11-07-2022, 05:59 PM
The topic of retrofitting reversing lights was discussed on several threads within the previous Forum. As these threads may not make it across to this new Forum, I thought I would share my recent experience.
See below, and the attached 3 page pdf file with photos & wiring diagram.
I have recently installed a reversing light on my 1971 Kombi. Although reversing lights were not standard on the early Bay Kombi, they can be retrofitted relatively easily. My vehicle has a standard 4 speed manual transaxle transmission [a 3 rib Code CA gear box]. On the left-hand side of the gear change housing there is a plug & washer that can be removed to accommodate a reversing switch. This plug can be removed with a 10mm Allen Key – but it is a bit tricky. The plug is very close to the clutch cable flexible guide tube and the rear suspension diagonal arm mounting. I believe others have modified a 10mm allen key to fit into the confined space. In my case, with the intent of installing a switch at a later date, I had previously loosened the plug while the transmission was out. This allowed me to remove the plug with a set of multi grips after reinstalling the gear box.
I bought a reversing switch (VDO 022147 with a M18 x 1.5 thread) from a local VW garage – but they are available from many of the online VW part suppliers. I initially installed it with the same washer I had removed with the plug. However the switch failed to move to the closed circuit ON position when the reverse gear was engaged so I reinstalled it without the washer and it worked fine. I guess the switch pin just needed to extend into the housing a little more to better engage the gear shift mechanism.
The single reversing light I used was a Hella E1 8726 R23 with a standard clear 12v 21w incandescent bulb. This light housing is also available from many of the online VW part suppliers. I mounted the new light on the rear bumper just below the right-hand side taillights which required a 10mm hole drilled through the bumper bar.
I wired it up similar to the wiring diagram for the 1976 model reversing lights, as given in the Bentley Manual [Chapter #4 Diagram I current track 65 & 66]. Taking power from the +15 terminal of the ignition coil – through a new inline fuse holder (with 7.5-amp blade fuse) – then through the reversing switch – and onto the reversing light.
See my attached 3 page pdf file for my wiring diagram.
See below, and the attached 3 page pdf file with photos & wiring diagram.
I have recently installed a reversing light on my 1971 Kombi. Although reversing lights were not standard on the early Bay Kombi, they can be retrofitted relatively easily. My vehicle has a standard 4 speed manual transaxle transmission [a 3 rib Code CA gear box]. On the left-hand side of the gear change housing there is a plug & washer that can be removed to accommodate a reversing switch. This plug can be removed with a 10mm Allen Key – but it is a bit tricky. The plug is very close to the clutch cable flexible guide tube and the rear suspension diagonal arm mounting. I believe others have modified a 10mm allen key to fit into the confined space. In my case, with the intent of installing a switch at a later date, I had previously loosened the plug while the transmission was out. This allowed me to remove the plug with a set of multi grips after reinstalling the gear box.
I bought a reversing switch (VDO 022147 with a M18 x 1.5 thread) from a local VW garage – but they are available from many of the online VW part suppliers. I initially installed it with the same washer I had removed with the plug. However the switch failed to move to the closed circuit ON position when the reverse gear was engaged so I reinstalled it without the washer and it worked fine. I guess the switch pin just needed to extend into the housing a little more to better engage the gear shift mechanism.
The single reversing light I used was a Hella E1 8726 R23 with a standard clear 12v 21w incandescent bulb. This light housing is also available from many of the online VW part suppliers. I mounted the new light on the rear bumper just below the right-hand side taillights which required a 10mm hole drilled through the bumper bar.
I wired it up similar to the wiring diagram for the 1976 model reversing lights, as given in the Bentley Manual [Chapter #4 Diagram I current track 65 & 66]. Taking power from the +15 terminal of the ignition coil – through a new inline fuse holder (with 7.5-amp blade fuse) – then through the reversing switch – and onto the reversing light.
See my attached 3 page pdf file for my wiring diagram.