Swapping indicator lights

[natexxo]

Hello all,

I am looking for some help in swapping my indicator lights! I have a '62 4dr that has the smaller, clear indicator/side lights as opposed to the larger amber/clear ones.

Now, both of my front wings are rotten as a pear, and so I am replacing them with some more solid ones, however, seeing as it's almost impossible to find reasonably priced wings drilled for the smaller indicators I currently have, I have opted for wings with the larger cutout and was going to fit the larger amber/clear lights instead. The only problem is, I am an electrical dunce and wouldn't even know how to begin swapping these over and getting the wiring correct so that these work properly!

Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks, Nathan

ps: photo is to (hopefully) clear up what on earth I am talking about, this is my car currently with it's not so good wings

17265069_875888265886022_7899534737393289799_n.jpg (87.51 KiB) Viewed 1845 times

[firedrake1942]

You should have all the wires you need for fitting the (more) 'modern' sidelight /indicator assembly. The 62 had white flashing indicators at the front combined with the sidelight in a single bulb. I am assuming that you have these from the picture, as well as a flashing relay under the bonnet usually near the fuse box. It is a case of separating the wiring for the two bulbs fittings that come with the new assembly.

The rear lights on a 62 combined brake light and indicator and effectively flashed the brake light when indicating. Again the wiring should be there to transfer to the modern type unit

there are numerous posts which cover what you are doing (and the reverse ) on the forum, this is probably the clearest.

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=14075&start=0

You can, with care, modify the new wings to take the old lights, thus retaining originality with the added satisfaction of the motorist in front or behind wondering what the hell is going on, always a bonus I think. I changed mine from original (1957 - so slightly different but someone prior to my ownership had added front and rear indicators and wired up the trafficators to a separate switch) to modern in the early eighties when I used the car daily. I have just switched them back to restore the period look. I only have trafficators now, albeit with flashing led bulbs.

jm

[myoldjalopy]

Don't do it! As Firedrake says, it is quite possible to modify the later wings to take earlier light fittings. To my mind, early cars just don't look right with later light fittings...............

[firedrake1942]

I have to agree with myoldjalopy. Especially if front and rear are a mix and match. Yours is a transitional car, between the 56-60 and the modern post 63 and the white indicators show that. NB I have seen much worse wings!

[natexxo]

Thanks for all the help so far! Glad to see it wouldn't be too hard a task.

I have been giving some thought to converting the wings to the "older" light fittings. In my mind making a plate that fits in the "newer" fitting hole but that has the "older" fitting cut out of it, almost like an adapter of sorts, would be the easiest way to do it? Not sure if this would actually be the best course of action though!

Many thanks again!

[alanworland]

Keep it's appearance original!
My 1952 lights have been modified up to how yours are now, using a brake light bulb, 5w for the side light and the 21w for the flashers.

Alan

[firedrake1942]

There is only one thread on the forum on this.

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=39650&p=389667&hili ... es#p389667

Mine were done in Bristol from modern indicator (front and rear) to 1957 type front and rear. I cannot see the join on either front or back wings inside or out. I know the fixing holes are in slightly different places.

Were I doing it myself I would do as you have suggested making a template and welding it in place flush or from the back and doing quite a bit of filling. Everything needs cleaning and rust proofing in either case to the nth degree in this area, although I think it is less about the big hole than the fact that it is elongated. It may be worth seeing how much of the larger hole is filled and covered by the right light and the rubber surround when in place. Obviously easier to do with the wing off. If you pm me with an email address I can send you a pic of mine in progress.. This idiot site still won't easily accept photos.!!

[firedrake1942]

There is a good picture of a modern wing altered to accept the earlier lights on the minor on Page 118 of ray Newell's Book 'Original Morris Minor. If you pm me with an e mail address I will send you the image. It shows the correct orientation of the shaping. and hole structure