Joy,

You need to check Matilda's chassis number, they changed the switches in
1989.  If the number is higher than 24K045001, you need the newer (read more
expensive) switch.  I believe that the instrument cluster dimmer is
different in the newer vans, and there is an extra connection on the
headlight switch for this.

I sent you a message earlier, did you get it?  We can put in the headlight
relays (highly recommended) when you stop off here if you like.  If you use
the older switch, I have one kicking around here for you.  If you want to
order a switch and relay kit, let me know and I will forward my address, so
that you can have them shipped here...

Don in Reidsville, NC
1987 Vanagon GL Syncro (Suzie)
1988 Vanagon GL (Sylvia)

----- Original Message -----
From: "Joy Hecht" <jhecht@ALUM.MIT.EDU>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wed 05 January 2005 23:33
Subject: Re: headlight switches (and winter ideas for Canadians)

> Hi Chris,
>
> I need a switch - hadn't gotten to looking at the vendors yet, but saw
> your post.
>
> Karl Wolz most kindly put in a new-to-me (but maybe not new?) switch in my
> van a month ago - it just died two days ago.  Running lights work, brake
> lights work, brights work if I hold them on, but regular headlights don't
> work.  So at night I have to drive while holding my brights on.  (I'm
> trying not to drive at night.)
>
> I'm wondering whether something in the wiring of my dash is frying the
> switches, since I've just gone through two.  Thanks to the PO the wiring
> in my dash is a mess.  Has anyone else had switches fry regularly?
>
> Meanwhile, though, I do need a switch!  Could you please email me offline
> with info on how to get one from you?  I will be in North Carolina from
> Sunday through Wednesday next week, so probably the best is to mail it to
> my friend there.
>
> BusDepot lists two headlight switches - it's not clear what the difference
> is between them, aside from a hefty price difference.  Yours are new, yes?
> And maybe less expensive than Bus Depot?
>
> Thanks!
>
>
> Joy
>
>
> p.s.  After a dreary and cold Christmas in San Antonio, I am now in balmy
> New Orleans.  75 degrees here.  Spent today on my bike riding among
> marshes and bayous.  Lovely.  But a bit too warm!  You Canadians should
> all come to southern Louisiana, it's fine.
>
>
> ****************************************************************
> Joy Hecht
> and Matilda, 1989 Burgundy Vanagon
>
> For musings about life and the vanadventures:
> http://users.rcn.com/jhecht/gypsy
>
> ****************************************************************:::-----Original
> Message-----
> :::From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf
> :::Of JordanVw@AOL.COM
> :::Sent: Tuesday, January 04, 2005 10:25 PM
> :::To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> :::Subject: Re: Headlight Switch Vendor
> :::
> :::In a message dated 1/4/05 8:46:23 PM Eastern Standard Time,
> rich@XCOR.COM
> :::writes:
> :::
> :::
> :::> I check in the bus boys and gowesty catalogs and didn't see any
> :::headlight
> :::> switches. Anyone know who sells them or is this a dealer item?
> :::>
> :::
> :::i have a bunch of these..  let me know
> :::
> :::chris
>