At 02:45 PM 4/11/2001, Jeff Birk wrote:
> > -- I can tell you that putting in
> >a 50-watt backup light will lead to melting/warping of the whole taillight
> >assembly. :(
>
>I have run a 50-watt halogen in the brake light socket for almost two years
>with no problems.  Also have jumped the taillight circuit to the blank

Are you sure it's 50 watt?  Also, duty cycle is certainly a factor.  When I
melted the taillight housing (non-halogen 50-watt bulb) it was before I
installed a backing-down beeper (built-in with halogen bulb in backup
light) so it was entirely possible that the light may have been lit for
some time.

I'm still using the assembly, by the way -- couple hours work with a
miniature heat gun and some foam-silicone gasketing made it work well enough.

david

David Beierl - Providence, RI
  http://pws.prserv.net/synergy/Vanagon/
'84 Westy "Dutiful Passage"
'85 GL "Poor Relation"