Electrical question (Not transmission related)

[Untitled]

I have read that some European beetles have a feature that allows you to turn on only one side of the marker lights when you are parked on the side of a dark, busy road.  I have all the pieces to allow me to have this feature but I don't know how to wire it up.  I've looked on the internet but coldn't find anything on in. Does anybody know how to do this?

[bookwus]

Hiya Untitled,

I have seen this reference a few times also.  I would suspect that a set-up such as this would require a specific (as in European only) headlight switch.  Do you have this among your assembled parts?  (If so, could you pass along the part number?)

I know of nobody on this side of the pond who has incorporated this feature into a restoration.  Doesn't mean it can't be done.  In fact, I know just the resource for you.

Point your browser at http://www.nls.net/mp/volks  That's the webpage of Jim Mais.  Better known as Speedy Jim.  He is, without question, the single best authority on anything Volkswagen electric.  He is absolutely amazing in the depth of his knowledge.  And he is a great guy to boot.  He'll take the time (he even drew out a wiring schematic for me) and make sure you get it right.

I feel sorry for all the VW folks out there who have not made his acquaintence.  Zap him an e-mail - you'll be glad you did.

[68AutoBug]

I had a type 3 variant in the 70s which had this feature, it was a small read & clear lamp on the side front fender/wing/guard, and I think may have flashed when the blinkers were on [not sure] but with the ignition turned off and the blinker arm was then used to turn the right or left hand little lamp on...  I believed it was for Germany or other european countries where a parked car needed a light on all the time...
I have added a very small 1.2w bulb to My Beetles front blinkers and also in My tail lamps to be used when parking.. these use very little power..
I am using a toggle switch especially for these lamps.. I did want to do a seperate left & right [as I did on a Super Beetle many years ago] but I didn't wire the two rear ones seperate..  whether You can use  the blinker switch with the ignition off.. depends mainly on whether there is an ON terminal when the ignition is OFF on Your key switch... probably NO...
So You would need a seperate switch.. You could use a 3 way toggle switch - off center - then Left & Right..

Lee == 68AutoBug -- Australia ==