Reference for tail light placement 56-61

[hootowls]

The following diagram is from "Der Motor Test," July 1958, showing the rear view drawing of a European bumper 58 sedan with relative dimensions for the location if the tail light housings. Note that "leer" means "empty" and the units are in millimeters. Thought the drawing might be useful for the ovals and the squares as this is common to both.

[OvalWindowBucket]

The height of my snowflakes is mismatched, thank you very much for this..

[envycustoms]

heres a diff view on the subject
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[Chip]

I prefer the second one, otherwise my lights would end up way to high, the reference to the ground can only be used on a bug sitting at stock height with out any rear end sag. Good luck finding one of those, except on a fresh resto.

[Volumex]

You can use the distance from the bottom of the popes nose to the centre of the snowflake - it is obviously 153mm (679-526) and independent of the height of the car.
Just need a stringline, spirit level & tape measure - and three hands.

[Chip]

Good point, I'll work on the 3rd hand thing

[RJoval]

for those that think there tail lights are going to be to high using diagram one its simple,
measure the height of your number plate light off the ground because it is very rare that the holes in your bonnet have been filled and need redrilling, then subtract the difference from the height that is shown on the drawing, this is the difference then subtract that from all other height measurements and away you go.

[AlteWagen]

Another related thread and specs.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=354891

Still no absolute proof.

[TSLAVO]

[Kjell Roar]

Might be aftermarket fenders.
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My car, Aug. 4th, 1955 / an early 56: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=610438

[AlteWagen]

Strange, I just measured two original fenders I have, the euro is off a 58 and the non ribbed is from a 60. Putting the hook from the tape measure and holding it flat against the curve of the fender I get 13.5 for both.

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[TSLAVO]

Possible my fenders are aftermarket. Thinking of my rear apron is very likely to be original to 57, measurement of fenders adjoining to apron should be correct.

[TSLAVO]

[Snort]

Here are some measurements from my 57 Bug original fender.

1. I measured 13 5/8 inches from the bottom to the bend

2. This one is an attempt to get a square alignment off the apron line but that line is not square so it's averaged.

3. Edge of overrider support hole to wire hole.

4. Edge of overrider support hole to top mounting hole.

5. Square alignment from rear quarter panel line.

[TSLAVO]

I finally found the problem after taking the fenders and fitted to body at body work shop. The bend on fenders do not fit perfectly to the body with some gaps. I measured the rear apron from bottom to where the bend should sit and get exactly 13 5/8 inches.

Thanks for everyone who respond to my post and i am happy to get the right position. The picture guide in this FAQ is pretty helpful.

[pdxeuro]

Disappointing weekend as I starting to look deeper at the body of my 1959 US bug project. I learned the hood is a 3-pin (raised emblem) hood, so I need to find a 4-tab. Also, my rear fender seems like a mess. Like some on here, I get 13.5” for the left side measurement (white line) but the holes don’t match anything on here. It came with later taillights, so I guess not a shocker.

Anyone have a sense for the year of these fenders? They are not ribbed, which isn’t surprising.

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Portland, Oregon
1991 Westy MV
1959 Bug
1977 Westy Bus - sold
1968 Bug - sold
2002 Eurovan - sold

[Bub]

Seems like the later US models had higher tail lights due to the over riders?

I've seen too many cars- and many that seem to be proper, or built by very reputable shops, or even original- that have the lights mounted way high. Or at least higher than I like aesthetically. But all so close that I can't imagine they're all on the same kool-aid.
Somewhere it seems like there's a 'progressive refinements' page that seems to reflect this ?
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[sportin-wood]

[AlteWagen]

[Dan22]

My US spec June 1955 with snowflakes has these dimensions. It appears to match what Snort has done. I am 100% certain of these numbers to my car. The 17.5" dimension is reference as the point of the fender is never really accurate. I think better measurements come from the overrider hole. The 6-7/8" dimension is from the straight edge of the fender, and not the corner, but it appears this is very close to the corner, so maybe it is the same vertical position. Good reference if so.

Measurements taken from an OG dimpled fender. These do not match what was shown for the 1956 dimensions, but they do not appear to be 60mm lower than the 1956 position. Perhaps there was a US spec only for snowflakes, higher than the teardrop or egg lights. If someone can confirm that it would be helpful to the group. According to pdxeuro, these are about 1" lower than 1956 and later.

Perhaps this thread name should be updated to include 1955??
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