Printable Version of Topic

Posted by: DickSteinkamp Sep 12 2018, 06:32 PM

My 914 is hardly a high point restoration.

The original interior light is broken...in multiple pieces. I'm not inclined to pay the price for an original Hella fixture. Does the common (1952-1977) VW interior light fixture fit and work?

Thanks.

Posted by: PanelBilly Sep 12 2018, 07:55 PM

I put in a light from a late model VW. These’s a thread on it

Posted by: 914sgofast2 Sep 12 2018, 09:05 PM

The 52 to 79 beetle lights work perfectly and work the same. They just do not have the chrome edge surround in the plastic - it’s completely clear. A “new beetle” interior light will also fit, but you will have to modify the electrical connectors to match those on the “new beetle’s “ style of interior light. They all have the same 3 functions: On continuously - Off - On when you open a door.

Posted by: Valy Sep 12 2018, 10:30 PM

Yes. Done it.

Posted by: JawjaPorsche Sep 13 2018, 02:54 AM

Yes, I did that. It looks good. I just keep it in the off position because I don't want the bulb to melt the plastic if I leave the door open too long. That is what fried my original.

Posted by: mepstein Sep 13 2018, 03:37 AM

Use an led bulb.

Posted by: DickSteinkamp Sep 13 2018, 08:38 AM

Thanks, guys! I appreciate the help.

Posted by: GeorgeRud Sep 13 2018, 09:19 PM

I tried an LED bulb thinking that it would be cooler, but I found the festoon bulb actually runs quite hot (though much brighter than the original bulb).

[attachmentid=667159]

Posted by: GeorgeRud Sep 13 2018, 09:19 PM

double post.

Posted by: PanelBilly Sep 13 2018, 09:22 PM

Her yo go. Found my photos.

Posted by: John Oct 4 2018, 11:41 AM

Do these aftermarket interior lights stay in place?

I recall years ago attempting this very thing, but I couldn't get the aftermarket Type1 interior light to stay snapped in place (or even to get it to snap in place).

I've been living with the broken in half original for years, but I want one that isn't split so I recently purchased a Type1 interior light to try again (I know trying the same thing and expecting a different result is insanity, but I'm going to try again.) I already replaced the bulb with an LED replacement, so the heat issue is resolved.

Any tips when doing this? Is there a metal bracket that is part of the backpad that needs to be bent/modified for the light to snap into? As I recall, the backpad is formed stiff cardboard or masonite or something and is easily damaged at the edges.

As always, thanks for your input.