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Wed May 12, 2004 12:11 pm

I am in the process of repainting my '73 Super vert and I would like to replace the tail light lenses. I know that new OEM 73 tail lights are no longer available, but I was just wondering what people are using in their place. Will the replacements lenses from CIP (or anyone else) physically fit my fenders? Are there any other alternatives?

Thanks

Wed May 12, 2004 12:14 pm

You could try posting a wanted ad in the classifieds. There should be plenty of used Super taillights out there for sale.

Wed May 12, 2004 12:37 pm

You could buy the replacment "assemblies" that are the same as used on the ( til the end of) Mexican production Beetles. They wil fit the 73-later fenders

or if you just get some ( non Hella, they ( Original Hella brand) are getting harder to find new, if any are still available) replacement lenses, the metal that separates the light inside the lenses is not the same and needs to bee trimmed with some metal shears, or possibly remove the metal from your old cracked up stock lenses and insert it into the new replacement lens.

I hope this makes sense, if not I will try and clarify it a bit.

Or like 79SuperVert says you may be able to get some in good condition used... seems like most of the used ones I ever see are fading and spider cracked

Wed May 12, 2004 2:42 pm

The 73-74 tail lights are slightly different from the 75-79. As long as you're replacing the complete assembly, it's a bolt in.

My 74 Beetle has 75-79 German tail lights.

Wed May 12, 2004 2:46 pm

Glenn wrote: The 73-74 tail lights are slightly different from the 75-79. As long as you're replacing the complete assembly, it's a bolt in.

That is the difference I was referring to. later lenses can be modified to fit the earlier bulb holder assmeblies, but as Glenn states, if you get the whole assembly it is not neccesary.

Wed May 12, 2004 3:10 pm

BTW... the current Mexican have black instead of silver base. Ask before ordering.

Also used ones (73-74) go for $50 for a pair. I have a friend that might have a used pair.

Thu May 13, 2004 3:35 am

nitrous1 wrote: I am in the process of repainting my '73 Super vert and I would like to replace the tail light lenses. I know that new OEM 73 tail lights are no longer available, but I was just wondering what people are using in their place. Will the replacements lenses from CIP (or anyone else) physically fit my fenders? Are there any other alternatives?

Thanks

Thanks to everyone who responded. I have a set of tail lights for the car, but the suffer from the infamous spider-cracking. With all the effort I'm putting into the car, I don't really want to put a set of 30+ year old tail lights back on it. I think I will go with a set of 75-79 assemblies.

Thanks again

Thu May 13, 2004 3:37 am

Glenn wrote: The 73-74 tail lights are slightly different from the 75-79. As long as you're replacing the complete assembly, it's a bolt in.

My 74 Beetle has 75-79 German tail lights.

Thanks for the info - that is what I wanted to know.

That is a nice looking car!

Thu May 13, 2004 3:57 am

nitrous1 wrote: Thanks for the info - that is what I wanted to know.

That is a nice looking car!

Thanks... She don't sweat much for a "Fat Chick".