On Dec 17, 2010, at 9:43 PM, David Beierl wrote:

> At 10:32 PM 12/17/2010, Richard Koerner wrote:
>> before he offered them up for sale; I think if plastic lens
>> "melting" were an issue, it would have gotten some press on the
>> Vanagon List or The Samba, but then again I don't read every
>> post...YMMV.  Anybody know?
>
> I wrecked a pair of taillight assemblies with 50-watt backup
> lights.  They were on for 15 minutes or so at a campground (by
> mistake obviously, but it happens) and the entire fixture distorted
> and wouldn't seal.
>
> Yrs,
> d

And my black plastic tail light function separator panels began melting
so I removed them (50 W brake light bulbs). Those are a very bad idea
IMNSHO.
I think one of the better solutions I've seen is a line of LED's along the
upper part of the hatch window, or in case of Westy's, the small shelf
just inside the window, as additional brake lights.
Bob