Headlamps 1958 (correct or not?)

[Hebe]

I am not sure if anyone can assist. I am renovating my Series 1 Land Rover and need to replace the headlamps. I took out and need to replace:

-Two head lamp light units with markings:

“Right Hand Drive
Lucas 553796
700 Head Lamp
Made in England”

-Corresponding two rubber gaskets. (I am thinking of cutting new ones out of an old tyre inner tube)

In my parts book however, this Lucas reference is different (Lucas 553921). I am now not sure if they are interchangeable.

The parts book (4107) lists:

“Light Unit”, Lucas 553921, Land Rover 274783.
"Rubber Gasket" for the headlamp rim, Lucas 552915, Land Rover 262101.

Do you know if light units Lucas 553796 and 553921 are interchangeable?

Where to get them (2nd hand or NOS) without bubling and rust in the reflector of the light unit?

If not original I would probably need the whole original set (Headlamp Complete, Lucas 51780, Land Rover 272581.) Probably not easy to find?

Thanks,

Kris

[JDNSW]

553796 is the type fitted to my Series 2a, and my memory says they are identical to the ones fitted to both my 1958 Series 2 and to my 1955 Series 1.

You need to bear in mind that the lights fitted to Australian assembled Landrovers were not necessarily the same as the ones fitted to Home market ones - these headlights were fitted to a wide variety of cars and trucks assembled or sold in Australia in the 1940s and 1950s, even into the 1960s. For example, the Holden ones were the same except that they had an opening for a parking light bulb.

John

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Kris

If you need lighting stuff in Australia, I always try Anthony Pearson of Classic and Vintage Bulbs in South Australia. http://www.classicandvintagebulbs.com (http://www.classicandvintagebulbs.com/index.html)

He has a good range of NOS and reproduction lamps and lighting accessories, including making Halogen bulbs for BPF fittings as in the L700 unit. I am sure that he will also have the gaskets.

His mail order service is reliable and prices good.

Diana

[dennisS1]

I might get a negative response from rivet counting types, but standard sealed beam units fit real nice, if you’re lucky you might even pickup Lucas branded units, they are cheap and you can see in the dark.
Dennis

[260AC]

http://www.lrsoc.com/forum/forum_files/LucasPartsCat1957.pdf

[Hebe]

Thanks Diana, ;) (as usual)

Anthony Pearson of Classic and Vintage Bulbs was able to help me out. And I thought he only did the bulbs... :)

Next question...

(slowly but surely I find I might as well do this and that and if I do all that it is going to be like a brand new Land Rover...)

The wiring loom is still reasonable but has known its days. Alterations and fixes make it look ugly but at least it still works. Although I had to loosen and disconnect a lot for the paint job. Now I find some spots that start to break and possibly creat short circuits etc. So, I am considering replacing the whole wiring loom. Should I?

I can get a new wiring loom from Scots Old Auto Rubber here in Victoria. (just Google for it)

Anyone done that. The wiring doesn't look that complicated... but I never done it before and never followed the whole wiring myself. I am not a car electrician and a bit weary of doing this myself. :( So, how easy is it? And do new looms come with instructions or at least labels (which end connects to what)?

I will start a seperate post just showing Hebe's process of rejuvenation...

Any feedback is most welcome. :D

Thanks,

Kris

[chazza]

Thanks Diana, ;) (as usual)


:( So, how easy is it? And do new looms come with instructions or at least labels (which end connects to what)?


Kris

The "instructions" can be found on the wiring diagram, which lists the colour codes for each wire and to what component they connect to. Wiring diagrams are in the workshop manual and the driver's handbook usually,

Cheers Charlie

[dane h]

Can also vouch for Vinwire as above. Not overly complicated to wire just takes time and patience. They can also wire into the loom for indicators if you want a little more safety. Wiring from memory is also cloth over modern insulation for peace of mind but correct look. They have now moved/sold and operate out of Ringwood in Melbourne. New owner also seemed very helpful and knowledgeable last time I spoke to them.

Have to confess for front lights I've done as Dennis suggested and used seal beams albeit with Lucas units.

Cheers Dane

[Lotz-A-Landies]

It is worthwhile replacing the wiring loom, most of the original S1 looms have let out all their smoke by today. I did for my '51.

It is a good investment even if a little more than some would like to pay as it means you should have reliable electrical connections for years to come. Not something you can say about an old loom.

If you do go the Vinwire route, they will add in the indicator wiring and other ones you may request when they make yours up.

Diana

[back_in]

Hi All
early in the year I bought 3 looms from U.K. for about 120 Quid each
with the dollar better now
their price is now 1/2 of vinwire
there was a comment from one one person at the time
Vinwire get theirs from the same place
send me a PM if you want details
cheers
Ian

[Shonky]

It was me who bought the loom from Autosparks, and I would thoroughly recommend them. 1 week turn around from order to delivery ex-UK! ;)