Thread: HELP: Series II brake light, side light and indicators

I think your suspicion is right. These tail lights include a reflector.

Blinkers were not fitted to the 1960 Landrover - in fact, if my memory is correct, it was only about then that it became legal to use them instead of a hand signal in NSW, and it was several years before they became required on new vehicles.

In 1963 I fitted blinkers to my 1958 Series 2, using an aftermarket type that was not the same as the one factory fitted to the Series 2a, which was not among the ones I had the option of getting (Brisbane, and I doubt I even thought of going to the dealer!).

So period correct would be any of the wide variety of aftermarket offerings that were available in the early sixties as motorists accepted the advent of blinkers so they could keep their right arm dry and the window closed. Virtually all of these had a switch arm clamped to the steering column, and most incorporated a warning light on the end of this arm. I do not recall any which were self centring. A few were designed for panel mounting, and usually incorporated a warming light in the switch. These could have been mounted on the horn switch arm.

Hope this helps.

Thanks John!

It sure would be nice to find another L581 brake light, unfortunately mine only has the one left.

I suspect there would be a "correct" type of Lucas indicator lens somewhere. The Series II Land Rover Owner's Manual shows blinkers as an optional extra, with a blinker switch mounted to one side of the dash. I can't ever seem to recall seeing this in a Series II though, and suspect it was more of a homemarket optional extra?

Yes, most of the optional extras were mainly home market - Australia tended to either fit them as standard for Australian built vehicles, or use locally produced bits instead of the options, or indeed the standard bits - for example, Australian Landrovers went to sealed beam headlights years after the home market, waiting until they were made locally like the bulb type ones.

Optional extras such as blinkers or seat belts etc were usually fitted by the dealer, and since they typically sold for multiple manufacturers, they tended to use generic parts wherever possible for these extras. This would have applied even more strongly for rural areas where most Landrovers (other than government ones) were sold.

You can get a half reasonable copy of the L581
Rear light assembly - 3in diameter - Paddock Spares

I'm sure some of the local parts suppliers would also keep them.
Otherwise look out for Swap Meets, there's usually someone selling lights.

Indicator switch on the Series II was on an arm off the side of the steering column, I'll have to see if I have a photo. Alternatively it was a generic aftermarket switch. As John said, if they were dealer fitted the lights could be whatever was available.

You can spend a lot of money getting correct lights/lenses, most have to come from the UK.
I was after Sparto lenses for my Series II and a google search found them at a small Land Rover supplier in the UK, managed to get 4 indicator and 2 sidelight lenses for a very reasonable price.

Colin

Thanks guys!

I have been doing more research like crazy today.

Looks like the lights should be:
L581 brake light
L637 rear indicator
L638 sidelight
L639 front indicator

It seems the brake and sidelights are easy enough to come by, but the indicators are a whole different story. Which is not surprising considering they were optional.

Might just have to strike my first compromise of the rebuild and accept aftermarket indicators...

Thanks for the input on the indicator arm Colin! I might have to pick your brains a bit more about Series II's at a later date.

Originally Posted by ARBY20

Thanks guys!

I have been doing more research like crazy today.

Looks like the lights should be:
L581 brake light
L637 rear indicator
L638 sidelight
L639 front indicator

It seems the brake and sidelights are easy enough to come by, but the indicators are a whole different story. Which is not surprising considering they were optional.

Might just have to strike my first compromise of the rebuild and accept aftermarket indicators...

Thanks for the input on the indicator arm Colin! I might have to pick your brains a bit more about Series II's at a later date.

hi I have the same 1960 series 2 88 model I collected all these lamps about 5/6 years ago hardest part was finding correct steel bases and screw head sockets so unsure if still available all are genuine Lucas

Here's a picture of the horn button bracket on a 1960 Series II.
Someone had added the indicator switch.

Land Rover Series 1, 2, Column Mounted Horn Bracket 271496 (1956-59)
– Emberton Imperial


Colin

Originally Posted by Dgd69

hi I have the same 1960 series 2 88 model I collected all these lamps about 5/6 years ago hardest part was finding correct steel bases and screw head sockets so unsure if still available all are genuine Lucas

Thanks a bunch Dgd69, will send you a PM.