65 Split Window Tail Lights

[bisonspirit]

I am looking for information on what the correct tail light configuration/lens style is for a US 65 split window. A picture would be really helpful including if there was a reverse light.

[EmpiGT]

65 taillights are pretty cheap and easy to find close to the same from 62 to 71 in appearance, no reverse light

[bisonspirit]

Thank you. At some point backup lights were cut into the panel above the taillights. Not sure if I am going to correct that with the other body work yet or not, seems like a nice safety feature even though it is not original.

[Z]

Pics of your bus would help, but do they look like this?

[bisonspirit]

Yes, like the one on the left (the white bus). That is exactly what they look like.

[EmpiGT]

Are you sure it's a 65 and not a 67? Later 67s came like that. Or vin plate swapping going on. Do you have a picture of the dash or gas door? Both of those are also 67 only items

[Z]

Those are the late 67 style factory reverse lights. I'm think you could get them as an option earlier, but don't remember specifics, but I'm certain they have been added to many busses over the years.

Here is a thread on them from the FAQs, in case it helps:

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=315760

[crofty]

There were dealer installed back up light(s) as well. They used the speedo switch and a bosch or hella light mounted to the rear bumper.
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[scottyfromtherigs]

Here is a photo of the tail lights on our 65 - not the best angle, but I had not intended to take a photo of the lights! Australian 65

[hitest]

Lind would know for sure- but why does it seem I remember the first year you could order reverse lights was in '65? That or I'm thinking of beetles. But yes, many were retro'd.

The deciding factors for me, in order: Were they optional for the year or do you have m-codes 047 or 616? And (more importantly from a voting standpoint) are the measurements for the cutouts exactly as a factory '67 would have them? A buddy has a loaded euro '66 dormy/westy that had a pair of the later backups- but they were cut in too closely to the taillights- so of course they had to go. You could spot them as being "off" from a 1/4 mile behind him. It hurt my eyes and in turn I told him I would not respect him or his bus until he fixed them.
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