| Subject: | Re: LED backup lights update |
| From: | LarsP |
| Date: | Sat, 18 Feb 2023 19:45:18 -0700 |
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--></style></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Hey Dan,</p><p class=MsoNormal>Look at all three links again. Different words for the same thing. Colored front = Lens (112)</p><p class=MsoNormal>Black backing = Housing (258)</p><p class=MsoNormal>I’m not looking at an assembly, just these links, but what I see is the tabs exactly as Eric described. Two tabs at each narrow end to release the lens from the housing.</p><p class=MsoNormal>Gp</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div style='mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal style='border:none;padding:0in'><b>From: </b><a href="mailto:dn92610@gmail.com">Dan N</a><br><b>Sent: </b>Saturday, February 18, 2023 7:20 PM<br><b>To: </b><a href="mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com">vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com</a><br><b>Subject: </b>Re: LED backup lights update</p></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Yes Pete... thank you...</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Then how do you access the reflectors in order to clean them?</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On Sat, Feb 18, 2023 at 6:12 PM Pete Sicilia <pete@coffeepot.org> wrote:</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>> The parts that diagram references don't seem to match the diagram.</p><p class=MsoNormal>><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>> The 251-945-112-A looks like the lens assembly... I could be wrong, but</p><p class=MsoNormal>> I'm not sure that the colored front comes off from the black backing.</p><p class=MsoNormal>><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>> https://carparts4sale.com/media/rh-tail-light-lamp-genuine-hella-vw-vanagon-t3-80-91-taillight-251-945-112-cp028599/</p><p class=MsoNormal>><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>> The 251-945-258-A part looks like the bulb holder...</p><p class=MsoNormal>><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>> https://carparts4sale.com/media/rh-tail-light-lamp-bulb-tray-holder-vw-vanagon-t3-80-91-taillight-251-945-258-cp028601/</p><p class=MsoNormal>><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>> On Sat, Feb 18, 2023 at 5:32 PM Dan N <dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:</p><p class=MsoNormal>><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> my problem is to remove the #1 from the #2 on this diagram... uhhh...</p><p class=MsoNormal>>><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>>><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> https://www.vwpartsvortex.com/v-1989-volkswagen-vanagon--syncro--2-1l-h4-gas/electrical--tail-lamps</p><p class=MsoNormal>>><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> On Sat, Feb 18, 2023 at 5:19 PM Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> wrote:</p><p class=MsoNormal>>><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > Ahhh, previous owner...now that makes sense....well intentioned of</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > course! But lens is on the outside, the reflector and bulbs are on the</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > inside. Heck....I haven't disassembled mine in 3 years or more, so</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> kind of</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > foggy on the details, others will chime in. If original, a</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> no-brainer. So</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > there is something funny going on in your situation.</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > On Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 05:08:09 PM PST, Dan N <</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > Yes... the taillight assembly. There are 2 parts - the black plastic</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> bulb</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > holder, the colored plastic assembly with the reflector glued to it. I</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > can't remove the reflector to clean or improve it. It seems to me it's</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > glued together either by the factory or the previous owner.</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > thanks</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > On Sat, Feb 18, 2023 at 4:53 PM Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > wrote:</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > You mean....on the taillight assembly? These just come apart....like</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> when</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > replacing bulbs. I must not be understanding the question. Helpful</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> hint:</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > do a thorough job of cleaning light bulb sockets with steel wool; next,</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > apply a thin coating of Vaseline on both light bulb and socket, this</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> will</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > prevent corrosion for years to come. Works every time.</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > On Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 04:44:08 PM PST, Dan N <</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > sooo I have a question.. How do you separate the silver reflector from</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> the</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > colored lens?</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > thanks</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > On Sat, Feb 18, 2023 at 4:26 PM Pete Sicilia <pete@coffeepot.org></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> wrote:</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > Sounds like a great idea. I'll just have to clean off the krazy glue</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> and</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > duck tape first <span style='font-family:"Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif'>🤣</span></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > On Sat, Feb 18, 2023, 4:09 PM Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > wrote:</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > For repair, you can go a long way with 2 part Epoxy Putty. Slice</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> off</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > a</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > hunk, knead it, apply it, form it. All surfaces super clean with</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > Rubbing</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > Alcohol before you attempt of course, but you will be surprised by</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> your</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > cleverness and workmanship. This stuff has abundant uses around</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > Vanagon.</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > Especially old brittle plastic parts.</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > On Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 03:59:16 PM PST, Jim Felder <</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > jim.felder@gmail.com> wrote:</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > I don't remember where, I guess busdepot.com, but I bought brand</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> new</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > replacement lenses a few years back for a reasonable price. If you</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> are</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > trying to replace the molded plastic tray with bulb holders, that</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> might</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > be</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > more difficult.</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > Jim</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > On Sat, Feb 18, 2023 at 5:42 PM Pete Sicilia <pete@coffeepot.org></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > wrote:</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > Well I finally finished the aluminum tape around my led backup</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > bulbs. I</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > had</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > done one side a few weeks ago and did the other side today.