Wiring brake and turn and tail on same bulb

jr_vw2 · Post by **jr_vw2** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 2:43 am

I am running 4 (2 on each corner) tail lights on the rear of my buggy I want to know if there is a way to set them up like this.....I want to have all 4 as tail lights and I also want both on each side to light up with brake and I want each side to flash with blinker. I will be running dual element bulbs in all 4 lights but its almost like i need triple element bulbs. If anyone knows any good tricks I would love ot hear them. I have been thinking about drilling a small hole into the housing and adding a second bulb inot each tail light housing. thanks for all the input. if anyone is unsure of how the tail lights are set up just check out my buggy pics. thanks

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 2:56 am

yes you can as long as your tail lights are dual filliment . The running light is the same as the brake light it just gets brighter when you push the brakes.

167luckycharm · Post by **167luckycharm** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 3:11 am

Hi, You can use the '60 to '61 bug turn signal switch. These are the 6-wire versions that use the same housing as the '62 to '65 bugs. The 3-wire turn signal switches are hooked up the tail-lights that have separate turn-signal and brake lamps. The earlier versions have only a dual-filament bulb in the entire tail-light housing. You can wire the inner and outer housings to alternately flash when the turn signal is on. A fellow did that to his Japanese car's front turn signal lamps; the front would flash first and then the side would alternate. The flasher unit would have to be researched though. Otherwise, my suggestion would be to use three flasher units for that idea. If you are not using LED's, I don't think you'll run into any problems with flasher/current/bulb issues. Be creative! I can visualize the diagram in my mind. Just need to figure out how to transfer it onto this keyboard! Good luck!

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 3:16 am

In order to do what you want to do you have to have the proper turn signal switch. Your brake lights run through the turn signal switch. When you turn the turn signal on it cancels the brake light to that side and turns on the turn signal. The proper switch would be one from a car that does not have separate bulbs for turn signals. Probably earlier model if talking VW. Don't know what years off the top of my head. FWIW the lower or smaller filament in an 1157 bulb is the bright/turn/brake side of the bulb. Clear as mud I hope.

newmanx59 · Post by **newmanx59** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 3:33 am

By using 2 -2 filiment bulbs on each side and having each side work as 1 bulb you will need to use something like this:

BRAKE,TAIL,TURN RELAYS and wiring schematic. Relay conversion for 2 element Stop/Turn to 1 element stop/turn, utilizing VW turn signal switch. Some people use a trailer taillight converter box in place of the relays but this is the correct way to do it.