Pillar light upgrade

[Epplebee]

While looking some things up about the pillar light I came across someone who used VW courtesy lights so I went ahead and grabbed me a set for each MJ at the local pick a part. Not realizing it at the time both sets had different retaining clips. I know i grabbed a set from a newer Passat and a set from a newer Beetle. Both have the exact same part number but different clips. What I really like about them is other then modifying the wiring, the snap right in with no other modification. Here are the 2 different retaining clips, part number, wiring schematic (don't mind my horrible drawing) and the end result.

 

 

 

 

[Gjeep]

I don't see the difference between the 'no go' and 'proper clip'.

[Epplebee]

Totally screwed that one up. Its been edited and the proper clup is shown now. 

[thecodemonk]

Nice!  Which year and model VW did the correct set come from?  and what's the part number?  That'll help future people locate them.  It's probably easier to get even new replacements for those than even the Euramtec lights these days.

[fiatslug87]

20 hours ago, Epplebee said:

 

It just looks like the "No Go" clip is bent out of position. 

[Epplebee]

1 minute ago, fiatslug87 said:

 

It just looks like the "No Go" clip is bent out of position. 

I thought the same to but it is a totally different clip.

[Epplebee]

On 6/17/2020 at 9:17 AM, thecodemonk said:

Nice!  Which year and model VW did the correct set come from?  and what's the part number?  That'll help future people locate them.  It's probably easier to get even new replacements for those than even the Euramtec lights these days.

It was a later model VW Bettle. 

[Epplebee]

Just an FYI, after hitting another JY, the later model Beetles have the right courtesy light.

[MercManche]

Awesome find, I noticed both mine are pulled out and missing the factory covers. A bit of blue paint on those VW lights and it would be perfect! bet I have a set lying around, wonder if the Jetta rears are the same?

Thanks for posting!

[MercManche]

Dude, this was an awesome idea. They really snap right in!!! 

 

Firstly. These are all the common VWs you can get these out of, they are the rear passenger ones:

1999-2010 Beetles

1998-2006 Golf

1997-2005 Passat

 

The way I am going to approach this, is to buy the LED versions (Knockoffs) and paint-match them. Here is a link to it, if the link is broken in future just search "3B0947291 Dome light LED"

 

 

I will be going this route and will update with photos once its done!

[Mel]

On 12/30/2020 at 7:55 AM, MercManche said:

Dude, this was an awesome idea. They really snap right in!!! 

 

Firstly. These are all the common VWs you can get these out of, they are the rear passenger ones:

1999-2010 Beetles

1998-2006 Golf

1997-2005 Passat

 

The way I am going to approach this, is to buy the LED versions (Knockoffs) and paint-match them. Here is a link to it, if the link is broken in future just search "3B0947291 Dome light LED"

 

 

I will be going this route and will update with photos once its done!

Have you installed these yet? Wondered how they worked...

[MercManche]

10 hours ago, Mel said:

Have you installed these yet? Wondered how they worked...

Long way away from putting them in permanently but yes I did install them. And they look fantastic!

 

Just a FYI, those bent tabs are not factory, they are from improper removal. they should all look nice and straight.

 

I am going to 100% disassemble them and I have to paint them blue to match my trim. Follow Epplebee's wiring guide and it'll work just like factory. 

 

I would recommend the LED aftermarket ones, wayyyy brighter. 

[Mel]

1 hour ago, MercManche said:

Long way away from putting them in permanently but yes I did install them. And they look fantastic!

 

Just a FYI, those bent tabs are not factory, they are from improper removal. they should all look nice and straight.

 

I am going to 100% disassemble them and I have to paint them blue to match my trim. Follow Epplebee's wiring guide and it'll work just like factory. 

 

I would recommend the LED aftermarket ones, wayyyy brighter. 

Awesome thank you...

[Cubscout169]

Any update on pics of the fitment? I am relining my headliner and would love to get replacements for my broken lights.

[MercManche]

On 3/11/2022 at 7:34 AM, Cubscout169 said:

Any update on pics of the fitment? I am relining my headliner and would love to get replacements for my broken lights.

Howdy! As soon as we can install them on our other Comanche I will let you know. Just know either way they are a PERFECT fit. Epplebee made a fantastic discovery here. (Thank you for sharing) 

My only complaint is its a bit hard to remove, so much so I would almost prefer to peel back the pillar panel and press the clip from behind vs using a pry tool and forcing it. Make 100% sure your clips are nice and round and not bent. 

[TX_Heat]

I finally made my way over to the VW section of the PNP today and grabbed a set of these lights after having this saved for the last few months.

Very happy with the results as there are no longer holes in my pillars.

Thank you to those who figured this solution out and shared it. 

I did crimp on spade connectors after reading about them in this CC post.

They were also a PITA to remove from the VW and they seem to only install one way.

 

Here are my results: