Manx Club

Does anyone know exactly which model year/s Ghia(?) or Type 3(?) "bullet"
shaped front turn signal light assemblies fit the flat surface on the
Manx front fender just beneath and slightly outboard of the headlight?  I
know some are not flat enough to use, but I don't know which fit the
surface and width of the area available. I would appreciate any
information that will help educate me on this issue. Thanks.

'63 and earlier Ghia signals will fit.  Mine are from the late fifties.  '64 and later are too big.  I don't know which T3 signals would fit.  Early Ghia signals are hard to find, and are pricey when you find them.  Best bet is Ebay or swap meets.

I used Split Screen Type 2 lights that I got chrome plated, they fit fine...

Though not VW, I have always been partial to the look of 1960’s Lucas lights on Manx type buggies. They are about the same size as the VW bullets, but have a softer tip.



Mine were part of the original build. I think they would look better mounted further up in the wider part of the fender like David’s.

Lee and David,

Would you please see the picture below and tell me
if this is the type of signal you used on your Manx?



If so, how does it mount to the fender?

Yes, they're the ones. Don't tell anyone but I just glued mine on with some clear adhesive...they've stayed put for a good few years now!!!

Yep, that looks like the type I have. I had to drill a hole in each fender for the wiring, as well as two smaller holes for the bolts that go into the fixtures. The screw you can see in the side of the bezel in the photo also goes into the fixture. There are two of those, and two that mount the assembly to the body. You need longer screws (or bolts) to go through that thick fiberglass.

ManxRob,

I have given consideration to the Lucas lights. They are
a good fit for the Manx and they must be well-made and reliable as I
believe they are also used on Cobra Kit cars. However, as you have a
preference for them, I have the same for the "bullet" design lights.
Thanks for taking time to post your input. And happy driving!
 
Lee and David, 

Thanks
for the confirmations on the above pictured signal assembly.  They are
being sold as right or left side units. I don't know what the difference
would be . . . maybe the location of the weep drainage hole or,
hopefully not, a difference in the mounting angle???.  Well, I think I'm
going with these and will have the shells chrome plated which will add
significantly to the overall cost. But they look great to my eye and are
"traditional".  Thanks again guys and enjoy the driving!

PS:
David, there is no stigma with liquid adhesive. I've used JB Weld
several times on my Manx build, and many other projects, and love the
stuff.  There is a place for anything and everything that works well . .
. its just a matter of choice.  God bless our freedoms.

I just used a set of late 60's Type 3 signals on my father in-law's Manx.  They are cheaper than the Ghia lights but do require some modification.  The lights are shaped to fit a ridge in the Type 3 fender so I just ground and sanded them down flat.  This also makes them a smaller diameter than the late 60's ghia signal and they fit fine on the Manx fender.  They mount with a couple of #8 screws and I modified a ghia base gasket to fit.  I'll post a picture later.

Jon, I'd love to see a picture of your modified turn signal assemblies.

Here are a few pics of the Type 3 turn signals mounted:







I got the bases from the classifieds on thesamba.com.  Here is a good example of what the unmodified bases look like:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=950256

All I did was take the bases and sand them down flat.

That looks great Jon.

I never tought about doing that with the type III lights. Seen many at the swap meets over the years for less than a dollar each while looking for Ghia ones.

Jon,  they look as good as any I have ever seen!  Nice job. Thanks for the great pics and information.
Roger