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nic_
Samba Member
Joined: February 06, 2015
Posts: 64
Location: Melbourne, Australia
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 Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2018 10:53 pm Post subject: Lights instead of semaphores |
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My '56 came with pretty much every original part aside from running boards (missing) and semaphores - which were replaced with thin Hella lights.
However after a closer look I'm wondering if the lights are actually "original" - i.e. installed by VW over here for delivery (it's an Australian CKD).
The fit is perfect for the space where the semaphore would go, and the ageing/discolouration on the orange lens doesn't match the discolouration on the other indicators (that I know were installed well after the car was new), and the chrome is also a good match for the rest of the chrome on the car.
Has anyone come across these lights before? Is there any chance they are "original", and I can happily clean them up and put them back on rather than hunt down sempahores?
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56Cabrio
Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2008
Posts: 1898
Location: San Fernando Valley, CA
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jason
Samba Member
Joined: August 07, 2002
Posts: 3445
Location: Garage
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| Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2018 11:19 am Post subject: Re: Lights instead of semaphores |
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| Certain countries or states made you make your vehicle up to code. These were for that. |
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txoval
Samba Member
Joined: January 23, 2004
Posts: 3553
Location: The Woodlands, TX
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| Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2018 6:14 pm Post subject: Re: Lights instead of semaphores |
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Nicknamed “elephant ears”
I put them on my 54, just liked the look versus semaphores and rare to see on US cars as they were made for European market. |
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nic_
Samba Member
Joined: February 06, 2015
Posts: 64
Location: Melbourne, Australia
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| Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2018 9:27 pm Post subject: Re: Lights instead of semaphores |
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OK so sounds like while they're not "factory", they were created specifically for the purpose of replacing VW semaphores?
If that's the case I might stick with them, as I do think they look fine, and obviously are safer.
Thanks for the responses! |
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txoval
Samba Member
Joined: January 23, 2004
Posts: 3553
Location: The Woodlands, TX
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| Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2018 9:36 pm Post subject: Re: Lights instead of semaphores |
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Yes, in the 60’s some European countries banned the semaphores and made everyone convert to these. There are seversl different versions
Here’s a pic of mine
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Hazza6542
Samba Member
Joined: August 04, 2016
Posts: 104
Location: Straya
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| Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2018 10:10 pm Post subject: Re: Lights instead of semaphores |
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Tons of em getting around in Aus, if it's not a show car I wouldn't worry too much, easier to hook up to a flasher relay and drive safely.
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55 build: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=680057 |
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AlteWagen
Troll
Joined: February 23, 2007
Posts: 8501
Location: PNW
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markendee
Samba Member
Joined: April 30, 2009
Posts: 247
Location: Kyabram, Australia
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| Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2024 4:04 pm Post subject: Re: Lights instead of semaphores |
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Perhaps one day when your car is totally finished and you are missing working on it and making little improvements you could perhaps fit semaphores to your car.
I know you are fitting indicators, good thinking, but the absolute delight the semaphores give to people is totally fantastic.
Something that very few cars have the ability to provide.
Pretty special in my opinion.
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finster
Samba Member
Joined: May 26, 2012
Posts: 7929
Location: north o' the border
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| Posted: Sun Mar 31, 2024 3:03 am Post subject: Re: Lights instead of semaphores |
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a thread back from the dead - at easter too! 
_________________
"we're here on Earth to fart around" kurt vonnegut
nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect... |
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