Tail Light Assembly, Right Side, for Beetle 62-67, Red

OVERVIEW

Restore the iconic silhouette of your vintage Volkswagen with the EMPI Right Side Tail Light Assembly, specifically engineered for the 1962 through 1967 Beetle. As any air-cooled enthusiast knows, the tail lights are the jewelry of the car, and nothing diminishes a high-quality restoration faster than pitted chrome, sun-faded lenses, or brittle housings. This complete assembly provides a professional-grade solution for owners looking to replace damaged or missing units with a part that respects the original aesthetics of the "peanut" or "teardrop" style light. Whether you are finishing a body-off restoration or simply performing a weekend safety upgrade, this assembly ensures your Beetle remains visible and legally compliant while maintaining that period-correct factory look that defines the mid-sixties era.

Safety and durability are at the forefront of this EMPI component. The assembly features a vibrant red lens designed to maximize light output from your bulbs, ensuring following drivers can clearly see your braking and signaling intentions. The housing is finished in a high-quality chrome that resists the elements, providing a long-lasting shine that complements your rear bumper and decklid handle. Designed as a direct bolt-on replacement for OEM number 111-945-096N, this unit eliminates the frustration of trying to piece together old, corroded internal components. By replacing the entire assembly, you solve potential electrical grounding issues and seal out moisture that can lead to premature bulb failure and socket corrosion, keeping your classic VW on the road where it belongs.

FITMENT

This tail light assembly is designed for the Passenger Side (Right) of the following Volkswagen models:

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: 1962
• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: 1963
• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: 1964
• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: 1965
• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: 1966
• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: 1967
• Note: While specifically listed for 62-67, it may fit some late 1961 models; please verify your existing housing shape before ordering.

SPECS

• Product Brand: EMPI
• OEM Reference Number: 111-945-096N
• Side Location: Right Side (Passenger Side)
• Lens Color: Solid Red
• Housing Finish: Polished Chrome
• Assembly Type: Complete unit including lens, housing, and internal socket hardware.
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 lbs
• Material: High-impact acrylic lens and die-cast metal housing.
• Voltage Compatibility: Compatible with both 6V and 12V electrical systems (bulbs sold separately).

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Ensure a Perfect Ground Connection

The most common cause of flickering or non-functional tail lights in vintage Volkswagens isn''t a blown bulb, but a poor ground. When installing your new EMPI tail light assembly, take a moment to use a small piece of sandpaper or a wire brush to clean the paint away from the mounting holes on the fender. Since the light relies on the metal-to-metal contact between the housing and the body to complete the circuit, a clean mounting surface will prevent hours of electrical troubleshooting down the road. You can also apply a small dab of dielectric grease to the bulb sockets to prevent future oxidation.

Tip 2: Don''t Over-Tighten the Lens Screws

When securing the red lens to the chrome housing, it is tempting to crank down on the screws to ensure a tight seal. However, the acrylic material used in vintage-style lenses can stress-crack if the pressure is uneven or excessive. Tighten the screws until they are snug, then give them just a quarter-turn more. If you notice the gasket is not seating properly, check the alignment of the housing against the fender rather than trying to force the lens tighter. A properly seated gasket is essential for keeping rainwater out of the assembly and protecting your wiring.

Tip 3: Check Your Bulb Wattage for Heat Management

If you have upgraded your 1962-1967 Beetle to a 12-volt system, ensure you are using the correct dual-filament bulbs (typically an 1157 or equivalent). High-wattage bulbs can generate significant heat inside the relatively small "teardrop" housing. If the bulb is too close to the lens or is of an incorrect wattage, it can actually melt or warp the red plastic over time. For the best longevity, ensure the bulb is seated correctly in the socket and centered within the housing. For those seeking a cooler operation and brighter output, many owners now opt for LED replacement bulbs which fit these standard sockets perfectly without the heat risk.