58b on the lighting switch Dash Lights

[dgsaz]

I would like to extend power from 58b (dash lights) to three additional gauges.

The addition load is three light bulbs. Can I:

1. Extend the circuit from the last light on the system and just add these to
bulbs to the original system.

2. Put a splitter on terminal 58b and feed the new lights from there.

3. Install a relay, get the 12 volt signal from 58b and feed the additional lights
from the relay. Can I use 58b to signal the relay and power the
original light circuit?

Here's a sketch of how I envision the set up with the relay.

I'm hoping for #2 as it is the easiest install. But, I want to do it the right way.

thank,

dgsaz

[johny__utah]

#2, no different than a extra accessory such as a deluxe clock.
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1956 L31
1961 L346 L347
1963 L380 L289

[busdaddy]

I agree, #2 will work fine, 3 more little bulbs isn't too much more. Adding a relay will make the added lights lose their dimmableness, might as well tap in to 58 if you go that route.
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[telford dorr]

While three additional lights shouldn't be a problem, if you have a lot of extra gauge lights, you can build this buffer circuit. It allows the additional lights to track the original dash lights. Get the 12 volts from headlight switch terminal 58, and the control signal from 58b. The transistor can get quite hot, so mount it on a good heat sink:

Now if the brightness of the new gauge lights is noticeably greater than the original dash lights, then you can use this circuit to balance them:

This is a DYI project, but it's not too hard to build.
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'Experience' is the ability to recognize a mistake when you're making it again - Franklin P. Jones
In theory, theory works in practice; in practice, it doesn't - William T. Harbaugh
When you're dead, you don't know you're dead. The pain is only felt by others.
Same thing happens when you're stupid. - Philippe Geluck
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[BarryL]

[telford dorr]

1/8 watt or better.
_________________
'71 panel, now with FI
'Experience' is the ability to recognize a mistake when you're making it again - Franklin P. Jones
In theory, theory works in practice; in practice, it doesn't - William T. Harbaugh
When you're dead, you don't know you're dead. The pain is only felt by others.
Same thing happens when you're stupid. - Philippe Geluck
More VW electrical at http://telforddorr.com/ (available 9am to 9pm PST)