Which Tail light is correct for 69 Bug

Today I had a blown turn indicator and when I went to change the globe found the lens to be cracked. I took a look at classic and they don't seem to have the same tail light as mine. I have separate reversing light yet the replacement tail light has a reversing section at the bottom

The first photo is my tail light and the second i think is the replacement. Would appreciate any advice

pretty sure the top is USofA

I believe the bottom is correct

The top one is correct for 1968-1970 here in Aus.... the bottom one with the clear section for the reversing light came in in 1971.

I've managed to get the ones without the clear section from Micks Motors in the past, but yeah - they are a bit tricker to get hold of.

Other option is of course to paint the clear section in on the inside with clear-red model paint or similar.

👍

Yep, Sides is correct. The red/amber only light is correct for Australian bugs from '68-'71. Most places only stock the new reproductions of the later lights with reverse. I use original Hella ones on mine, although they are starting to look their age.

thanks Dave i have emailed micks motors to see if they have any replacements.

Sides is correct about the years they belong to. I fitted clear bottomed ones to our 69 as I wanted reversing lights so people could see me reversing out of car parks etc. The problem I found is, the non genuine lights fade very badly. After 12 months on the car (which isn't in full sun all the time), the amber had just about gone. Getting new Hella ones is very hard and it took several years of looking before I found some. They do look as good as they day I put them on though and that was about 6 years ago now.

Yogie

You can probably still source the correct non reverse light ones through europe suppliers, UK had the same deal as us, reverse lights standard from 72.

It catches alot of pinkslip/blueslip guys out cos most 68-71 bugs out there have them fitted with no reverse lights

It was just US that had back up lights standard on all VWs since the mid 60s so replacement parts are usually tailored to them.

Good point Joel... 68-70 it wasn't compulsory to have reversing lights, but since they're considered safety gear if you have them fitted then they have to work

My bug has a separate reversing light that sits on the rear bar I guess an option is to get total new assemblies and have the reversing lights wired.

however then it wouldn't be standard then again the seat and engine are not standard to the model anyway. I will wait and see if Mick motors has the correct lenses for the 69