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Lucas L549 rear lights - original internal insulation
Hi all,
Whilst in the thick of revamping my rear lights, I've noted that I have remnants of plastic foil (?) around the connectors either side of the bulb holder. I found the image online of what looks like an original unit, that looks to have some sort of clear plastic /cellulose insulation shielding around these connectors. It's more apparent when the wiring isn't in place - has anyone got a picture of their original lamp bases with this in place?
I'm assuming it did have a purpose in preventing shorts from the bullet connectors.
If so, is it worthwhile putting back in, is it available from anywhere or do I need to replicate it somehow?
Thanks
Whilst in the thick of revamping my rear lights, I've noted that I have remnants of plastic foil (?) around the connectors either side of the bulb holder. I found the image online of what looks like an original unit, that looks to have some sort of clear plastic /cellulose insulation shielding around these connectors. It's more apparent when the wiring isn't in place - has anyone got a picture of their original lamp bases with this in place?
I'm assuming it did have a purpose in preventing shorts from the bullet connectors.
If so, is it worthwhile putting back in, is it available from anywhere or do I need to replicate it somehow?
Thanks
Attachments:
Lucas L549 inside original.JPG 43.8 KB
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That insulation piece should not be there; it looks as if it would prevent the bulb from making any contact. There is a fixed piece ( visible in the picture you show ) that separates the mounting screw from the connectors on the bulb socket, and the connectors from the body of the base.
And, for those who aren't aware, the connectors are not the same as the bullet connectors within the wiring harnesses. They were not soldered or crimped, the bare wires just bent over and the connector pushed in. These are sometimes referred to as Earthing Sleeves ( so maybe were only used where an earth connection was needed, instead of relying on the mounting screws ? ).
Either way, I think that many people do use the usual bullet connectors.
And, for those who aren't aware, the connectors are not the same as the bullet connectors within the wiring harnesses. They were not soldered or crimped, the bare wires just bent over and the connector pushed in. These are sometimes referred to as Earthing Sleeves ( so maybe were only used where an earth connection was needed, instead of relying on the mounting screws ? ).
Either way, I think that many people do use the usual bullet connectors.
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Photo0636.jpg 35.2 KB
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OK, now I can see your picture on a better screen I see where I was confused.
What I took to be the piece of insulation you were discussing is actually a piece of wire linking the two connectors.
The clear plastic insulation is primarily between the live contacts and the grounded base; but that tab at the top would, as you say, prevent a careless screwdriver from shorting connections. ( But why would you have the lights on while tightening that fixing screw ?
)
What I took to be the piece of insulation you were discussing is actually a piece of wire linking the two connectors.
The clear plastic insulation is primarily between the live contacts and the grounded base; but that tab at the top would, as you say, prevent a careless screwdriver from shorting connections. ( But why would you have the lights on while tightening that fixing screw ?
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