Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Miken · Joined: 24 Dec 2012 Posts: 544

I had a problem with one of my headlamps not working.
On investigation I discovered that the 90 year old bakelite bayonet fitting had disintegrated.
This is how I have repaired it:

Here is the old broken part;

I bought a universal 2 pin bayonet fitting. Sawed off the remains of the old fitting and made up a little brass socket on my lathe to accept the new fitting;

It fits together like this;

I made a tool to expand the bush into the reflector;

Here it is expanded securely into the reflector;

I have assembled the new socket into the brass bush using loctite bearing retainer rather than a permanent retainer in case i ever want to dismantle it.

The other lamp looks a bit ropey so I will do that one the same.

badhuis · Joined: 20 Aug 2008 Posts: 1390 Location: Netherlands

Fantastic work. Love the way you handled this instead of going the way which most "restorers" think is the norm: replace by new.
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a car stops being fun when it becomes an investment

colwyn500 · Joined: 21 Oct 2012 Posts: 1745 Location: Nairn, Scotland

I am amazed by the effort you put into sorting out all these problems so precisely. It makes me wonder how I manage to restore cars without a lathe or the skill to use one. Top work!

Miken · Joined: 24 Dec 2012 Posts: 544

Thanks for the kind comments.
My projects are usually driven by having more enthusiasm than cash.
A lathe, even a small model makers version can be invaluable for all sorts of renovation work.
I think everyone should own one!
There are so many times when you find you need a spacer, bush, stud or non standard bolt.

47Jag · Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2017 3:39 pm Post subject:

Mike,

Nice work. The only comment I would make would be to split the bushing and have a clamp. The usual method to focus these lamps is sliding the bulb holder in or out.

Art

Miken · Joined: 24 Dec 2012 Posts: 544

Yes that would have worked. I haven't seen them like that so didn't think of it.

Miken · Joined: 24 Dec 2012 Posts: 544

Mr Morris thoughtfully provided a tapped hole in the top of the Cowley cylinder head to enable a length of rod to be inserted to determine TDC.
This is filled with a 8 x 1mm threaded plug.

Turning the engine over using the starting handle I found it a bit tricky to accurately locate TDC so i made this up to assist. It allows you to see exactly when to stop winding.

Miken · Joined: 24 Dec 2012 Posts: 544

Back on the road at last!
Going down to Sainsburys to fill up.
My mate Phil in the dickey seat filming.
It looks a lot faster than it actually was.
It needs a lot of running in.
Hope the video plays

https://www.dropbox.com/s/pz8ivp849ucry0x/WP_20170618_11_20_04_Pro.mp4?dl=0

colwyn500 · Joined: 21 Oct 2012 Posts: 1745 Location: Nairn, Scotland

Excellent. Very Happy

Penguin45 · Joined: 28 Jul 2014 Posts: 381 Location: Padiham

Very well done indeed.

P45.
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'67 Wolseley MkI 18/85, '70 Austin MkII 1800 The Landcrab Forum.

kevin2306 · Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2017 8:34 am Post subject:

superb news, enjoyed the video too, many thanks for that

kev

Bitumen Boy · Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2017 11:42 am Post subject:

Well done. Nice you had the weather for that run too.

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22439 Location: UK

As always, interesting to read your updates and get a glimpse of what OCC forum-ers are tinkering with.

RJ
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Miken · Joined: 24 Dec 2012 Posts: 544

Thanks all.
Been out and about today.
A couple of times I have thought about giving it a polish.
But settled for cleaning the greasy hand prints off the windscreen.
Just noticed that in the video you can see the crappy chrome plate on the r/h budgie mirror literally peeling off in the fearsome 25mph breeze.