Date:         Mon, 23 Dec 1996 05:10:47 -0800
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         John Becker <jmb@beckercap.com>
Subject:      Re: lighting questions

I recently repaired a poor wiring job done on my 87 syncro. The previous
owner drille a hole in the dash by the passenger's side (poor
ergonomics), I believe he did this only because he ran out of wire. Well
I bought a three way fog/driving switch from the local Portland VW
dealeship and installed it. The only problem I had was getting the diode
on the switch to light up. The switch came with no directions and I'm no
electrical wizard. Any advice ?

Thanks 
John Becker
87 syncro

Wiesner Craig wrote:
> 
> Sean -
> 
> I agree with Joel.  One of the first things I did to my van was install a fog
> light on the back bumper and wire it to one of the back-up lights.  It is very
> easy to do.  The wires go in the pull down license plate area. One goes to
> ground and the positive right to the harness junction for the back-up light. I
> have had this set-up for 6-7 months now with no problems in the wiring. Now I
> can see things behind me at nite and people definetly know when I am
> backing-up.
> 
> I also installed fog lights on the front that I use full time to supplement
> the poor excuse stock headlights as well as baja lights for off-road and bad
> storms.
> 
> Good luck,
>                      - Craig '86 Syncro Westy
> _______________________________________________________________________________
> From: lbart@preferred.com on Wed, Dec 18, 1996 5:58 PM
> Subject: lighting questions
> To: Multiple recipients of list
> 
> Hey all,
> I have a quick question about lighting.  I've got an '81 Vanagon but I'm
> posting to both lists because there are probably some Type2er's who can
> help me out.
> 
> What I want is brighter lights for the brake light (which is a separate
> bulb from the tail light in a Vanagon) and the back-up lights.  VW calls
> for 21 watt bulbs for each of these applications.  I noticed in RMMW's
> Cabriolet catalog that they sell an adaptor that will allow you to use a
> 20-watt quartz halogen high intensity bulb in place of the stock 21-watt
> incandescent bulb.  They advertise it for use in brake lights and back-up
> lights.  I was wondering how hot these halogen bulbs get.  Would they melt
> the lens or what?  Also, RMMW wants $24.95 for a set of two adaptors (I
> think the bulbs are included).  That seems kind of pricey.  Has anyone seen
> this type of adaptor before in a FLAPS?  I haven't.
> 
> I currently have 35-watt incandescent bulbs in place of the stock 21-watt
> bulbs for brake lights and back-up lights.  They are brighter than the
> 21-watt bulbs but not as bright as I was expecting.  How much brighter
> would a 20-watt quartz halogen bulb be than the stock 21-watt bulb.
> Basically the idea here is to be able to see behind the van when backing up
> (Joel would say "Put a fog light on the back and wire it up" -- I don't
> know if I want to do that) and to have brake lights that say "I'm stopping
> NOW, dammit!"  Should I go for these halogen dealies?  Anyone have them on
> their van?
> 
> Thanks in advance,
> Sean