Bulb for Micro Tail Light, Sold As Pair

OVERVIEW

When it comes to maintaining the safety and visibility of your custom air-cooled project, never overlook the small details. These EMPI replacement bulbs are specifically engineered for micro tail light assemblies, which are a staple in the dune buggy, sand rail, and custom VW community. Whether you are running a classic Meyers Manx, a stripped-down woods buggy, or a custom street-legal Baja Bug, having bright and reliable tail lights is non-negotiable for both trail safety and street compliance. These bulbs provide a crisp, clear light output that ensures your vehicle is seen by others, whether you are kicking up dust in the dunes or navigating city traffic at night. Don''t let a burnt-out bulb result in a fix-it ticket or, worse, a rear-end collision because your micro-lights went dark.

Sold as a convenient pair, these single-element bulbs are designed for high-vibration environments, making them ideal for the rugged conditions that air-cooled Volkswagens often endure. EMPI has long been the gold standard for aftermarket VW parts, and these bulbs are no exception, offering a precise fit within the compact housings of micro-style lamps. Because micro tail lights are often used in custom applications where space is at a premium, these bulbs are manufactured to strict tolerances to ensure they seat perfectly in the socket every time. Keeping a spare set in your glove box or tool roll is a smart move for any enthusiast, ensuring that you are never left in the dark during a weekend trek or a late-night cruise back from the local car meet.

FITMENT

These bulbs are universal for custom applications using micro-style light housings, commonly found on the following vehicles:

• VW Beetle (Type 1): All years with custom micro tail light conversions.
• VW Baja Bug: Ideal for rear cage-mounted lighting setups.
• Dune Buggies: Including Meyers Manx, EMPI Imp, and various fiberglass kit cars.
• Sand Rails: Fits most aftermarket tubular frame tail light brackets.
• VW Bus (Type 2): Custom applications and auxiliary lighting.
• VW Karmann Ghia: Custom rear lighting modifications.
• Trikes: Frequently used for compact rear signaling.
• General Off-Road: Any vehicle utilizing EMPI or similar micro tail light assemblies.

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 00-9326-0
• Bulb Type: Single Element
• Voltage: 12-Volt DC
• Quantity: Sold as a pair (2 bulbs included)
• Base Style: Miniature bayonet style for secure locking.
• Glass Type: Clear, high-temperature resistant envelope.
• Application: Tail light, turn signal, or marker light depending on housing.
• Vibration Resistance: Heavy-duty filament construction for off-road use.

PRO TIPS

1. Avoid Direct Skin Contact

When installing these bulbs, it is best practice to use a clean cloth or a pair of latex gloves. The natural oils from your skin can create "hot spots" on the glass envelope once the bulb reaches its operating temperature. These hot spots cause the glass to expand unevenly, which can lead to premature bulb failure or even shattering. If you do happen to touch the glass, simply wipe it down with a bit of rubbing alcohol and let it dry before installing it into your micro tail light housing.

2. Combat Corrosion with Dielectric Grease

Since micro tail lights are frequently used on open-air vehicles like dune buggies and sand rails, the sockets are often exposed to moisture, mud, and salt. Before twisting your new EMPI bulb into place, apply a small dab of dielectric grease to the metal base and the socket contacts. This non-conductive grease seals out moisture and prevents the oxidation that leads to flickering lights or "ghost" electrical issues. It also makes the bulb much easier to remove the next time you need to perform maintenance.

3. Verify Your Ground Connection

If you install these new bulbs and they still fail to illuminate, the culprit is almost always a poor ground. On fiberglass-bodied buggies or painted sand rail frames, the lighting circuit often loses its path back to the chassis. Ensure that the metal housing of your micro tail light has a clean, metal-to-metal contact point or a dedicated ground wire running back to the battery or a central ground block. A weak ground can cause single-element bulbs to glow dimly or not at all, so always check the circuit with a multimeter if you encounter issues.