see the indicator in
the daytime versus not being blinded by it at night.

Matt Roberds