Clear Hooters or Lucas?

[Percy]

Master Light Switches... For all those Triumph lovers. How many have "switched" out the Clear Hooters for the Lucas branded switch?

I am on the cusp of committing to modifying my TR6 dash to accommodate the Lucas replacement style switch, however, either the realization of the damage that may occur or frankly the avoidance of the effort/labour is holding me back. Clearly the Lucas switch is the better, better action at least, easier to turn on and off etc...

opinions?

Keith

 

[DNK]

Percy- Clear Hooters are NOS ,aren't they?

Dang, that's a great visual

 

[Andrew Mace]

I honestly don't know if the Clear Hooters company ever improved the switches that were the subject of a Federal recall, but that recall involved replacement of the Clear Hooters switches with Lucas switches.

From NHTSA:

Manufacturer: JAGUAR CARS Mfr's Report Date: JAN 17, 1978
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 78V013000
N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
Potential Number of Units Affected: 107950
Summary:
THE HEADLAMP SWITCHES MAY MALFUNCTION ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES. SHOULD THIS OCCUR, LOSS OF HEADLAMP AND TAILLAMP ILLUMINATION MAY RESULT. SWITCH BREAKAGE WILL ONLY OCCUR WHEN THE SWITCH IS BEING TURNED ON OR OFF.
Consequence:
Remedy:
DEALER WILL REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE SWITCH AT NO CHARGE.
Notes:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: LIGHTING AND COMMUNICATIONS; MASTER HEADLAMP SWITCH.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: HEADLIGHT AND TAILLIGHT FAILURE, DURING NIGHTTIME ORPOOR WEATHER CONDITIONS, COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Having been through the recall, and having since experienced other Clear Hooters switch failures, I would fit nothing but the Lucas replacement, which is a far better switch!

 

[70herald]

I would fit nothing but the Lucas replacement, which is a far better switch!

Apparently this was the once a a blue moon when the "Prince of Darkness" was actually better!

Just remember "A gentleman does not motor about after dark."

 

[TR3driver]

Apparently this was the once a a blue moon when the "Prince of Darkness" was actually better!

I would comment on what that says about "Clear Hooters" ... but Basil doesn't allow that kind of talk on this forum!
:laugh:

 

[angelfj1]

were they silicone based or NOS?

 

[Percy]

OK guys,

Thanks! I had a chance to read the recall notice in full, along with the dealer installation instructions. (Thanks Andrew & Moss Motors) Anyone know of a local BL Triumph dealer in Vancouver? Ha!

I have both replacement switches in hand, the Clear Hooter and Lucas switch, and although the Lucas is not much for innuendo, it is the better quality product by far.

Looking forward to enjoying some sunny drives for the time being and perhaps the next rainy afternoon (always, only a day away in Vancouver) I'll commit to the dash retrofit then. Seems as though my TR had a lazy PO in the recall department.

Keith

 

[Andrew Mace]

I'll commit to the dash retrofit then. Seems as though my TR had a lazy PO in the recall department.

In fairness to the fine folks at Clear Hooters, not every one of their switches failed. But as you've seen -- comparing them side-by-side -- the quality just isn't anywhere near that of the Lucas switch. Thing is, there were probably more than a few cars during the recall campaign that were a: not giving any trouble with that switch; and b: likely had already been through several owners, somewhere losing the "paper trail" that allowed BLMC to notify then-current owners of that recall.

 

[trfourtune]

"Anyone know of a local BL Triumph dealer in Vancouver? Ha!"

Percy,
your best bet os "Octagon" or you can try the british parts place in Port Coquitlam.
Rob

 

[Percy]

Hiya Rob

Thanks & hats off to Colin and the gang at Octagon. They had the Clear Hooters switch in stock, at a fair price too. As I was in their neighborhood the other day I stopped in and picked one up.



Keith