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Tail light lenses for a 68-70 Beetle from the USA.
snitz - September 27th, 2012 at 12:31 AM

Can anyone confirm weather all 68-70 taillights (sold here or overseas)..are of the same dimensions?. I have a feeling that I read somewhere there is a difference?..like the US cars run a difference base to suit the side reflectors that mount to the tail light assembly..Please help me before I buy NOS lenses off The Samba..lol:lol:

Yogie - September 27th, 2012 at 07:04 AM

My 72 cabrio that came from the US has the same lights as yours and the lenses I bought here fit. Just make sure you get the amber top for the blinker. You may also want to get the clear bottom for reversing lights. It took me a long time to find genuine Hella ones like that and it turns out they were in Australia with Vintage Vee Dub.

If they are not the Hella ones, you will probably end up replacing them every year as they fade badly.

Yogie

vw54 - September 27th, 2012 at 07:18 AM

check the brand on the lens to make sure its Hella or similar not NOS mexician or Brazilian

Joel - September 27th, 2012 at 07:35 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Yogie
My 72 cabrio that came from the US has the same lights as yours and the lenses I bought here fit.


They would have been swapped at some time, the 71-72 US tail lights are unique and different to the rest of the world.
They are like the 68-72 ones we got here but on steroids as they are alot bigger and not interchangeable.

Catches a few people out as I've noticed alot of sellers on Ebay trying to flog the US lenses and gaskets here or people buy from the US not knowing.

The US ones also had red indicator lenses which is also illegal in Aus.

bajachris88 - September 27th, 2012 at 08:13 AM

didn't the US have reverse lights before us too? (genuine question cos i don't know, but feel suspicious)

Joel - September 27th, 2012 at 09:33 AM

Yep, 72 was the only year tombstone taillights had reverse lights in Aus but most have reverse lights lenses fitted by now as the original aussie ones weren't reproduced til recently.

snitz - September 27th, 2012 at 10:08 AM

Thanks guys..I have seen a couple of US sellers selling Hella tail lights that suit 1970 aussie models..orange top and all red bottom.Seen a couple of cheap pairs on the Samba..failing that I guess VVD sells hella new or NOS?.

68AutoBug - September 27th, 2012 at 10:23 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by snitz
Can anyone confirm weather all 68-70 taillights (sold here or overseas)..are of the same dimensions?. I have a feeling that I read somewhere there is a difference?..like the US cars run a difference base to suit the side reflectors that mount to the tail light assembly..Please help me before I buy NOS lenses off The Samba..lol:lol:


The USA only 1971-72 tail lamps look the same but are longer
You can buy amber- red -clear for this model too
called European type lenses.


shame You don't have them as I have a pair of new rubber gaskets for them [genuine VW]
bought them at a swap meet at the nationals a few years ago.

so, 1968-70 lenses are OK.. USA
part number 111 945 241 M amber/red/clear

111 945 241J red/clear

cheers

LEE

PS Hella lenses are Now around $70 each..

snitz - September 27th, 2012 at 11:42 AM

Thanks Lee..Dont mind spending $70 a piece for Hella ones.Is that through VVD?.Looking for just orange and red as per 1970 models.It currently wears Polarlite? repros..their okay but good quality hellas without reverse would be nicer..

Yogie - September 27th, 2012 at 05:52 PM

I can't remember what I paid from Vintage but they were NOS Hella. Give them a call and they will confirm the price and then they will also definitely fit.

Yogie

snitz - September 27th, 2012 at 06:01 PM

Cheers Yogie..will do.:cool: