where to find 796 halogen rear backup lights

[cleaver]

As the title says, I am looking to replace my P21W with 796 halogen lights. Everywhere I look I either need to buy a pack of 10 or I have to get shipped from the USA.

Can you buy these locally in Canada? Any parts stores / car dealers that already would carry these?

Anyone have any pics of the MKIV with these installed?

 

[Seatman]

There's a thread on here somewhere where folk have been fitting these things

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121020600288?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

If you can find the thread you might find other links

 

[jayb79]

I got my 796s here, they are great
http://www.ebay.com/itm/130502033152?item=130502033152&viewitem=&vxp=mtr

 

[cleaver]

thanks, I may have to buy off ebay...I like the LED method, but with tinted windows I need it as bright as possible.

 

[tongsli]

http://store.candlepower.com/796upgradebulb.html

 

[Seatman]

Are they better or just different to the ones I linked?

 

[jayb79]

I have yet to find a LED that will "throw" as much light as a glowing red wire. Unless you want to spend 20 bucks per bulb. I have tried lots of LEDs in the reverse light, they appear brighter but when you put the LED in one side and the incandescent in the other the difference is clear.

 

[cleaver]

Are they better or just different to the ones I linked?

The 796 is a halogen bulb running 35W versus the standard incadescent that is 21W. The lumens is almost double from 400 to 700+. The LED that you had linked to does not say what the lumens are.

 

[79TA7.6]

This is what I did. Made a huge improvement.

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=395709

 

[Seatman]

This is what I did. Made a huge improvement.

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=395709

The 796 is a halogen bulb running 35W versus the standard incadescent that is 21W. The lumens is almost double from 400 to 700+. The LED that you had linked to does not say what the lumens are.

I'm sure the info is in that thread, that's the one I was referring to in my first post.

 

[cleaver]

Too much of a hadache to purchase the 2004 taillight housing, purchase the LED lights, and modify the housing when I can just buy the 1156 halogens (for about $20) and be done with it.

I will buy the lamps online and post some (before/after) pics. Hopefully, it produces enough light and I don't have to go the LED/04 taillight method.

 

[cleaver]

796 35W Halogen Bulbs are available in Canada...
Parts for Trucks has them for $20 each
UAP (Napa) has them for $15 each

These bulbs are used in the rotating work lights that you see on top of commercial pickup trucks. UAP Napa calls it an instrument cluster bulb

I will be picking them up tomorrow. There is also a 50W version, p/n: 795 - I don't want to push the current draw that much though...

 

[jayb79]

50w gets to hot and could melted some housings if was left on to long.

 

[tongsli]

Are they better or just different to the ones I linked?

Seatman,

I've had both in my car and they are pretty similar. One has white light the other warm white.

Unless you do the (4)light mod and change the tail light housings I don't think there is much of a difference between the two.

I still think the 15W HID would be something to try! I just never pulled the trigger on it.

 

[cleaver]

So...I installed the 35W Halogens and there is not much difference. It was noticeable, but not enough to justify the cost.

I guess I will have to look for the 2004 style taillights.

 

[79TA7.6]

So...I installed the 35W Halogens and there is not much difference. It was noticeable, but not enough to justify the cost.

I guess I will have to look for the 2004 style taillights.

If you do end up using the newer style housings I strongly suggest not using the halogens as you would likely be at the limit of the wiring amp wise. 4, 35 watt halogens are going to run almost 10 amps. I wish I knew for sure what the lumen rating of the LEDs I am running was, but I have not been able to find it. They are bright though.