Re: [mg-tabc] "D" Lamps

[rashuno]

Group!: For we Commonwealth types, do not snap to attention! I have been reading info. re Halogen Bulbs and the recommendations for usage in "T" type lighting systems. It appears that the transition can be accomplished, safely, but one small point keeps nagging at me. I now throw my concern into the arena, for the valued opinions that I know will follow. The clear lenses ( licence plate illumination), of the "D" Lamps are of a plastic material (that is any of the replacement bits I have received). Q. 1. Will the Halogen Bulbs throwing more radiant heat, I am told, cause the plastic to crack, melt or discolour? Q. 2. Did glass lenses ever exist for these lamps and if so, are they available ( I suppose at a King's ransom) for purchase? I reckon with the brighter bulbs the licence plate lens wil pass more light and probably Q. 1 is rather a redundant point. However; I would rather ask about things, that I am not clear on, than suddenly finding myself confronted with a nasty shock!!! Cheers to all for now, Respectfully: Jack Emdall, TC # 6768.

[Anthony]

Dear Jack.
The halogen bulbs won't effect the clear side lens as long as you keep the wattage down to around 10 watts. The original 'D' lamp side lenses were made of a clear celluloid material that rapidly went yellow and then opaque and then to the finally shrinking and falling out. Along the way when the lens went yellow /opaque the heat from the bulb was absorbed into the lens rather than passing through, hence the cooked ones you see. Lucas never made Glass side lenses for the ST51 D lamps. I have some poly-carbonate clear side lenses for the D lamps as well as halogen bulbs for the D lamps (both stop and licence plate): Harry Cruthcley from Octagon car club UK has the clear lenses as well. ( I supply them to him) Cheers
Anthony Pearson
TC7928
Classic and Vintage Bulbs (Australia)

Group!: For we Commonwealth types, do not snap to attention! I have been reading info. re Halogen Bulbs and the recommendations for usage in "T" type lighting systems. It appears that the transition can be accomplished, safely, but one small point keeps nagging at me. I now throw my concern into the arena, for the valued opinions that I know will follow. The clear lenses ( licence plate illumination), of the "D" Lamps are of a plastic material (that is any of the replacement bits I have received). Q. 1. Will the Halogen Bulbs throwing more radiant heat, I am told, cause the plastic to crack, melt or discolour? Q. 2. Did glass lenses ever exist for these lamps and if so, are they available ( I suppose at a King's ransom) for purchase? I reckon with the brighter bulbs the licence plate lens wil pass more light and probably Q. 1 is rather a redundant point. However; I would rather ask about things, that I am not clear on, than suddenly finding myself confronted with a nasty shock!!! Cheers to all for now, Respectfully: Jack Emdall, TC # 6768.