Cibie backup light install (w/ Pics)

[1621]

Just completed my extra backup light for the Westy. I've seen this done well, and always wanted to add some extra light to the rear for those extra dark locations (boondocking) where you need to see behind you for reversing. I also wanted to add the option of manually flooding the area behind the van with light for times when the flashlight just isn't cutting it.

My requirements were the following:
1. Nothing too bulky hanging off the back of the van.
2. A flood or fog beam to provide adequate area lighting.
3. Nothing too expensive as this is not an everyday use item.
4. Have the ability to use it manually, automatically with the reverse switch, and to keep it off entirely.

In auto mode:

Manual:


The Cibie Airport 35's fit the bill perfectly. They are only 1-3/4" deep, and thus would not protrude very far. They fit the styling of the Vanagon and provide excellent light as well. The only problem is they tend to be expensive (~$100 each). I located this one on eBay for $39, and even though it was amber and not white, I went for it.



The lamp mounted easily, and only has the 12v+ wire to connect as it grounds through the mounting bolt. I did need to grind a small bit off the mounting/positioning bracket to make it swivel down a bit more, but nothing a few minutes with a 4" grinder couldn't handle.



There are two holes drilled in the rear of the van. The upper and larger of the holes is to mount the light itself. It's been primed and painted for the most part, except for the bit on the inside of the engine bay where it grounds. The lower and smaller of the holes has a grommet and allows the wire to pass through. This is connected to a relay mounted in the engine bay.

The switches controlling the light are mounted below the rear heater fan switch. From left to right they are 1.) manual on/off 2.) automatic on/off with the reverse lights, and 3.) a switch for the extra interior lights I mounted in the rear. The backup light switches are wired to an indicator light on the dash that lets me know when I have the auxiliary backup light on. This prevents me from accidentally and unwittingly blinding the guy behind me on the highway.




This project was not difficult by any means, but does reqire some planning beforehand. If you decide to do this definitely consider proper fusing and wiring requirements. I would also highly recommend using a relay.

Even though the light is amber in color, it does provide FAR MORE light than the stock reverse lights - even with the 50w bulbs I tried a while back. I would have taken some photos of the light output, but it's difficult to show in a photo. Suffice it to say it makes a big difference.

With the light cover in place:

_________________
'85 Westy
"Years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bow lines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the tradewinds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." —Mark Twain

[GWTWTLW]

Nice job!

I want a landing light from a 747 so I can blind all the tailgaters at night. What size fuse do you think I'd need for that?
_________________
89 Syncro Westy - GW 2.5
90 Syncro Adventurewagen - RIP

[madspaniard]

nice! how did you run wires from backlight to dash switches?
_________________
**##**

1991 automatic westy with all power options

[1621]

[Vanagon Nut]

Nice write up Eric!

Did you choose that type of light to take the "edge off" (for other campers) when backing into CG's late at night?

Nice I/O switches. Tres Euro!

Neil.
_________________
1981 VanaJetta 2.0 Westy "Jaco"

http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines

http://tubaneil.googlepages.com

[1621]

[RGS Paul]

Really nicely done, I want to do this!! This would be really nice on a Syncro when you need to back up on the trail at night. Excellent work!

Paul
_________________
'87 Syncro 7-Pass.
"Simplicate, then add lightness." Colin Chapman