Date:         Sun, 17 Feb 2013 20:51:43 -0600
Reply-To:     JRodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         JRodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: 12 Volt + Wire Up Rear Pillar? (vent)
Comments: To: David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <vanagon%2013021721214361@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

I've got an '88 GL that used to belong to Unca' Joel. He put lots of
extra lights on it. The extra backup light is like a regular headlight
but mounted on the rear bumper and wired through a special bus installed
on the front cabin wall behind the glove box. The light has it's own
on/off switch, so I can turn it on for as long as I want it.There is
also another high powered light back there but is red in color also on a
separate switch. It serves as an extra tail light in bad weather. I
really like that independently controlled backup like and highly
recommend it.

As for the front lights there is a pair of round Hella fogs mounted on
the front bumper and they go well with the SA grille and round lights I
installed after buying the van.

John

On 2/17/2013 8:21 PM, David Beierl wrote:
> At 09:06 PM 2/17/2013, neil n wrote:
>> My understanding is that if using the OEM back up light switch to
>> control additional back up lights, it's best to use a relay to carry
>> the added load. Originally I was going to do this but then chose to
>
> Very wise.  On the manual transmissions I'd certainly consider adding
> a relay just to power the stock lights, since the switch eventually
> gets pitted contacts and fails.
>
> There are two styles of switch for the M/T with different terminals,
> different construction internally and I believe different shimming
> requirements when installing in the transmission.  The later style
> with IIRC an integrated plug instead of individual spade terminals,
> is of considerably lighter internal construction.
>
> A/T backup light switch is integrated with the starter lockout in the
> shifter quadrant and is of heavy and accessible construction.  You
> can clean and to some extent adjust it, and keep it running a long
> time before having to spring for the expensive lockout/reverse switch
> assembly.
>
> Yrs,
> d
>