Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Timstopp · Joined: 16 Oct 2008 Posts: 98 Location: colchester, essex

Hi
My car has the lucas dip on one side, which then turms off the headlight on the other. I have just spent all day getting this to work(which it does nicely) Someone passing pointed out that this is now illegal.
Is it true that although standard fitment in 1934, I now have to change - and to what, they are 8 inch rims?

Thanks

tim
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North Essex,UK - Morris 8 tourer 1936 - Jaguar x350

47Jag · Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2008 6:59 pm Post subject:

Timstopp,

The easiest solution would be to find another dipping solenoid and fit that. Then you will have double dipping headlamps.

Art

pigtin · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 1879 Location: Herne Bay

My 1932 Austin 10/4 had those headlights, didn't even try to use them because of test. Fitted some adaptor rims for a while and used Lucas 700 type units with a relay operated from the steering hub dipswitch to dip them together, used to use it at night regularly. These days I have standard looking reflectors both set in the dipped only position. Had no trouble with the MOT for the last ten years.

Don.
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Due to the onset of my mid eighties I'm no longer sprightly and rarely seen in my Austin special. I have written a book though. https://amzn.eu/d/7rwRRqL

Timstopp · Joined: 16 Oct 2008 Posts: 98 Location: colchester, essex

aaahhh
Don, so you are saying that if my headlights are on dip only ie not dazzling oncoming traffic, I am OK? (the dipping mechanism is easily disabled)
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North Essex,UK - Morris 8 tourer 1936 - Jaguar x350

pigtin · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 1879 Location: Herne Bay

Had no trouble with two different test stations over the last ten years or so, but there's always the chance that one may put a different interpretation on the rules. So best check with them first.

Don.
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Due to the onset of my mid eighties I'm no longer sprightly and rarely seen in my Austin special. I have written a book though. https://amzn.eu/d/7rwRRqL

47p2 · Joined: 24 Nov 2007 Posts: 2009 Location: Glasgow

Most MOT testers are sympathetic when it comes to testing old cars. I always give the reason "It was built that way so it isn't required" Wink

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ROVER
One of Britain's Fine Cars

Penman · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4761 Location: Swindon, Wilts.

Hi
Rick, you might like to put this link somewhere suitable as a sticky so that the manual is quickly accessible for everyone.

http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual/contents.htm

Apologies if it is already here somewhere.

peter scott · Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 7120 Location: Edinburgh

Hi Tim,

I did the same as 47jag has suggested and it has proved reliable for the last 15 years and keeps MOT testers happy. It's also a nice piece of archaic technology that amuses folk at shows etc.

It's very easy to arrange because you'll find that the non-dipping side has the bracket etc for the solenoid and these are commonly available at autojumbles.

Before I got my second solenoid I did try fitting double filament bulbs but if you focus correctly for one filament you'll find the other is wildly wrong.

Peter
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http://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

Phil - Nottingham · Joined: 01 Jan 2008 Posts: 1252 Location: Nottingham

The dip and switchoff arrangement has been illegal for over 60 years and its not a matter of interpretation now of MOT rules - just lack of knowlege by the tester. However 1936 was the cut-off date for most retrospective lighting

Having said that my own 1938 Rover 16 had full MOTs' till 1996 when I bought it with a variation of this arrangement where the offside diped and nearside went out and was replaced by a low mounted "pass lamp" that is usually mistaken for a fog light - I did convert it to double dip however or safety.

Older cars like mine with the big headlamps were catered for by conversion rims to use the Lucas 7" pre-focus bulbs. I just obtained a double contact bulb holder to use a standard 36/36w double filament bulb as was standard fit in the o/s head lamp as Rover never trusted the unreliable solenoid reflector tilt device even then
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Rover P2
Rover P4
Rover P5 & P5B
Land Rover S2 & S3
Morris Mini Traveller Mk2

Penman · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4761 Location: Swindon, Wilts.

Hi
According to the manual 1931 is the cut off date for mandatory retrospective fitting of double dipping headlights.

pigtin · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 1879 Location: Herne Bay

Gawd! Don't let my MOT test station know. Shocked

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Due to the onset of my mid eighties I'm no longer sprightly and rarely seen in my Austin special. I have written a book though. https://amzn.eu/d/7rwRRqL

Phil - Nottingham · Joined: 01 Jan 2008 Posts: 1252 Location: Nottingham

Well as I said its not a matter of opinion its a matter of law so whether or not it is broke it has to be fixed!
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Rover P2
Rover P4
Rover P5 & P5B
Land Rover S2 & S3
Morris Mini Traveller Mk2

dalbuie · Joined: 24 Dec 2007 Posts: 408 Location: Gullane

It's also law not to use your mobile phone while driving but I don't see that stopping anyone Laughing

Timstopp · Joined: 16 Oct 2008 Posts: 98 Location: colchester, essex

I have checked the non dipping headlight, and it cannot be converted without a whole new inside, so it would appear my only option is to araldite a 7 inch modern unit and hack the wiring to bits, or hack off the headlights altogether and fit something modern.
Thats no way to treat an old car!
i may try to get a "daylight hours only" MOT - I believe these do exist)
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North Essex,UK - Morris 8 tourer 1936 - Jaguar x350

dalbuie · Joined: 24 Dec 2007 Posts: 408 Location: Gullane