How to replace tailgate brake light

[2cvhound]

I spoke too soon - it turns out my replacement is inferior quality and the lens keeps popping off the backplate. Need to buy the proper part! Where are others getting their from and how is the quality??

 

[owen_h]

The replacement I got was rubbish as well. From memory (it was about 10 years ago) the issue had was I couldn’t tighten the retaining screws without the plastic plugs they screw into twisting. Ended up gluing the red lens cover from the chinesium one to the original VW base and reinstalled the repaired vw one. Think I used an epoxy glue. Still going strong and no leaks.

 

[2cvhound]

I fitted the correct VW brake light this afternoon and it was so simple because it fitted properly! The ebay one which claimed to be VAG was a waste of money! Poorly made, springs not held in place properly, but the biggest problem is that the unit was flat where the tailgate has a slight curve, so I was trying to bend it to fit. The VW one had the right curvature. I am now a practiced hand at removing and replacing the interior trim around the window, but I did mark the blanking covers getting the blind hook off!

Buying the correct part in the first place would have saved a lot of time and frustration!