Morris Minor Owners Club

Something that has been bugging me for ages (due to having no life! ) is:

When did the sidelights change over from the L489s:


To the L488s:


It seems to have occured around '60/'61 but I can't find a reference to any dates. The millions (December '60) have the early ones, but I have seen cars around that age with both different types (no doubt changed over during their life).

Parts companies specify the L488s as '61 to '63, and the only reference around that era to lighting changes is the addition of flashing sidelights / rear lights with the large relay units.

Bearing this in mind, I would say that the light units probably changed over at the same time but this would make it August 1961 which ties in with the Minor Millions and the parts companies descriptions, but I have seen 1960 registered cars with both different types on

Opinions folks?

Also what is the Lucas code for the later unit:


Ta!

The Lucas lenses, combined side/indicator, as lower picture, that I have are marked L632 at the top of the amber section.

The L488 comes with a twin filament bulb holder (like a stop/tail) so as far as I can see it should have come at the introduction of the flashing sidelight version as there was no other reason to introduce a twin filament front sidelight.
My late 62 4 door had these so late 61 to early 63 sounds a good estimate.

I would guess that one reason that you see many other cars using the L488 is that it has a big clear glass lens and therefore lets more light out (most of the old L489s that I have lying around have a fairly opaque lens and I wonder how safe that would be)

October 1961 that the trafficators were eventually discontinued and the “ American system” of flashing indicators became standard on all home-market (UK) Morris Minors. In effect, the new indicators were operated trough the existing front sidelights and rear brake lights. The sidelights enlargement glasses to accommodate the larger twin filament bulb, which was fitted.
Specification for 948cc Minor 1000 models after October 1960.

Furthermore mentioned the article, that many owners to make modifications in an effort to be safer on the road.

See details page 57, Original Morris Minor by Ray Newell.

Greetings from Holland.

Wimor

The Lucas lenses, combined side/indicator, as lower picture, that I have are marked L632 at the top of the amber section.

Thanks '57!

Right so all the L488s had twin filament bulb holders?? One for the sidelights and one for the indicators?

I'm a bit sketchy on these cars as I have never owned or worked on one.

See details page 57, Original Morris Minor by Ray Newell.

Yes, thanks, but it does not state specifically when the light units changed over......

I would guess that one reason that you see many other cars using the L488 is that it has a big clear glass lens and therefore lets more light out (most of the old L489s that I have lying around have a fairly opaque lens and I wonder how safe that would be)

Also it allows indicators to be fitted inside which is not possible with the L489s...

OK so the L488 bulb holders come in twin and single filament types. My guess is that the Minor ones came originally with the single filament type and some owners have changed over afterwards.

Also I think the date for the changeover from L489 to L488 is more than likely August '61.

Well, that's that cleared up!

So, I could rewire my rear indicators to the rear lights.... that's a thought, it may well be a perfect compromise as I like the front indicators, but not the rear ones. We are talking about the series II rear lights though, so i'll have red indicators... No MOT problem?

Cam wrote:Also it allows indicators to be fitted inside which is not possible with the L489s...

You can make it look like you've still retained the L489s with twin filament globes .

The L489 lens & chrome surround are the same size as the L488 lens.

Therefore, you can fit the L489 lens & chrome into the L488 rubber base & trim off the (now unused) outside rubber section. Voila, L489s that are sidelights and indicators .