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Wed May 30, 2007 2:19 pm

I haven't had my 74 Ghia for long. I noticed this thing under my dash. it has 2 wires going to it. What is it?

Wed May 30, 2007 2:20 pm

It's called, "something some previous owner installed that will most likely cause problems in the rat's nest of a wiring system behind the dash".

Wed May 30, 2007 2:35 pm

Oh ok. Where can I buy a replacement? :wink:

Wed May 30, 2007 3:51 pm

OEM, NOS, OG or aftermarket with a microprocessor?

Wed May 30, 2007 4:23 pm

Icy wrote: It's called, "something some previous owner installed that will most likely cause problems in the rat's nest of a wiring system behind the dash".

Sorry, but that is a VW OEM part you have there for your
1974 Karmann Ghia. HTF and kind of rare, actually.
Here's one I posted in the Samba Gallery, some time ago:

Variously called a map light or a heater control illumination
light, it's original equipment for your '74 Ghia. Usually positioned
so the light aims at the center tunnel area. Found in some 1973
models, as well.

Wed May 30, 2007 4:43 pm

Wow, it doesn't look like a light. I'll have to take it off and take a closer look at it. Can you tell me if that is how it is supposed to be mounted?

Wed May 30, 2007 4:51 pm

justice91423 wrote: Wow, it doesn't look like a light. I'll have to take it off and take a closer look at it. Can you tell me if that is how it is supposed to be mounted?

Your mounting bracket appears to be in the
original/correct position. But it needs to be turned so
the light shines toward the center tunnel.
When you get the chance to look at it closer,
you'll notice the light lens is mounted in the housing
so it can be swiveled or aimed like an eyeball. :D

Wed May 30, 2007 4:53 pm

Ghiaddict wrote: Icy wrote: It's called, "something some previous owner installed that will most likely cause problems in the rat's nest of a wiring system behind the dash".

Sorry, but that is a VW OEM part you have there for your
1974 Karmann Ghia. HTF and kind of rare, actually.
Here's one I posted in the Samba Gallery, some time ago:

Variously called a map light or a heater control illumination
light, it's original equipment for your '74 Ghia. Usually positioned
so the light aims at the center tunnel area. Found in some 1973
models, as well.

Dayum :shock: I need to find a 74 to part out ;) The 73 I have doesn't have that in it. Must be an end of model year item.

Wed May 30, 2007 4:53 pm

Thats pretty cool. thanks

Wed May 30, 2007 7:05 pm

I have a couple of those in my parts boxes. How are they turned on? Or are they wired to the headlight circut?
David

Wed May 30, 2007 7:21 pm

You guys are all wrong. It's actually a tiny camera - Big Brother keeping an eye on things back in the day...

:wink:

Wed May 30, 2007 7:26 pm

my 73 (11/72) ghia has it.... as i understand it vw had to install them in US spec cars due to the US goverment requiring HVAC controls to be "lighted".... this was their solution...the light is very dim...

Wed May 30, 2007 10:01 pm

yup required instrumentation thingy, i hate em

Wed May 30, 2007 10:27 pm

I'll be damned....I never noticed that thing before. My '74 still has the bracket and grommet, but the light is missing.

Learn something new every day.

Thu May 31, 2007 4:33 am

Plantman wrote: I have a couple of those in my parts boxes. How are they turned on? Or are they wired to the headlight circut?
David

There is no dedicated switch for the light as it is
wired directly to the fuse panel, headlight circuit.
It's true, the light is very dim but it's a cool/unique item nonetheless.

Fatchicks rule! :wink:

Thu May 31, 2007 1:14 pm

Those are in the dash of early bugs too, shines down on the heater controls at night.

Thu May 31, 2007 6:04 pm

There is no dedicated switch for the light as it is
wired directly to the fuse panel, headlight circuit.
It's true, the light is very dim but it's a cool/unique item nonetheless.

Ghiaddict,Thanks for the info.
David

Tue Mar 20, 2012 8:47 am

Mine has a rubber bracket that houses the light....does anyone have one?

Tue Mar 20, 2012 12:38 pm

My 73 has one as well. Works too. My car was built in May of 1973.

Gary wrote: Ghiaddict wrote: Icy wrote: It's called, "something some previous owner installed that will most likely cause problems in the rat's nest of a wiring system behind the dash".

Sorry, but that is a VW OEM part you have there for your
1974 Karmann Ghia. HTF and kind of rare, actually.
Here's one I posted in the Samba Gallery, some time ago:

Variously called a map light or a heater control illumination
light, it's original equipment for your '74 Ghia. Usually positioned
so the light aims at the center tunnel area. Found in some 1973
models, as well.

Dayum :shock: I need to find a 74 to part out ;) The 73 I have doesn't have that in it. Must be an end of model year item.

Wed Mar 21, 2012 8:51 am

[quote="mstencel"]My 73 has one as well. Works too. My car was built in May of 1973.

Mine has a plastic housing where the one pictured looks like metal. It's broke into 3 pcs. I'm just gonna glue it back for now but if anyone has a plastic housing.....let me know.