Re: Halogen tail lights

[Andre Bjorkheim <andreb@wa.freei.net>]

Nate Mellom wrote:
> 
> Hey all.
> I'm thinking about switching all my tail light bulbs to halogen (brakes,
> parking lights, reverse, directionals).  A buddy of mine has heard that
> VW lenses can melt if halogens are used, as they sit too close to the
> bulb.  Any truth to this, or am I safe in having brighter tail lights?

    I have been using the Hella 20 watt Halogen bulbs for my brake
lights for several years now and I havent had any problems.  Mind you,
this is an Mk1.  My advice to you is to try out some cheaper bulbs first
(the halogens I have need that special adapter base to fit in the bulb
housing).  I would recommend the brake, backup, & signal bulbs be either
the 1295 (50cp), 3497 (43cp), or the 2396 (40cp).  This is compared to
the stock 32cp bulb, the 1156.   cp = candlepower  which is a better
rating than wattage.   

    Also, I would recommend using relays to brighten the backup and
brake lights.  That alone can make the stock bulbs much brighter.  As
for the parking lights in the rear, I believe they are 3cp, and I dont
think you can find halogen for those as they dont warrant the large
light output.  On the front parking/turn signal bulbs I would recommend
the 2357 (40cp blink and 3 cp park, or 40/3), 2397 (40/2), or the 3496
(43/3).  Stock is 32/3 for the 1157 bulb.  Make sure to clean up the
grounds and the contacts for the wires when changing the bulbs. 
Sometimes poor light output can be attributed to just having too much
resistance in the circuit.  HTH...

 Andre'
 Lime Green 79

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