LED Lights

[jjvincent]

I've been switching all of the bulbs in the EV over to LED. I did find a few that really made a difference for anyone getting older and is looking for some more light inside. On a Weekender, the light up front has two different bulbs in it. I switched them over to LED and they are much brighter and it just makes it easier to see (at least it does for me).

This is the light that goes on and off with the doors:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LL72WHU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is the map light for the driver and the light on the sliding door footwell (fits the license plate lights and the 3rd brake light with a bit of drilling):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WGZP4PS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Another thing that helps is if you take the lenses on those lights and clean them too. The fronts you can pop off and clean them with a toothbrush and soapy water. As for the footwell, a Q-Tip. Even just cleaning the lenses makes a difference because of the dirt that accumulates.

The best test was when my wife noticed without me telling her anything. So, that's pretty much as scientific as I need because she pretty much doesn't notice things like that unless they just don;t work at all.

[Zeitgeist 13]

I really love LEDs. Is the footwell the only location for a light triggered by a door switch in the rear of the vehicle? Mine is broken, and I need more light back there
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Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?

[jjvincent]

That footwell light, is it for the rear. I'm working on something right now that when done, should pretty much fix the issue of the rear of the van being so dark plus look completely stock for a Weekender. Once the parts get in and I get it together and working, it should be pretty neat.

[Zeitgeist 13]

Great, I look forward to solution. I like my mods to look as if the factory thought of it first. I appreciate the two fluorescent lights, but I'd like for other lights to come on when I open the slider or hatch. On my Vanagon I added a defeat switch so that when I have the hatch open for long periods of time, I can bypass the switch and keep the lights from turning on. The nice thing about LEDs is that they draw so little amperage that it's not much of a problem to keep them on for long periods.
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Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?

[Joshwa]

On the subject of LED lights, I replaced the light over the table. The module that the original style light fits into, was missing. I think this was two 12v LED strips. I'm sure there are different ways to attach, but I cable tied the two strips to a piece of aluminum flat bar, then cable tied the flat bar to the back of the plastic housing. I haven't had any issues with it for a the 3 or so years its been in there except for a few LEDs going out on one strip. Still nice and bright.

I've also wired a 12v LED from the sliding door footwell light to the top of the B pillar. It will turn on with the sliding door opening. I also have the same LED in the rear that lights when the hatch opens.

https://www.amazon.com/Convenience-Courtesy-Licens...3T2EHZ7QV7

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93 Weekender TDI conversion (AHU)
93 MV TDI conversion (1Z)
Weekender rear cot
Late model cabin air filter on 93
Euro spec bumper install on 93

[markcm2]

Great idea on rear cabin lighting triggered by open doors, I'd be interested to see what people come up with.

Regarding LED in the rear cabin, I did a dim-able version and have been VERY happy with the low power consumption and the ability to dim them is priceless. Here's a link to my dim-able version

[Joshwa]

Great idea on the dim-able light. I think I remember seeing that post. Those bright LEDs I have are way to overpowering to turn on in the middle of the night.
_________________
93 Weekender TDI conversion (AHU)
93 MV TDI conversion (1Z)
Weekender rear cot
Late model cabin air filter on 93
Euro spec bumper install on 93

[Zeitgeist 13]

I wonder if a mercury switch in the hatch could be used to trigger rear lighting. I have one from a Volvo hood light that might work for this function. I'd like to have lights in the hatch to shine down below when it's open, as well as some directly above the rear bed/cargo area
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Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?

[Joshwa]

I used one of these for the rear door light activation. I installed it near the latch. It's a bit to figure out the depth and location. I'm still tweaking mine and it's in its second hole after the first didn't work out. I may go to a toggle switch. It does work though.

_________________
93 Weekender TDI conversion (AHU)
93 MV TDI conversion (1Z)
Weekender rear cot
Late model cabin air filter on 93
Euro spec bumper install on 93

[Hank Montura]

I have a 1984 Westfalia with a light over the driver seat and one in the kitchen area. Can those be converted to LED's?
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1984 Westfalia "Trogdor"
2013 Beetle

[jjvincent]

Google "Vanagon LED". You will find what you are looking for. If you know the specific bulb, another good reference is https://www.superbrightleds.com/

[menko]

[Joshwa]

For the light atop of the B pillar, I just extended wiring from the footwell light. I brought the wiring up behind the B pillar trim.

For the hatch light, I used power from a 12v socket I installed near the jack. Ran wire under the black plastic trim at the rear of the van to a pressure switch that I posted above. The wiring for the light of course behind the pillar trim. Pay no attention to my bit of exposed wire. Normally the metal grounds to the body, but this is set into the plastic. Also, the head is dinged up from trial and error installation. I mentioned above that I was on my second hole. I replaced that plastic trim, so you don't see the original hole that was to the left of where it lays now. The latch housing on the hatch is what makes contact with the switch.

_________________
93 Weekender TDI conversion (AHU)
93 MV TDI conversion (1Z)
Weekender rear cot
Late model cabin air filter on 93
Euro spec bumper install on 93

[Zeitgeist 13]

I'm not sure about the early models, but my van has a hatch switch in the door lock mechanism. I tapped into this wire just above the rear light assembly, and used it with a two position switch in each light so that they can come on when any door is opened, or be manually operated.
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Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?

[menko]

Thanks guys that's great.

Zeitgeist, can you give me a little more detail on the wires you found for this? I was wondering about that myself. If I take off the housing around I'll see what I can find. Where did you end up putting the switch? I really appreciate it you guys!

MJ