taillight lens

jensenflagg · Posted: Wed Nov 20, 2013 8:58 am Post subject: taillight lens

I just got my '62 bug back from the shop- new pans and now no rust. So I need to replace a few (more) items to get it in good shape. First, the taillight lens(s). I like the look of the red/amber, any reason not to use the European lens? I installed the European style bumpers from Wolfsburg West & it's a nice look. The bug is lowered & had EMPI wheels so not close to authentic anything, but looks good.

Then the interior. I think I'll put back the rubber floor/tunnel mats and carpet (synthetic) on the sides. Wolfsburg West has the reputation but I can save over $100 by ordering rubber mat from Airhead Parts and mats from TMI. Worth the extra money? I'm thinking so, but curious what you all think. Thanks!

KTPhil · Posted: Wed Nov 20, 2013 9:50 am Post subject:

With the small and somewhat dim lights on old Bugs, I always favored the Euro amber top lenses, since they show up a little better, especially in traffic.

Funny thing, I hear the all-reds are popular in Europe!

glutamodo · Posted: Wed Nov 20, 2013 1:43 pm Post subject:

From what I've read, the first 62 models off of the boat in 1961 came with amber-top rear lights, it was soon discovered that they were not yet legal in all 50 states so they were quickly changed out for all-reds.

Amber-tops hit the aftermarket quickly, JC Whitney ad from 1964:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

I wanted them on my 62 when got the car - I ordered mine from JC Whitney as well... but I'm sure the quality in 1964 was a lot better than what I got in 1989 - they were terrible! The reflectors didn't reflect and the amber section faded to clear and the red to pink in just weeks. Then I got some of those Brazil VW/Audi marked lenses which were better, and ran those for years until I was able to get Hellas for it.

At least you can still get real Hella lenses, which is what I run on both of my bugs now.

-Andy

grandpa pete · Posted: Wed Nov 20, 2013 2:17 pm Post subject:

>>>just an opinion>>>>> I have a purple 63 that came with the European lenses ; the amber lens adds another " odd " color that detracts from the overall appearance and I will be taking them off AFTER I add a 5 inch STOP light Cool

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glutamodo · Posted: Wed Nov 20, 2013 4:00 pm Post subject:

I can agree with that - darker color bugs can look a bit odd with amber-top rear lenses.

jensenflagg · Posted: Wed Nov 20, 2013 6:47 pm Post subject:

My bug is red, I think the amber would be okay, I had a red '73 and I believe that had amber lens' thanks for the feedback

hitest · Posted: Wed Nov 20, 2013 8:56 pm Post subject:

It will look great with amber tops on red. Besides, aren't they just about the cheapest way to change the personality of the rear end in under 2 minutes? Do the same up front- trade the turn signals from clear to amber- then try red.
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jensenflagg · Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2013 6:16 am Post subject:

thanks for the input. I'm feeling good about the amber lenses and kind of like the idea of amber front turn signals. Surprised no input on interior carpet/mats. Must confirm the value of going with Wolfsburg West. Thanks folks.

BWD · Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2013 9:04 am Post subject:

joe56vw · Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2013 10:34 am Post subject:


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