Tail Light Assembly, Left Or Right, for Beetle 73-79

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the classic silhouette of the late-model Volkswagen Beetle, nothing is more recognizable than the iconic ''Elephant Foot'' tail lights. As these vehicles age, the original plastic housings often become brittle, cracked, or severely faded due to decades of UV exposure, which not only ruins the aesthetic appeal of your Bug but also compromises safety on the road. This EMPI Tail Light Assembly is the definitive solution for restorers and daily drivers alike, offering a high-quality, factory-spec replacement that restores the vibrant red, amber, and clear signaling your Beetle had when it first rolled off the assembly line. Whether you are finishing a ground-up restoration or simply replacing a cracked unit to pass a state inspection, this assembly provides the structural integrity and optical clarity required for modern driving conditions.

Engineered for versatility and ease of installation, this assembly features a universal design that allows it to be used on either the left (driver) or right (passenger) side of the vehicle. By utilizing high-impact materials and a precision-molded lens, EMPI ensures that this unit provides a perfect seal against the fender, preventing the moisture intrusion that so often leads to corroded bulb sockets and electrical ''gremlins'' in air-cooled Volkswagens. The assembly includes the internal bulb holder and the critical mounting seal, making it a comprehensive ''drop-in'' replacement. By upgrading to these fresh assemblies, you are not just improving the look of your 1973-1979 Beetle; you are ensuring that your brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights are clearly visible to other motorists, providing peace of mind every time you hit the ignition.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle (Standard): 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• Volkswagen Beetle Convertible: 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• Note: Fits all models equipped with the large ''Elephant Foot'' style tail light housings.

SPECS

• Product Name: Tail Light Assembly, Left or Right
• Manufacturer Part Number: 98-9452-0
• OEM Reference Number: 113-945-097A
• Lens Configuration: Three-color (Amber/Red/Clear)
• Housing Material: High-impact ABS Plastic
• Lens Material: UV-Stabilized Acrylic
• Position: Non-directional (Universal Left or Right)
• Voltage Compatibility: 12-Volt Systems
• Included Components: Lens, Housing, Bulb Holder/Reflector Plate, and Fender Seal
• Weight: 1.83 lbs

PRO TIPS

1. Master the Grounding Connection

The most common cause of dim or flickering tail lights in a late-model Beetle isn''t a bad bulb, but a poor ground connection. When installing your new EMPI assembly, pay close attention to the brown wire (the ground in VW wiring). Ensure the mounting surface on the fender is clean and free of rust or heavy paint where the assembly bolts down. If you continue to have issues, consider running a dedicated ground wire from the bulb holder directly to the vehicle chassis to ensure a constant, bright light output that won''t fail when you hit a bump.

2. Ensure a Watertight Seal

While this kit includes a new mounting seal, the curvature of Beetle fenders can vary slightly due to age or previous bodywork. To prevent water from leaking into your trunk or behind the fender and causing rust, we recommend applying a very thin bead of clear silicone or non-hardening sealant around the perimeter of the gasket during installation. This creates a secondary barrier against heavy rain and car washes, protecting your electrical connections from corrosion and preventing the ''fishtank'' effect inside your new lens.

3. Upgrade to LED for Maximum Safety

Since you already have the assembly open for installation, this is the perfect time to upgrade your standard incandescent bulbs to high-output LEDs. Modern LED bulbs draw significantly less amperage, which reduces the load on your vintage wiring harness and headlight switch. More importantly, LEDs have a much faster rise time than traditional bulbs, meaning your brake lights illuminate milliseconds soonerproviding following drivers more time to react. Just remember that if you switch to LED turn signals, you may need to install an LED-compatible flasher relay to prevent ''hyper-flashing.''