</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > Everything was easy until the very end today. As it turns out, my</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > fears</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > about cracking old plastic were well founded.</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > I meticulously cleaned and taped all around the lens housing and</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > behind</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > the</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > bulb and as I was giving the entire housing one last cleaning with</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > simple</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > green, the whole thing slipped/shot out of my hands and cracked on</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > the</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > pavement... snapping off the retaining tabs.</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > I got down on my hands and knees and fished the housing and the</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > broken</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > parts out from under my wife's Touareg, cleaned them again and</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > applied</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > first krazy glue, then some strategic strips of duck tape for</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > reinforcement. I waited a few mins, then carefully clipped the</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> light</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > assembly into the housing and reinstalled everything.</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > Everything is working for now... but man I sure have a way of</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > snatching</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > defeat from the jaws of victory sometimes</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > In related news, does anyone have an extra right tail light lens</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > assembly</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > that they'd be willing to part with?</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > On Mon, Jan 30, 2023, 8:48 AM Pete Sicilia <pete@coffeepot.org></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > wrote:</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > > Do you have any particular brand of tape you recommend? Or is</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > Amazon</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > > cheapo sufficient?</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > > 1PCS Premium Silver Aluminum Tapes (3.9Mils), 2'*65 Feet Foil</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> Tape,</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > Metal</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > > Insulation Tape, Heavy Duty Duct Tape with Adhesive Backing for</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> Hot</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > Cold</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > > Air HVAC Ductwork, Dryer Vent, Heat Resistant, Repair</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > > https://a.co/d/hILxB3m</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > > I've never opened up the light casing. Are there any things to</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> look</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > out</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > > for? I'm a little leery of cracking old plastic.</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > > Thanks!</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > > Pete</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > > On Thu, Jan 26, 2023, 12:19 PM Jim Arnott <jrasite@eoni.com></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > wrote:</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > >> Someone asked for pictures so I opened up a tail light. Delete</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > the</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > pop</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > >> bottle. Line the backup light window with alunim air</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> conditioning</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > tape.</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > >> Install big, bright LED. Put it back together. Might take you</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> an</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > hour</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > >> including the time in the hardware store buying the tape.</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > >></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > >> Ranks right up there with changing the engine to an I4 as far</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> as</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > >> improvements go. BIG improvement.</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > >></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > >> Jim</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > >></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > >> > Years ago, I bought a couple 6 LED external light to use as</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > backup</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > >> lights. Then I read a post about fixing the existing lights. It</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > was</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > fairly</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > >> simple. I used the below mentioned LEDs and then created a</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > reflector</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > using</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > >> a 16 oz plastic soda bottle lined with aluminum air</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> conditioning</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > tape</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > and</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > >> fit it into the stock tail light assy. NOW I can see backing</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> up.</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > Took</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > about</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > >> an hour and worth every second of time invested.</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > >> ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > >> > Jim</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > >> ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > >> >> On Jan 21, 2023, at 9:18 AM, Pete Sicilia <</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> pete@COFFEEPOT.ORG></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > wrote:</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > >> >></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > >> >> In related news, I just upgraded my back up lights (1156) to</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > these...</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > >> >> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H54SP6O</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > >> >></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > >> >> So far so good... although I'm always on the lookout for</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > brighter</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > >> options.</p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > >></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > > ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > > ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > > ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> > ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>> ></p><p class=MsoNormal>>><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>Have something to add on this topic today? 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