Dashlamp

[Dave Mann]

This 1934 tourer is missing the internals of the dash lamp does anybody know what should be in it?

[Tony Press]

This might suit? 

289: Dash lamp equivalent to Lucas DF41 type - Fitted with 'Toby' medallion - Dashboard & Interior Lights - Lamps - Vintage Car Parts

[Chris KC]

If that's the type of lamp we're talking about, perhaps these will help:

  Map Light.JPG (Size: 113.91 KB / Downloads: 449)
   
   
(the part below is home-made, but you'll get the idea)
   
...plus a light spring and a small bulb.

[Dave Mann]

Many thanks Chris, your first photo shows the only bit I have on the tourer which is knackered but a friend gave me an RP dash with a good one which I have extracted to fit in the tourer. The only only other internal item I have is the spring but with your photos 2 and 3 I now know what I need to make.

[Ivor Hawkins]

All I think you need is the feed wire with a soldered on flat nipple which has the spring behind it, pop the bulb in and Bob’s your uncle, they are very simple.

[Dave Mann]

If you want the light to operate as original built, that is turn the shade to switch it on it's a bit more complicated Ivor. Yes you need a flat nipple but set in an insulated carrier with two lugs so as you turn the shade the nipple comes in contact with the bulb like this      this is a photo of the assembly     

[Ivor Hawkins]

Thanks for clarification Dave, I’ve just looked at mine and you are absolutely correct!

[David Stepney]

That looks like a good facsimile of the original sliding contact that you have made there, Dave.

When I first got my car, the dashlamp was seized solid and was quite difficult to get apart, being built into the dash panel Fortunately, it was complete, so, after some carefully work with fine emery and a jewellers file (and lots of WD40!) it worked and has continued to do so.

One small point: mine had a celluloid diffuser inside. I don't know whether this was original or not.Others that i have seen don't appear to have it. having it there softens the otherwise brightness of the lamp.

[Dave Mann]

Chris's photos were a real help and with that everything on the tourer works after a 3 week pre MOT service/repair/rewire. I much prefer 3 speed cars, they are much easier to work on, it took a few goes to find the correct route for the speedo cable. One question how did Austin's install the windscreen pillar securing tapped plate?

[Tony Griffiths]

Well done, David. That's an excellent reconstruction. By the way, RR, as you all know, used to work on their switches to make the action as smooth and grit-free as possible. Every example of that Lucas dash lamp I've encountered appears to have been engineered to produce precisely the opposite result!
I thought one of these lovely-looking ones might be better, but if anything, they're worse. They flap about on the hinge, the switch is hopelessly stiff, and the rotating sleeve is just pushed on with no 'pin and slot' provided to keep it in place.