Turn Signal Lenses

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sped372
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Turn Signal Lenses

Post by sped372 » Fri May 14, 2010 6:51 am

So what's the deal with the '68-'72 front signal lenses? Some places say left-right specific, others say interchangeable? I know aftermarket is no good so I'm looking for quality used but don't want to end up with even original parts that don't fit. Seems less than VW-logical to not use the same part in two locations instead of two specific ones.
1971 Karmann Ghia - 1600 DP
1984 Westfalia - 1.9 WBX

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bretski
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Post by bretski » Fri May 14, 2010 6:59 am

AKAIK, they are interchangeable. For good used, contact either Chris at Bustedbus, or Ken at TheBusCo.

parts_AT_bustedbus_dot_com

sales_AT_thebusco_dot_com
1978 Deluxe Westfalia - "Klaus"

"transcripts are overrated. hardware store receipts: those are useful." --skin daddio

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sped372
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Post by sped372 » Fri May 14, 2010 8:55 am

Thanks, I'll try them. Basically just keeping an eye peeled but want to make sure I know what to look for.
1971 Karmann Ghia - 1600 DP
1984 Westfalia - 1.9 WBX

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static
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Post by static » Fri May 14, 2010 8:57 am

The Hella ones are not interchangeable.
(Well, they sorta are, but the logo will be upside down and we will all point, slap our knees and guffaw.)

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sped372
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Post by sped372 » Fri May 14, 2010 9:31 am

Still, I'd guess an upside-down original would be better than a right-side-up repro.
1971 Karmann Ghia - 1600 DP
1984 Westfalia - 1.9 WBX

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dtrumbo
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Post by dtrumbo » Fri May 14, 2010 9:56 am

I've got repro's on my wife's bus and they look as good today (three years old) as the day I bought 'em from CIP, OH THE HORROR!!!

I typically am not a fan of repro'd parts and I'll be the first to slap my knee and guffaw at parts that are sub-par, but in this specific instance, they seem fine... so far.
- Dick

1970 Transporter. 2015cc, dual Weber IDF 40's
1978 Riviera Camper. Bone stock GE 2.0L F.I.
1979 Super Beetle convertible.

... as it turns out, it was the coil!

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sped372
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Post by sped372 » Fri May 14, 2010 10:54 am

A vote of confidence! I was pretty sure I'd heard only bad things about aftermarket reflectors and lenses and such.

Am I correct in assuming that these were the "high quality" $40/ea ones and not the "bargain" $10/ea ones?
1971 Karmann Ghia - 1600 DP
1984 Westfalia - 1.9 WBX

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dtrumbo
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Post by dtrumbo » Sat May 15, 2010 5:56 am

I just looked at their website and honestly, I think they were the cheapo's. When I bought mine, I don't remember there being a choice and I just bought what they had. I also know if there had been a choice, I would have bought the most expensive ones assuming the quality would follow.

In addition, I looked, and looked and looked and never could find the difference between the "left" and "right" one. I'm sure someone will point and laugh someday if they see my wife's bus.
- Dick

1970 Transporter. 2015cc, dual Weber IDF 40's
1978 Riviera Camper. Bone stock GE 2.0L F.I.
1979 Super Beetle convertible.

... as it turns out, it was the coil!

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static
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Post by static » Sat May 15, 2010 7:21 am

Guffaw!!

My uneducated guess is that the itty-bitty groves inside are directional, but a much smarter person will be along shortly to tell me that I am full of shit.

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Elwood
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Post by Elwood » Sat May 15, 2010 6:23 pm

HA~~~ Im not at all smarter than Static but have the experiance of buying off of Samba or maybe ebay about 4yrs ago ( when I had money) a advertized set of original Hella lenses. They came in original box for $60.00. They were indeed new but both the same side, and if afixed would be upside down on one side. I have not used them as yet, El is still in "beater" mode and much needed paint job is in order. I will advertise for a trade to anyone that may have the other side when the time comes.
Sure don,t want to be ridiculed at any meet-up :flower:
'69 weekender ~ Elwood

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