Possible Early GT new front turn signal lenses

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JT191
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Joined: Wed Sep 24, 2008 10:05 am
Location: 12,450 miles away from the Big Warehouse in Melbourne

Possible Early GT new front turn signal lenses

Post by JT191 »

Maybe I figured out something unknown, maybe this is old news...

I spent Sunday looking at turn signal lenses on the fronts of ~1965 Triumph Spitfire and Austin Healey cars, wondering if they are the same as the pre-September 1969 Bellett GT.

I found an auction listing, the description says it fits a long list of British cars, and it is made by Lucas. That brought back a little detail from the Asaoka interview article, in which he says the electrical and switch gear was all from or inspired by Lucas.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/200831984281

It's worth a very close look. I will have to measure one, and maybe contact the seller with some dimensions. I have to make new bases anyway. Even if they are not exact replacements, they might make a good substitute.
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flying
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Car(s): 1967 GT Bellett
Location: Adelaide

Re: Possible Early GT new front turn signal lenses

Post by flying »

JT

you are on the right track

We have the Lucas lens here -- they came from Morris Minor 1000 Almost the same slightly less diameter but didn't have the Beehive Look and of course had Lucas on it

The Landrovers have a very similar lens with the beehive look but have screws holding them to a base plate.

I have been through this madness and have cast my own copies from polyeurathane craft supply store make the male and female molds and pour in some 2 part clear -- they look good but not sure how the UV will treat them

Old link here

http://www.bellett.net/forums/viewtopic ... ive#p10268

I'll post up some pictures and links soon

Regards
Flying
Retroasted
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Car(s): Isuzu Bellett, Morris Minor 1000

Re: Possible Early GT new front turn signal lenses

Post by Retroasted »

That top link looks the same as on my Minor 1000
rod
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Car(s): 68gt coupe , 98 toyota prado

Re: Possible Early GT new front turn signal lenses

Post by rod »

looks like a little bit like mine 68 /12 gt
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flying
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Car(s): 1967 GT Bellett
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Re: Possible Early GT new front turn signal lenses

Post by flying »

Hi Guys

Here is a picture of the Lucas Lens l594 on the left and an Original Bellett 67 gt glass on the right

and my bellett copies in the backround

Cheers
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JT191
Posts: 533
Joined: Wed Sep 24, 2008 10:05 am
Location: 12,450 miles away from the Big Warehouse in Melbourne

Re: Possible Early GT new front turn signal lenses

Post by JT191 »

I was looking at the one with the taller dome. I found a link that said there were three or four different lenses on the Lucas equipped British cars:
http://www.triumphspitfire.com/frontlights.html

This in the shallower clear lens (1950's):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/200877593935

But it looks like the early GT might be halfway between the two.

Finding which one is the closest match might also trace what was the inspiration when the GT was designed. It sounded like they took a smorgasbord approach, a little of this car, a little of that, and mixed them up. And whatever the inspiration, it would have to predate the car's introduction. The shorter 1950's lens might be it.
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