8 inch Headlights

[Rob Reilly]

I have a pair of reflectors in need of restoration if interested.

Ed Callo
CT - USA

Yes, possibly.
Better than candles or acetylene anyway.
My headlights are model L-140 and I have learned that model M-140 buckets are slightly different. The model may or may not be stamped on the bottom of the painted base. I wonder if the reflectors are the same or different?
Originally one dipped and one didn't but I wouldn't care if neither did now.

[jddevel]

In stripping the reflectors for chroming/silvering I`ve discovered that one of the bulb holders has been "crudely" repaired. So I`m leaning towards replacing with halogen. What holders will fit the current reflectors aperture. I see some online referred to as "H4 Car Halogen Headlight Bulb Base Holder Socket Retainer Adapter". Is that what I`m looking for? Advice please.

[stephen stierman]

Please keep in mind that when using the standard bulbs in these reflectors they are "focused" as I recall by moving them in and out and must be mounted in a certain way so that the high and low beams are oriented correctly. I believe TC's Forever goes into process. So in order to put a modern halogen bulb into one of these reflectors, I assume you are going to have to change the socket, just be aware that you are likely going to have to focus and orient them correctly to get them to work if you can.

[Rob Reilly]

I found in Lucas catalogue 400B 1939, that for Lamp L140 variants, the non-dipping reflector is 502570 or 500981, and the dipping reflector is 502173 or 502190. This source says they were "finished in the finest silver plate".
Lucas catalogue 400C 1951 says that for Lamp MBD140, the reflector is 506855.
For Lamp S700 variants, the reflector is 552402 or 553935 or 553939.
This source says there were both silvered reflectors for most cars, and aluminised reflectors for certain makes and models such as Hillman, Humber, Rolls Royce Silver Wraith and Jaguar Mark VII, but that MGTD and 1-1/4 Litre had silvered.

[stephen stierman]

I am sure it was the "finest silver plate", only problem is that it is quite pricey to restore these days and doesn't really last all that long without tarnishing, corroding, or whatever it does.

[Rob Reilly]

Here are the head light parts I have in hand (two of each). They are model L140 with the U lens. Fortunately those are not damaged and I have wrapped them in bubble wrap bags.
I need reflectors and bulb holders. Can anyone post a picture of them?
What additional parts do I need?

[stephen stierman]

Look at my post of Nov. 7th. and also the exploded view in the on line Moss catalog. My post shows the bulb holder pushed through the reflector, bulb, rubber seal. The Moss view shows the various clips and retainers.

[Rob Reilly]

Thanks Stephen, I guess this is what I want, two reflectors with bulb holders.
Moss says NLA on the reflectors and they only show a drawing of the TC version, not TA, and no picture.
Ed, can you send me pictures front and back of what you have?
robreilly120@comcast.net
I presume one does not do business on this forum.

[stephen stierman]

From the Frame Up has some of the parts also. The reflectors do come up on eBay from time to time as that is where I found mine. They all need replating.

[Rob Reilly]

I found one on ebay which is set up for two bulbs. I wonder what is that all about? I think my originals had only one bulb.

[stephen stierman]

Is that stated as being specifically for a TC? Reflectors are available for early Fords and probably street rods but they likely will not fit inside a TC lamp housing nor will they be oriented correctly for the low and high beams to work properly.

[Ray White]

Be prepared to be disappointed if you have to buy new bulb holders. As has been explained, they need to move in and out of the reflector for adjustment . I recently bought a couple of repro bulb holders and found that they will not fit into the reflectors; they are just a bit too big. I had two choices. I could either mutilate the new holder to make it fit... or... remove the innards and solder them into my old bulb holders that I know fit the reflectors. I will be doing the latter. It is just a simple soldering job.

[Rob Reilly]

My car is a TA.
Are the TA reflectors the same as or different from TC?
Ed Callo, what do you have?

[EdCallo]

Reflectors I have are from a TC. Don't know if the same or not

[EdCallo]

Reflectors I have are from a TC. Don't know if the same or not

[Rob Reilly]

Thanks Ed.
Can you post a picture or two?
Here is one of the mounting rings I have.

[Steve Simmons]

As I recall, one side is dipping the other fixed dish. I may have some dipping reflectors hiding in a box somewhere.

[Rob Reilly]

Yes, according to the wiring diagram that's right. I guess I need one of each. I'd love to see pictures.

[Rob Reilly]

Is anyone able to send me pictures of the back of the reflector and bulb holder for TA or TC?
robreilly120@comcast.net

[Steve Simmons]

I can post photos of both but it will take a couple days. Hopefully someone beats me to it.