If you want to convert a car side light to a BSA / Ariel motorcycle tail light, you need a chrome on brass body, not the later zamac version. And it should have a red opaque logo.
The original tutorial was published in the Birmingham to Berlin blog, which has long gone. But I copied the important details...
I used two coats of this glass paint on the inside of the white lens for the repro lamps I made, as I've never found a suitable alternative Ruby lens. Ron
Thank You Jan ,
The pair I have here are chrome plated brass but 2 different sizes ?
The larger one from end 2 end including lens is 5"approx .
The smaller one is 4 & 1/4" from end to end approx ..Im struggling measuring accurately as My wrist is in plaster .
The diagrams show all the dimensions except the overall size ?
I am trying to guage this against the authors hand but it could go either way ?
Thank You Jan ,
The pair I have here are chrome plated brass but 2 different sizes ?
The larger one from end 2 end including lens is 5"approx .
The smaller one is 4 & 1/4" from end to end approx ..Im struggling measuring accurately as My wrist is in plaster .
The diagrams show all the dimensions except the overall size ?
I am trying to guage this against the authors hand but it could go either way ?
Also ,
I wonder if Anyone is reproducing the correct numberplate to accept the 1130 rear lamp please ?
I will be needing this shortly .
Thank You ,
I aim to preserve the red "tell tail" pendant .
I cant even open the body up yet as I cant close My fingers around a screwdriver ..I know all the internals are present on all 3 lamps but dont know how the pendant is attached into the body yet ?
Just had a thought (rare) but how would You be able to see the "tell tail" ..is way out of vision on the bike I think ?
I have 2 bodies
1 x mazac
1 x chromed brass
1 x white Lens
1 x painted red white Lens
1 x mint original red Lens
Some repro lucas red top pennants
1 x nos Lucas red pennant
Some Lens securing screws in st steel I think
These are surplus to my requirements at this time - would prefer to unload as a lot - swaps considered
I'm attempting the above conversion of a 1130 car side light. I want to rivet a clear bottom lens in place. Any suggestions for the best type of plastic to use -something that'll not go brittle or yellow too quickly?
I think that I'd try a piece of Lexan polycarbonate cut from an old helmet visor. Modern visors are probably too thick, but the seventies examples were thin and flexible.
I have 2 original mt1130 red lenses.
In the past i have mail some companys who can deliver very nive reproduced white lenses for the 1130 car light.
I asked if it is possible to make the red lenses also ..i think it wouldn.t be a problem that if you can make the white glas to make a red one also...but nobody want to do that...so i stopped with it
@ mark.
I can make the lenses also out of red perspex.but the problem is that the outerside should be plane surface and the innerside should have the frosted surface..just like the original lens
I just lasercutted some lenses for the lucas lwdmct1 taillight .
I have a couple of the the covers with the original lens in it..but the lenses couldnt be removed anymore as the lens is brittle and faded after 80 years.
I thought they were more complicated than that Roy.
As in a patterned surface inside to diffuse the light.
Also being curved.
Flat glass should be easy.
That is possible, but it's a study in itself and you need some hardware.
# toploader pottery kiln with controller that can do a cooling path (important)
# supply of modellers plaster and fine quartz sand
# some mould making ability, all info can be found on the net.
# patience.
casting glass available here : https://glasscolor.com/catalog/product/view/id/17373/s/gaffer-orange-red/category/405/
After you manage to cast the part you need grinding and polishing equipment.
so....for the specialist :grimacing: .
better to buy 2 component colorised clear casting from Smooth-On like at this shop :https://www.formx.eu/molding--casting/index.php
more info : https://www.formx.nl/products/pu-harsen/pu-clear-resins/crystal-clear-200----1kg.php
but the easy route can be to opt for a existing clear lens and color it red !
have fun ! succes.