TheSamba.com :: View topic - Can someone tell me what the heck this is

Tue May 11, 2021 10:05 pm

I was stripping down the 59 and it came with ALOT of accessories but I found this old switch by the tranny cover plate area. It’s screw terminal and the wires are Bakelite. The button pushes in and out and the wires went thru the firewall into the engine compartment......can anyone ID this part.

Tue May 11, 2021 10:15 pm

Reverse light switch ?

Tue May 11, 2021 10:26 pm

Yes, original reverse light switch.
I think you are missing the piece that pushes on the button for it.

Type 3 example with more parts:

Tue May 11, 2021 10:43 pm

The "flag" part that presses the button might have come loose and fallen into the tunnel, so look in there for it.

Wed May 12, 2021 9:08 am

I thought it might be a reverse light switch .... but never seen an early one only original empi ones.....and yes I saw the missing part in the tunnel gotta fish it out. Is there a specific early reverse reverse light or can I use any reverse light?

Wed May 12, 2021 11:48 am

Any will work, but I'd recommend the '67 Bug style...not too expensive and fits the styling. Some have brackets, others will require you make one, pretty simple.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2071602
If you use just one (the practice of the time), you might look for a 6V LED bulb that fits, for best brightness.

Wed May 12, 2021 12:29 pm

There is a single Hella backup light assembly that looks a lot like the '67 unit, but has a built-in chrome hood and a lens to match. They are not rare and prices are all over the place.

This was the standard VW accessory backup light used thru '66.

Wed May 12, 2021 4:23 pm

I just happen to have an NOS 6 volt backup light I had stashed away. Thanks for all the help and advice 8)

Thu May 13, 2021 8:51 am

restojohnny wrote: I just happen to have an NOS 6 volt backup light I had stashed away. 8)

Well hell, of course you do! :wink: