angelfj Posted December 17, 2009 Report Share Posted December 17, 2009 Did the factory offer an optional reversing light for the side-screen cars? I have not found anything in my collection of books and magazine articles. What about other (English) cars of that era. Was it common practice for cars to have factory fitted reversing lights. Has anyone added a reversing light to his TR? Thanks Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Herald948 Posted December 17, 2009 Report Share Posted December 17, 2009 My Spare Parts Catalogue shows a "Reversing Light (c/w Wwitch and Cable)"; part number 502251. The same "kit"(?) is listed in my Standard Pennant Spare Parts Catalogue. My guess is that this "kit" is a lamp such as the Lucas L494 and a dash-mounted on-off switch, but I don't know for sure. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ianc Posted December 17, 2009 Report Share Posted December 17, 2009 In the Parts Book 501653, covering TR2/3/3A (called the 1958 Model), there is Reversing Light (c/w Switch & Cable) Part 502251. In Bill Piggott's book "Original Triumph TR2/3/3A", this is confirmed as the Part Number, and he states: "Fitted to rear over-rider bracket. The full kit is said to have comprised two lamps, one fitted to the side of each over-rider". I have seen a reversing lamp, with chrome case fitted above one over-rider (looked very neat), but cannot recollect ever seeing a pair. I imagine that original lamps would be as rare as rocking horse droppings. Whether Moss (or others) offer a repro version, I know not. You could e-mail Mike Ellis, TR2/3/3A Registrar (see address in TRAction). Ian Cornish Quote Link to post Share on other sites
angelfj Posted December 17, 2009 Author Report Share Posted December 17, 2009 Thank you for the replies. So this optional light was simply operated from a dash mounted on/off switch and not from any mechanical contrivance, e.g. gear box, etc. Correct? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rodbr Posted December 17, 2009 Report Share Posted December 17, 2009 I think what you are looking for is the Lucas 494. These were fitted as a kit complete with an illuminated dashboard switch, no gearbox switch at the time. There are two types, one that has the cable exit through the attachment bolt and the other through a grommet in the back of the light which is I think the later one. As far as I know the kit was two lights mounted on their side through the top side of the overrider, at least mine were. They do look good but virually impossible to get originals and if you do please let me know as they were prone to the mazak worm. Rgds Rod Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Don Elliott Posted December 17, 2009 Report Share Posted December 17, 2009 (edited) I rallied my 1958 TR3A extensively from 1959 to 1965 and mounted a bracket extending upwards behind the rear bumperette on the driver's side about 5" up above the top of the bumperette and secured a Lucas 5" spot light facing backwards. It was essential if I had to turn around or back up even if I only slid past a hidden junction about 10 feet. Many regional rallies back then were run in darkness on rural roads with no streetlights. Night rallies were popular because fewer other cars would be out there during the night-time. You can see what happened in 1963 to the front during the Rallye de l'Echo on the gravel road next to the raging Riviere Rouge about 3 AM. BTW, if a car following me during regular night-time touring came up behind me with his high-beams blazing, I would flick the switch on the dashboard to illuminate this rear mounted spot light. He quickly got the message. I had the switch mounted more towards the center - on the panel that also supported my Halda Speedpilot and my Trip-Masters. How this brings back memories. BTW if you look closely, you can see the rearside of the chromed body of the reversing lamp on the rear of my TR. Edited December 17, 2009 by Don Elliott Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jersey Royal Posted November 9, 2011 Report Share Posted November 9, 2011 Hi All, Will definately going to need a reversing light, having done a search i have not been able to locate a photo of the rear of the car. I would be grateful for any photos you may have. Best Regards Guy Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted November 9, 2011 Report Share Posted November 9, 2011 I will send you some pics of my solution tomorrow Guy. Stuart. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Menno van Rij Posted November 9, 2011 Report Share Posted November 9, 2011 (edited) In Bill Piggott's book "Original Triumph TR2/3/3A", this is confirmed as the Part Number, and he states: "Fitted to rear over-rider bracket. The full kit is said to have comprised two lamps, one fitted to the side of each over-rider". I have seen a reversing lamp, with chrome case fitted above one over-rider (looked very neat), but cannot recollect ever seeing a pair. On the European mainland, 2 reversing lights were only allowed for a short period of time (until the early 70s). It was said that 2 buring reversing lamps could confuse other motorists. That's the moment (again, on the mainland) that most motorists switched to one fog light and one reversing light. I clearly remember my father's late 60s Austin 1800 (called 'Balanza' overhere). Around 1970 he mounted a a fog and a reversing light under the car's rear bumper. The fog light switch and the facet shaped warning light (red) are in my TR now, acting as the fan override switch and warning light! You can see them clearly now on the pic below, the top switch and warning light next to the rev. counter. Menno Edited November 9, 2011 by Menno van Rij Quote Link to post Share on other sites
billg Posted November 9, 2011 Report Share Posted November 9, 2011 I agree with Rod that Lucas 494 was commonly used in period on sidescreen cars as well as rear mounted lucas 576 spots( poss a bit later ) check outthe period photos in bill piggott's book 494 s. Can be found on eBay Anyone know where repro Lucas rally roof spot/search lights can be sourced? rms 576 Also looking for a small 5" rear mounted Marchal lamp , would swap for rear mounted 576 I have Bill G Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fireman049 Posted November 9, 2011 Report Share Posted November 9, 2011 Hi Frank, I fitted two front sidelight lamps to the rear spare wheel compartment door of my TR3A and these are operated from the reverse gear isolation switch which I fitted to the remote gearchange assembly. (There is a blank plug above the reverse gear selector). If you want a photo. of the rear end of my car please send me your email address on my PM. I am not keen on reversing lamps mounted on the rear over riders. Cheers ~ Tom. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
vivdownunder Posted November 10, 2011 Report Share Posted November 10, 2011 Hi Frank, An acquaintance with a twin cam MGA which used the same reversing lamp, obtained a Lucas L494 at www.vintagecarparts.co.uk Regards, Viv. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TR 2100 Posted November 10, 2011 Report Share Posted November 10, 2011 I bought a pair of L494s about 3 years ago. NIB. Occasionally available on eBay, but they were hard to find, even 3 years ago. As it happens, I didn't (and won't) use them. Available for sale, but in a box in the UK and not accessible until next August! AlanR Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted November 10, 2011 Report Share Posted November 10, 2011 This is my preferred option with a Ring miniature 55w spot light mounted under the back panel. Stuart. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BlueTR3A-5EKT Posted November 10, 2011 Report Share Posted November 10, 2011 (edited) I have an incomplete copy of the factory 'kit' book that lists all the components in kits and their sources. Next time I am digging I will look up the kit contents and post the findings, if any. Triumph originally gave all 'kits' a 5 as a starting part number viz 502251 for the lamp kit, 501217 for the Lucas starter drive, 502127 for a crown wheel and pinion, etc. Kits were not drawn but listed as individual component part numbers. These may have been items bought in (Lucas lamps) that Triumph never drew or standard hardware that underwent a different final process,like chrome finish nuts, bolts, screws. Crown wheel and pinions, were made in house, and are a kit comprised of two items. The drawing of a crown wheel and pinion is in fact a list of sub component part numbers - crown wheel or pinion. To remanufacture, you would need to get the sub component drawings to find out their specifications. Cheers Peter W Edited November 10, 2011 by BlueTR3A-5EKT Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Paul Down Posted November 10, 2011 Report Share Posted November 10, 2011 (edited) Frank, This may help: Edited November 10, 2011 by Paul Down Quote Link to post Share on other sites
angelfj Posted November 11, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 11, 2011 Guy, et al Thanks for resurrecting this old query. I was not aware of the Stanpart accessories booklet. Boy, I'd love to have one of those! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Quicksilver Posted November 11, 2011 Report Share Posted November 11, 2011 google; triumph tr3 reversing light. and see; TR3 OKV 603 reversing light an bought sides over riders. Marcel Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Paul Down Posted November 11, 2011 Report Share Posted November 11, 2011 Guy, et al Thanks for resurrecting this old query. I was not aware of the Stanpart accessories booklet. Boy, I'd love to have one of those! From memory it cost all of £2 from a local second hand bookshop. I saw one on ebay last year at a ridiculous price, and it sold! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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