TheSamba.com :: View topic - Can you replace the old 6 volt flasher with something newer

Fri Jul 13, 2012 6:41 am

I bought a 64 bus and it seems that all the rear lights are messed up. This was converted to 12 volts by previous owners and a 1600 was put in.
My problem appears to be the flasher unit, it is a 6 volt unit. . All the rear lights go through this flasher unit.. Has anyone rewired to use a newer 12 volt unit before? The rear lights are the single buld type.

Fri Jul 13, 2012 7:27 am

I bought a 12v 1 inch square looking Flasher relay @ Napa Auto Parts and it works fine. Four pins on it are "S"same as 54, "+", "K", "ground" .

Fri Jul 13, 2012 7:40 am

Have used lots of more modern two or three connection relays for the pre-1966 VWs. Does not matter if you have the single or dual bulb taillight holders, wiring is just different.

Fri Jul 13, 2012 7:58 am

rckt64 wrote: . All the rear lights go through this flasher unit..
How many terminals on this unit?, sounds like someone may have added a 66 or 67+ system.

Sat Jul 14, 2012 7:42 am

There is like 10 terminals on it. The hazards and the tailites and the signals go through it. It's a big square thing. 4" x 3"

Sat Jul 14, 2012 8:43 am

You'll have to find a 67-68 9 terminal relay (sometimes called 9 pin), all North American delivered VW's used them for those years, or change the hazard switch to a 69+ unit with 9 terminals on it, then you can use a common 2-3 terminal flasher.

Mon Jul 16, 2012 3:39 am

I went to the german jubalie show at Jims Custom VWs this weekend and found a 12volt 9 pin flasher. Mine was a 6 volt and thats why it went bad..
I'll hook it up today.

Thanks

Mon Jul 16, 2012 6:24 am

Good to hear! You should double check the year of your bus just in case....