Which bulb option is best for my 1985 Vanagon tail light: standard or LED?

Both the standard incandescent and the LED bulb will fit your 1985 Vanagon tail light. For a significant upgrade, we recommend the LED bulb. LEDs offer a brighter light, last much longer, and importantly, draw less power. This is a huge benefit for older vehicles like yours, as it puts less strain on the existing wiring and can improve the reliability of your lights.

I have a 1975 VW Bus. Is this the correct bulb for my license plate light?

Yes, this bulb is designed for the license plate light on your 1975 VW Bus. You'll need one bulb per light. You can choose between the standard incandescent bulb for an original look and feel, or the LED version for a brighter, more durable, and more energy-efficient upgrade.

How many of these bulbs do I need for my vehicle?

For both the Bus license plate light and the Vanagon tail light applications, you'll need one bulb per light. So, if you're replacing both license plate lights on a Bus or both tail lights on a Vanagon, you'll need to purchase two bulbs in total.

What are the real advantages of using the LED bulb upgrade in my classic vehicle?

The LED bulb upgrade offers several key advantages for your classic vehicle. LEDs are significantly brighter, respond instantly, and last far longer than standard bulbs. Their biggest win is dramatically lower power consumption. This reduced draw is crucial for older vehicles with aging electrical systems, as it minimizes voltage drop and ensures more consistent power reaches your lights, making them more reliable.

Vanagon Tail Light / Bus License Plate Light Bulb

incandescent automotive light bulb with metal base and clear glass, isolated on white

Bulb- Vanagon Tail Light/Bus License Plate Light (Standard or LED)

Product:	N-17-7192
Works With:	1972-1991
Manufacturer:	Quality Aftermarket
Availability:	Good Stock

$1.95

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License plate light bulb burned out? We offer a standard incandescent N-17-7192 bulb as originally used, and we have sourced an LED version as an alternative upgrade if you prefer. Sold each.

Standard Bulb Application:
• 1972-79 Bus license plate light (1 required per light)
• 1980-91 Vanagon Tail Light (1 required per light)

LED Bulb Application:
• 1972-79 Bus license plate light (1 required per light)
• 1980-91 Vanagon Tail Light (1 required per light)

Why switch to LEDs? LEDs outperform incandescent bulbs in every key area: brighter light output, instant on/off response, vastly longer lifespan, and—most importantly—dramatically lower power consumption. This lower power draw translates to a much lower amperage requirement, which is especially beneficial for older vehicles.

In classic vehicles, aging wiring, terminals, and sockets naturally develop higher resistance over time. Because LEDs require less amperage, there's less voltage drop across the system, meaning more voltage reaches the light socket. Higher voltage at the socket improves lighting reliability—one of the main reasons vehicles transitioned from 6V to 12V systems in the first place.

The bottom line? With LEDs, your stop, turn, reverse, and marker lights are far more likely to work exactly when you need them to.

5 stars: 8 (100%)
4 stars: 0 (0%)
3 stars: 0 (0%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 0 (0%)

Visible now

My tail lights are way more visible now.

Perfect! Very happy!!

Lightbulb

This is the best god damn light bulb I’ve ever used in my life, Einstein himself would tremble at the sight of this bitch, no other lightbulbs to ever walk the face of this god damn earth will compare to this 1.26$ light bulb from go westy, don’t cheap tf out lock in and spend the extra .26$ for the best lighting experience of your life.

Better Than The Auto Parts Store

Superior quality over the ones available at my neighborhood auto parts store. Highly recommend!

5 stars

Great price way better than any brick and mortar store

Bulbs

Nice an bright

Great lights

My outside lights are bright now!

Nice addition!

Didn’t realize I had light bulbs over my plates until I replaced them with these guys. Light up my plates so the police can finally see who is not speeding in the dark.,.because it’s a vanagon.

Bulb- Vanagon Tail Light/Bus License Plate Light (Standard or LED)

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Bulb- Vanagon Tail Light/Bus License Plate Light (Standard or LED)

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