Technical US to UK wiring conversion explained (dead links)

[Rippers]

Both links are dead and I can't post a reply on the thread:-

http://forum.earlybay.com/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=8176" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Can someone please supply a new link or explain a bit more about Faux's post 'I just used the reverse lights as indicators and ran the stop lights from the brake switch on the Master Cylinder. Took me about 20 minutes. This meant it looks exactly the same as original, just I have no reverse lights.'

I understand the indicator bit but can the master cylinder wiring bit please be explained

 

[Rippers]

I found this diagram if it helps someone explain to me

 

[Rippers]

Using the bits and bobs I've picked up from searching is this basically what I need to do:-

 

[*Sam*]

I put a link on this the other week should still work.

http://forum.earlybay.com/viewtopic.php?t=54301#p453204" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[Rippers]

Ok so I think I get it now from the link within the above post.

Front End

Step 1. find the black/red wire on the 9 pin relay number 54 and disconnect

Step 2. on the fuse box disconnect the grey/black wire from position 11 and with a double ended spade connect to the wire above


Back End

Step 1. Disconnect the black wire from each reversing light (leaving the grounds still connected) and put in orange bulbs (i'm going for the silver painted ones so they still look clear)

Step 2. On the right hand side light housing disconnect the black/red wire (54) and plug into the right hand side reversing light

Step 3. On the Left hand side light housing disconnect the black/yellow wire (54) and plug into the left hand side reversing light

Step 4. Extend the grey/red wire (58) on the right hand light to left hand side and disconnect grey/black(58) and plug in the extension in its place. (side lights done)

Step 5. Plug the disconnected grey/black wire on the left hand into the 54 position on the light housing and extend to the the right hand 54 position. (brake lights done)


I then intend to buy an external reversing light and mount on bumper

 

[*Sam*]

Sort of although I retained my revers lights as I want them working

 

[dubdubz]

I used this

http://www.busandcamper.com/67-13w-rear-light-rewire-for-euro-lights.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[Rippers]

OK a quick write up of what I did (in layman's terms) as I didn't follow exactly what any guide said :lol:

This is for a 3/1970 Westy, wiring and switches probably vary over the years so double check yours. This method removes the reversing lights, I intend to fit another single reversing light on the bumper later on.

After speaking to Peter Good (VW Wiring guru) he advised me not to use the method in the online guides where you use one of the side light wires and to run a slightly thicker cable directly from the brake switch as I was running a trailer and he felt four lights from the thin side light wire would be looking for trouble..

So with that in mind first job was to get under the van and pull off the rear boot of the two master cylinder brake switches and find the black and red cable. I then spliced into this cable with a long length of cable and ran the cable through the crossmember holes up into the engine bay via the rubber grommet (on the left hand side) which was already there.

second job in the dash unscrew the emergency lights switch and pull down, my switch was a 211953235A

Find pin 54.. I was expecting a black red wire but on mine it was yellow. incase yours is filthy like mine its the middle wire as per picture

Tape/insulate the spade connector you pull off and cable tie away.. at this point your red rear lights will flash as independent indicators and the brake lights won't work. Side lights hold still work as before.


Engine Bay time. unplug the reversing light wires on each side (not the grounds) tape/insulate the connectors and cable tie away. Then unscrew the reversing light housings and replace bulbs with amber bulbs (382 BA15S 21W straight opposite pins) I fitted chrome coated bulbs so the amber couldn't be seen through the lens when not on and still looked factory. Got them off ebay for about £4 posted

With chrome coated amber bulb fitted, you would never know

On the left hand side first. At the light housing source the black/yellow wire and unplug it, then plug it into the reversing light above.

On the Right hand side, at the light housing source the black/red wire and unplug it, then plug it into the reversing light above.

Lastly cut a roughly 1 metre length of wire and crimp a female spade connector on one end together with the end of the new wire you have run into the bay from the brake switch and plug into the light housing were you had unplugged the black/yellow cable, run the 1 meter length over the engine bay in the existing clips and crimp another female spade connector on the end and plug into the right hand light housing where you had removed the black/red wire.

All done

 

[Rippers]

Just to add also wired in the socket for my Westfalia Essen Trailer at the same time as its easy when you have done the above as all the wires are now separated

Basically they use standard 7pin sockets. Pin out as follows. I had no use for blue fog light wire.

The 7pin cables you can buy from tow shops for cheap (I got mine from GT Towing) and they are colour coded

Its just a case of screwing the wires in the sockets have grub screws

Then its just a case of of running the cable into the engine bay. I ran mine into the right hand side of the bay.

For splicing into the existing wiring I did mine by pulling off the spade connector on the light housing I needed a wire for, then cut off the spade connector and re-crimped another with the relevant trailer wire in it as well. You only need to wire in one side of the brake light to do both on the trailer. I twisted both the brown and black side light wires into one rather then taking a feed from both sides. Had to run an extension wire for the left hand side indicator. Then its just a case of putting a ring connector on the white earth wire and screwing it to the body.

Pretty straight forward stuff

 

[aogrady]

Just to add also wired in the socket for my Westfalia Essen Trailer at the same time as its easy when you have done the above as all the wires are now separated

Basically they use standard 7pin sockets. Pin out as follows. I had no use for blue fog light wire.

The 7pin cables you can buy from tow shops for cheap (I got mine from GT Towing) and they are colour coded

Its just a case of screwing the wires in the sockets have grub screws

Then its just a case of of running the cable into the engine bay. I ran mine into the right hand side of the bay.

For splicing into the existing wiring I did mine by pulling off the spade connector on the light housing I needed a wire for, then cut off the spade connector and re-crimped another with the relevant trailer wire in it as well. You only need to wire in one side of the brake light to do both on the trailer. I twisted both the brown and black side light wires into one rather then taking a feed from both sides. Had to run an extension wire for the left hand side indicator. Then its just a case of putting a ring connector on the white earth wire and screwing it to the body.

Pretty straight forward stuff

Hi,

Great, sounds simple enough. I was pretty sure I just needed to run t from the wiring on the lights, but had visions of it needing to come from the fuse box, hence my question on the other thread.

Mine has already been converted to run the reverse light as a indicator, it was done when it came into the UK 5 years back.

I'll keep this thread handy when i eventually fit Gadgets towbar....

Cheers

Alistair

 

[CPBerry2011]

Sort of although I retained my revers lights as I want them working

Hi Sam.

I want to do the same...how though? The bus and camper guide doesnt seem to be working for me.

 

[89Rallye]

Sort of although I retained my revers lights as I want them working

Hi Sam.

I want to do the same...how though? The bus and camper guide doesnt seem to be working for me.

You need to use euro spec rear light clusters which have the indicators built into them, that way you can retain the reverse lights.

It's what I'll be doing with my 71.

 

[CPBerry2011]

Sort of although I retained my revers lights as I want them working

Hi Sam.

I want to do the same...how though? The bus and camper guide doesnt seem to be working for me.

You need to use euro spec rear light clusters which have the indicators built into them, that way you can retain the reverse lights.

It's what I'll be doing with my 71.

I have the Euro spec light housings but once we had done what the bus and camper guide said it had everything flashing randomly when the brake pedal is pressed :?

 

[CPBerry2011]

I used this

http://www.busandcamper.com/67-13w-rear-light-rewire-for-euro-lights.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hi.

Just wondered if this guide worked for you?

Chris.

 

[bluecab]

heplful thanks