Number plate lights

Having just fitted a better rear bumper, I turned my attention to the number plate lights. I have managed to make
two good ones from the four mangled ones I have. Having said that, none of the bulbs are usable. The handbook
says they should be 12v 6w. However, the remnants I removed were 12v 5w. The only replacements I can find
locally with a small bayonet fitting are 12v 4w (everything else was push fit or large bayonet). I presume that
although less than the stated wattage, these bulbs will be ok. They are not likely to blow, but will probably provide
a dimmer light, is this correct?

Yes that's correct.

Thanks, I will fit them, didn't want to put them in and have to go and get some others instead.

MGs wrote:Having just fitted a better rear bumper, I turned my attention to the number plate lights. I have managed to make
two good ones from the four mangled ones I have. Having said that, none of the bulbs are usable. The handbook
says they should be 12v 6w. However, the remnants I removed were 12v 5w. The only replacements I can find
locally with a small bayonet fitting are 12v 4w (everything else was push fit or large bayonet). I presume that
although less than the stated wattage, these bulbs will be ok. They are not likely to blow, but will probably provide
a dimmer light, is this correct?

My buddy Pierre has recently bought a very sound 1968 Elf Mk.3 Automatic- but with a number of items "missing".
As he is not yet a member he has asked me to enquire on his behalf as to how he might lay his
hands on two number plate lights complete.
He has been told that a number of other BMC autos used the self same units over the 60s & 70s.
The MGB has been mentioned more than once - is this correct ?
If it is - problem solved - a the MGB is by far the most popular "classic" in this part of the world &
there are numerous specialist firms in Ireland that look after MG affianados !
David 2010.

I have successfully removed the old rusty bulb holders from the original lamp bases by carefully drilling them out and replaced them with new bits. I did one set with LED bulbs for my car trailer.

Also, Somerford Mini shows them available new, Part Number: 13H309, and they may be available elsewhere. Look for Lucas #L534. Be advised though, I once purchased a new set (I don't think it was from Somerford) and they were a poorly done reproduction.

Holden Vintage has what looks like a proper repro bit. Holden Link

I've just priced the above item(s) new from both sources (thank-you Red Riley). Somerford Part No.13H309 priced @ GBP 32.63(incl.VAT)
each & HOLDEN genuine LUCAS Part No.L534 @ GBP42.60(incl.VAT) each may prove far too expensive for my buddy Pierre.
Reason for saying this - he only paid EUR 450 (GBP 360) for the entire car ! and said vehicle has been persuaded to start & take a short
exploratory drive in his yard last week - not bad considering that it has been parked-up in the open air since 2008.

What he hopes is that a member might be persuaded to part with 2 working lamps@ a reasonable price.

David 2010.

I'll have to have a think where I saw them but I found these for about £15 from a number of sources, can't vouch for the quality though. I seem to remember I put Lucas L534 into Goolge and came up with a few stockists.

See here (it's listed as a 519 in the first link)

http://www.vintagemotorspares.com/phdi/p1.nsf/supppages/hodge?opendocument&part=6

http://www.autoelectricalspares.co.uk/number-plate-map-light-lamp-replaces-lucas-l534-1293-p.asp

I'll have to have a think where I saw them but I found these for about £15 from a number of sources, can't vouch for the quality though. I seem to remember I put Lucas L534 into Goolge and came up with a few stockists.

See here (it's listed as a 519 in the first link)

http://www.vintagemotorspares.com/phdi/p1.nsf/supppages/hodge?opendocument&part=6

http://www.autoelectricalspares.co.uk/number-plate-map-light-lamp-replaces-lucas-l534-1293-p.asp

If you haven't got one in front of you, here's why the 519 or the one from AES won't work. This looks like the reproductions that I bought and returned.
The proper ones have two parts to the base: the bulb holder/bottom base part, and the top cover which holds the glass. The holes in the base and the bumper are offset diagonally and set inward from the cover screw holes.




The reproduction one has the bulb holder and cover using the same two holes, which would require drilling two new holes through the bumper.


The one from Holden would seem to be a proper repro, although I haven't seen one up close. It does seem to have the original looking separate base and cover.

The evidence as presented by Red Riley is pretty convincing.
If the base plates dont have 4 holes - then one is compelled to drill a new set of holes (in a pristine bumper ? - no way !).
Still hoping that there is a pair of usable - ideally Lucas - laps out there @ a reasonable price.
David 2010.

David2010 wrote:

The evidence as presented by Red Riley is pretty convincing.
David 2010.

Thank you, your honour.