Date: Sat, 18 Dec 2010 02:19:44 -0500
Reply-To: Jay Brown <badkarma@TTLC.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Jay Brown <badkarma@TTLC.NET>
Subject: Re: Tail Lights
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Hi Phil,
There are quite a few options for brighter tail lights. There have been some
recommendations lately over at thesamba.com for bulbs that are only
available directly from the Honda dealer. Part # 39403-SF1-A01 fits into the
standard tail light sockets, you will need 6 of them (plus a spare or two if
you are so inclined). I am not personally running these bulbs, but the
recommendation comes from Daniel Stern, who has an excellent track record
when it comes to automotive lighting.
If you haven't already done the "rear fog light" modification, I would
highly recommend it. There is a good write up with a few photos here:
http://tinyurl.com/25ataey. The opening for this bulb in the tail light lens
is smaller, so you will need a different bulb unless you want to cut some
plastic. The corresponding bulb from the Honda dealer to fit in this spot
without cutting is part # 34901-SBO-671. On my '85 Westy I tied the extra
bulb to the brake light. If you don't mind trimming a little bit of plastic
from around the lens opening for the extra tail light you can fit the normal
bulbs, which will be brighter. I will probably go with this method in my '87
Wolfsburg soon.
I used to run the higher wattage bulbs from Terry Kay, but found that mine
didn't last very long. I always buy a spare for every bulb that I purchase
since they are small and easy to stow away in the van. In less than a year
and a half, I had gone thru all of the "upgraded" bulbs I got from TK, hence
I no longer use or recommend them.
Some people have had success running LED tail lights. I have yet to find any
plug and play option that I really like, so I can't make specific
recommendations. You may be able to cross-reference bulbs on the web to find
LED replacement bulbs that will work in the tail lights of the van. If you
go this route, be sure that the bulbs for the turn signals come with
resistors so your blinker relay will function properly.
Another easy way to increase visibility is to add some 3M Scotchlite tape to
whatever location on your van you see fit. There are a few photos here that
show the results http://tinyurl.com/276b6zl.
Lastly, you could wire in a 3rd brake light up high on the rear window. Most
modern vehicles have a high mounted 3rd brake light and it is not too hard
to add to the rear of a Vanagon http://tinyurl.com/2fstlsc
Jay Brown
'85 Zetec Westfalia
'87 Zetec Wolfsburg
https://sites.google.com/site/vanagonheadlightrelays/
Date: Fri, 17 Dec 2010 17:49:22 -0800
From: Phil <mypactor@PACBELL.NET>
Subject: Re: tail lights
There have been posts lately about upgrading Vanagon headlights. Been there,
done that. How about TAIL LIGHTS? They need to be upgraded too. Anyone have
any suggestions?
Thanks, Phil in Bakersfield
