Some time ago there was a discussion about reproducing the two plastic windows (and gasket) fitted to the Lucas 469 tag license plate/back up lamp as fitted to the XK120 and 140. I purchased the tiny rivets from Charles Bishop a long time ago but I can’t seem to locate suitable windows and the corresponding sealing gasket. Anyone out there know of a source or are there plans to reproduce? I would love to restore a few of the covers I have.
Thank you all
Jake Kreeger
1954 OTS SE 676399
someone has made the lens and I brought about 30 of them in the UK in 2015.
the gasket can be made on one of the craft machines ladies use for scrapbooking
Thank you Terry. Do you recall the vendor’s name. I have been looking at various UK sellers but nothing shows up except complete lamp assemblies.
Jake,
When still “active”, I had access to a small NC laser cutter which was a fantastic tool for making such gaskets and windows. I made some sketches (attached) of the gasket and the window and the result was “not bad at all”. The gasket was perfect first time but the window (made from a thin sheet of clear PC) had difficulty in following the inside contour of the chrome cover.
May-be there is someone else you know (or someone who volunteers…) who has access to a laser or water jet machine. Of course I cannot accept any liability if some of the dimensions are not 100% correct…
Good luck
Bob K.
I made the windows out of plastic milk jugs…took some number of tries to get the right shape and fit. Decent temporary fix.
I have heard of that but isn’t the plastic “fogged” instead of clear? I also wonder if it holds up to the heat generated by the bulbs. Still worth a look. Thank you
This is really helpful. At least it gives something to work with should it become necessary to re-manufacture.
I have been looking at UK sellers but haven’t found a source … yet. You are correct that the curvature of the lens is tricky. I suspect some low heat may help “form” on some plastics.
Thank you Bob.
yes , with plastic gallon milk jugs that are “fogged” not clear and have held up. Look quite good actually and no one gets on their knees to inspect em…again, so far.
It wasn’t at a shop by chance I met a bloke at Beaulieu and something came up about the taillights and he said I make those I grabbed as many as I could justify and afford came with matching solid rivets. the finished items are not flat the plastic is ballooned out of the opening apart from being curved
His were crystal clear my guess is the were slightly opaque when new not like a piece of glass this applies to the boot lens ie you should not be able to see globe inside?
These lens are of course being made by the people who make the new tailghts
terry
I suspected that. I have never seen the lenses in all of my state side travels. Perhaps I’ll have to head to Beaulieu – some day.
I thought the rivets were 1/16" bifrurcated . I have just bought some [ still on there way] from UK as they were also used on SSs.
The lamps were by no means exclusive to XKs or even Jaguars. Rovers come to mind for a start.
Years ago similar 'plastic lenses 'were made by an SS register member here for the tool lamp lens on SS/ MK IV. he used plastic wine cartons which were popular then [ ah, the 70s ]. made a wood former[ 2 halves], and warmed the plastic still it was pliable and pressed it in the ‘mould.’ Not high tech but it worked.
Cutting plasticky substances with a laser cutter commercially may be hard due to OHS issues with chemicals in the material being cut. Possibly a wad punch for the gasket and scissors for the lens.
I took a different approach - bought a NOS 469 light for some Rover or other less regarded classic car for 40GBP and this gave me access to rivets, gaskets, lens, etc, etc.
No that I think of it, it was the fastest and cheapest way to do it.
Tadek
Tadek…that is a great method… I often take a part such as a fan belt or hose…in to match up and say it is from an old Ford or Chrysler…same when chroming parts…yup a Mazda tail light. much cheaper.
Nick
Finding intact 469 lamps is becoming difficult here in the states. Most are destined for a restoration and the used samples invariably have damaged “lenses/windows”. I have accumulated a number of the chrome covers over the years and some would clean up quite well with a bit of polish and new lenses.
Recently I purchased a small batch of XK parts. Included was a handsome original cover but the lenses are severely distorted. If I am able to remove them intact it may be worth the effort to use a gentle heating method and try to re-shape them (assuming they don’t crack or shatter). Fun stuff.
The details will kill you yes?
Well, easier in UK:
you missed this one 20 days ago:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lucas-number-plate-lamp-cover-469-/322546603766?hash=item4b194696f6%3Ag%3AxYUAAOSwCmZZOFsS&nma=true&si=njE9DzlO4V51WfaIUoxN%2B%2B0gj90%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
Tadek