indicator help

[morris1961]

hi, my 1961 is currently fitted with bigger later indicators and was wondering if these original ones would do the same job?

http://morrisminorspares.co.uk/shop/pro ... 80802bdfcd

do they do the same job?
can they be used as indicators as well as lights like the later ones?

thanks.

[bmcecosse]

They can - but whether or not they will be 'legal' on your car is another matter. better to use Mini headlights with sidelight inside - then use 'white' lights for the flasher, with orange bulbs inside!

[mike.perry]

From 1961 after semaphore trafficators and 1963 before amber indicators, the Minor used a relay system to flash the brake lights when indicating. The front indicators were white and were probably just a double filament bulb. If you want to revert to the previous system check whether the car still has the relay box or if it was just fitted with trafficators.

[morris1961]

oh okay, what would you suggest i do? should i leave the later ones still on the car, or do you think its worth changing them back to the original units? the smaller clear units, could they still be used for lights and indicators with an amber bulb? would there be enough room for both bulbs? i cant seem to find this information anywhere!

[scotwood59]

Personally, if you can go back to the originals and be legal I would do that.

On the subject (sort of), was the flash bulb on the indicator arm (on the steering column) amber or green?

George has an amber one but I have seen green ones for sale. Is it dependant on year?

[PSL184]

George has an amber one but I have seen green ones for sale. Is it dependant on year?

Mini's had amber ones, AFAIK all Minors had green ones.....

[morris1961]

yeah, i will have to look into it futher...
just need to make the holes on the wings smaller if i go ahead.
mines green.

[mike.perry]

Are you sure that the car was not fitted with trafficators?

[morris1961]

oh it was fitted with them!
but i was hoping to fit the original smaller clear lights on the front and put an amber bulb in it.
then i have the problem that the later type is used as headlights and indicator and the headlights are only used for the main beam. is this with all morris minors with the later type indicator lights?
this is getting so confusing!

[Neil MG]

AFAIK All minors had the sidelight separate from the headlight, with earliest cars having no indicator and then shared sidelight indicator then separate sidelight and indicator in the same unit. It is possible to buy the headlight unit with sidelight incorporated (as fitted to the Mini) and so the sidelight unit can be used exclusively for the indicator. You can use a white or amber bulb on the older cars.

[morris1961]

ah okay...
would i need to buy two new headlamps then?
or is it just a case of buying a two filament bulb or different holder?
thanks!

[Neil MG]

New headlamps. It costs £35 - £40 for a pair of new Halogen units or you can buy used units or standard sealed beams for less.

[morris1961]

i still dont fully understand. its probably me being stupid but
why cant i just fit a two filament bulb?
halogen is only makes it brighter....

[Neil MG]

Sorry, now I think I get your meaning. Of course you can fit the two filament bulb sidelight like the one in your first post! That way it will have to flash white. If you want the original lamp with an orange bulb then you need a separate sidelight (e.g. in the headlight). Not possible to have two bulbs unless you make your own hybrid lamp.

[scotwood59]

George has an amber one but I have seen green ones for sale. Is it dependant on year?

Mini's had amber ones, AFAIK all Minors had green ones.....

Oh, I will have to replace it then. It's broken anyway. Thankyou

[morris1961]

thats just what i wanted to hear, thanks!
one last question though...
i looked at the bulb in my headlamp and it already has two filaments but one has a small metal plate covering it...
could i just get a new two filament bulb and set it up so i can have to light settings therefore getting rid of the sidelight?
thanks!

[Neil MG]

Your headlamp has two filaments for dipped and main beam. For sidelight you need another smaller bulb offset from the centre of the lens, i.e. a headlamp that includes sidelight function (three lamps). If your headlamp sealed beam units have the sidelight window like this, http://is.gd/SN0gB3 then you can buy a plug that includes another bulb holder for the sidelight like this http://is.gd/lkWbUR

If you have BPF or halogen headlights the same thing applies in that you need to change to the type with the aperture or window in the lower side of the lens for a sidelight.

[morris1961]

ahh i get it now, thanks mate!
so is there something wrong with mine?
when i switch the lights on the sidelights light up.... if i pull it futher out the main headlamps come on.....
do all moggies do this? or has mine just been messed about with?
thanks for this! - this is my first moggie, so just trying to learn as much as i can about it

[bmcecosse]

Errr - that's how the early light switch works........

[morris1961]

so why have two filaments in the bulbs?
sorry but i am new to this....