Blue Indicator Light, 5/8 Diameter, 3/8 lens, Sold each

OVERVIEW

When you''re building a custom air-cooled VW or restoring a classic Beetle dash, clarity and visibility are paramount for a safe and functional driving experience. This EMPI Blue Indicator Light is the professional choice for enthusiasts who demand a clean, high-visibility cockpit setup. Designed with a sleek 5/8-inch diameter bezel and a vibrant 3/8-inch blue lens, this indicator provides an unmistakable visual signal even in bright daylight or dusty off-road conditions. Whether you''re finishing a fiberglass dune buggy dash, a custom aluminum panel in a sand rail, or replacing aged components in a vintage Ghia, this light offers the rugged durability and classic aesthetic that Appletree Auto customers have relied on for decades.

Functionality meets simplicity with this high-quality electrical component. The blue lens is traditionally utilized as the high-beam indicator, ensuring you remain compliant with safety regulations while keeping your cockpit organized. The unit features simple push-on terminal ends, making the wiring process straightforward and "fool-proof" for DIY mechanics and professional builders alike. By utilizing a standard 1/2-inch mounting hole, this light integrates seamlessly into most aftermarket and custom dash configurations, providing a flush, secure fit that won''t vibrate loose during high-speed desert runs or daily commutes. It''s an essential piece for anyone looking to modernize their wiring harness while maintaining a period-correct look.

FITMENT

This indicator light is a universal-style component designed for custom dash applications across the entire air-cooled Volkswagen spectrum and beyond. It is ideal for the following models:

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle / Bug: All years with custom dash panels.
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus / Transporter / Kombi: Ideal for custom overhead or dash clusters.
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): Custom electrical setups.
• Karmann Ghia: Perfect for high-beam or custom auxiliary indicators.
• VW Thing (Type 181): Rugged enough for open-air military-style dashes.
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Fits Meyers Manx, Berrien, and custom tube chassis.
• Baja Bugs: Designed to withstand high-vibration off-road environments.
• Custom Trikes and Kit Cars: Compatible with any 12V electrical system requiring a 1/2-inch mounting hole.

SPECS

Each component is manufactured to strict quality standards to ensure long-term reliability in your air-cooled project. Technical specifications include:

• Lens Color: High-Visibility Blue (Standard for High-Beam).
• Bezel Diameter: 5/8-inch (15.8mm) for a clean, low-profile finish.
• Lens Diameter: 3/8-inch (9.5mm) providing focused light output.
• Required Mounting Hole: 1/2-inch (12.7mm) circular cutout.
• Connection Type: Dual Male Spade / Push-on terminals for quick wiring.
• Voltage Compatibility: 12-Volt systems (Standard VW electrical).
• Housing Material: Impact-resistant plastic with a finished bezel.
• Quantity: Sold individually (Each).
• Manufacturer: EMPI.
• Part Number: 3577-13.

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Precision Drilling for a Professional Finish

When installing these indicator lights into a fresh dashboard, always use a "step drill bit" (often called a Uni-bit) rather than a standard twist drill. A step bit allows you to create a perfectly round 1/2-inch hole in thin sheet metal or fiberglass without "walking" or tearing the material. Before drilling your final dash, perform a test fit on a scrap piece of material to ensure the light seats flush. This prevents expensive mistakes on your primary dash panel and ensures the 5/8-inch bezel covers the hole completely for a factory-installed appearance.

Tip 2: Secure Wiring in High-Vibration Environments

Air-cooled engines, especially in Dune Buggies and Sand Rails, create significant vibration that can shake loose poor electrical connections. When connecting your wires to the push-on terminals, use high-quality insulated female spade connectors. For the ultimate peace of mind, we recommend using a small dab of dielectric grease on the terminals to prevent corrosion and applying a piece of heat-shrink tubing over the connector and the wire. This provides strain relief and ensures your high-beam indicator doesn''t fail when you''re miles away from the nearest shop.

Tip 3: Standardize Your Dash Layout

To make your custom dash intuitive, follow the standard color-coding used by most automotive manufacturers. Use Blue for high-beams, Green for turn signals, Red for oil pressure/alternator warnings, and Amber for auxiliary functions like fuel pumps or cooling fans. By using this Blue Indicator Light specifically for your high-beams, you create a "muscle memory" dashboard that is easy to read at a glance. This is particularly important during night driving or in off-road racing scenarios where you need to know your light status without taking your eyes off the terrain for more than a split second.