Changing a VW dash light into Porsche

[Jeroen van der Velden]

Because the Pre A parts are getting harder to find and the prices are high i am always searching for alternatives to keep it affordable.
my 1952 cab was missing it's original dash/map light. I was able to buy a VW dash light from Reinhold Plank and changed it into a Porsche light.
The VW light is about 35mm longer than the original Porsche light. The reason the Porsche light is shorter is because there is little space behind the dash because of the window defroster vent. The little things that makes you happy

[Tony Proasi]

Jeroen

Great job!!

[Spencer Harris]

Terrific re-purposing work Jeroen! I believe the VW fixtures were originally used for ashtrays on split-Beetles. I've always imagined that the Porsche designers reconfigured the part - as you have - to create the cabriolet map light.

SplitPartsUnlimited VW Ashtray_2.JPG (98.44 KiB) Viewed 636 times

Do you know of a source or a substitute for the plastic lens piece? Mine is cracked (I've repaired with super glue) and slightly burned.

30DSC_0018.jpg (424.97 KiB) Viewed 636 times

30DSC_0019.jpg (394.87 KiB) Viewed 636 times

[Jeroen van der Velden]

Helllo Spencer, yes you are right. The vw ashtray is almost the same part. There was also a vw asseccory map light available. That is the one i used to shorten for my 1952 cab.

Regarding the plastic lens i do not have a source.
But here is where the fun parts begins of our hobby. I just went through some stuff and found this broken water spray gun that my son used in the swimming pool i think this is the perfect material to repair yours. And for free..... would be glad to send it to you.

[Spencer Harris]

I'll send you a PM.

[Jeroen van der Velden]

New lens made..

[Neil Schlabaugh]

Jeroen

I see a marketing opportunity for you. Buying water guns for dash lights, kinda like swords into plow shears right

[Jeroen van der Velden]

Haha yeah i am trying to figure out where my wife bought these

[Martin Benade]

Nice part source. My boss used to buy inexpensive hand tire pumps, the tube was just the right size to replace the straight exhaust pipe on the heater boxes. Stuff one learns in post-depression Hungary. Also very nice conversion of that light.