[marvins_dad]

How-To by BugMod.com
Written and Photo's by: NETBEETLE

INPRO Euro-Taillight Installation

So you're looking to add some snazzy, aftermarket taillights to your pod? In this article, we're going to cover the removal of the factory New Beetle taillights, as well as the installation of a new set of G-2 Euro Tails.

Tools needed for this Mod:
Small Flathead Screwdriver
Some electrical tape (or rag substitute)
Roughly 1-hour of labor time

 

[marvins_dad]

First off, open your trunk and look at the inside plastic molding for two circular panels (about the position of each taillight on each side of the trunk). Pop off each of these panels with your screwdriver - this won't require much effort as there are notched openings on the panels. Once you have the panel removed, you will be able to see a black plastic wing-nut on the inside of the fender. Remove these wing-nuts from each side (counter-clockwise rotation...lefty-loosey!)

 

[marvins_dad]

Now we move back to the exterior. Take your small flathead screwdriver and either wrap a small piece of electrical tape around the head several times, or keep the aforementioned rag handy. The purpose of the tape/rag is to protect the paint on your pod while removing the actual OEM taillight assembly. The critical step to remember here is start on the inside of the taillight lens (see pictures below)...

 

[marvins_dad]

A great landmark to use when starting is the body panel gap between the rear bumper and the fender. Carefully insert your screwdriver (head protected with tape or rag) under the taillight's rubber gasket. With slow, careful outward pressure, pop the inside of the assembly out of the opening. There are two metal clips attached to the taillight assembly that hold the inside of of the lens (notice picture above on right - arrow pointing to upper clip).

 

[marvins_dad]

Pay special attention as you lift out the lens to the screw that attaches to the back of the assembly by a spring-clip. As seen in the left picture above, the screw passes through the inside body panel and secures the back of the assembly (with the wing-nut that we removed earlier from the inside-trunk). With the assembly out, you can see where the bulb plugs are located - top being the turn-signal and bottom the stop/tail. Remove the bulb plugs from the assembly.

 

[marvins_dad]

When using aftermarket taillight assemblies, we recommend utilizing the rubber gasket from your OEM lights (or purchase new ones from your dealer). Carefully remove the gaskets from the lights and place them on the new lights. The fitment of the gasket will be somewhat looser than on the original lights (this is normal).

 

[marvins_dad]

Once the rubber gasket is fitted, you're ready to install the light. Hold the assembly close to the body and place the bulb plugs back into their appropriate places. With the assembly turned over, notice the plastic "fingers" that stick-out from the assembly on one side (picture above left). These fingers will line-up with the notched groove on the fender (picture above right).

 

[marvins_dad]

Make sure you insert the screw (attached to the spring-clip on the back of the light) into the hole on the inner body panel. Once you have the plastic fingers lined-up with the notch on the opposite side (relative to picture - above left), take your time and make sure the rubber gasket is seated properly as you push the assembly back into the fender opening - this is the trickiest part of the install! Push with moderate pressure until the metal clips secure the assembly. Inspect the outer edge of the installed light (picture - above right). Repeat steps for other light. Reinstall the wing-nuts on each light, then the circular plastic covers. Wha-lah!

 

[marvins_dad]

An alternate method that might help remove the tail light...

PLUNGER METHOD.....

By Fowvay:
1) Press Toilet plunger firmly unto tail light and pull hard.....light will pop out. I would lay a towel on the bumper to prevent scratching.

SilverVW3
Don't forget to use a little liquid soap for suction..
I always use the plunger method with soap to get my tail lights out





(note: If anyone has the Plunger Video that is referenced in beatloafer's thread please PM me, I would love to host it and get it linked to this How-To ---Thanks!:yaya: )

 

[marvins_dad]

Warren PM'ed me this additional info...I too have one of these items in my tool box...

great thread...i used a thing called a bone tool instead of the wrapped screwdriver to pry the taillight cover from the rear fender.

i've had this tool for a number of years. probably the best $5 i've spent in a while.

http://www.ipdusa.com/product.asp?st...hStartRecord=1