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Headlight, [headlamp], rims

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Johnny

Johnny

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It was recently pointed out to me that I have the incorrect (BJ8) headlamp rims on my 1960 BN7 car. I looked at what Moss is offering and it appears they only have one type available, for even BN1 models. I don't think that's correct. I should have a smaller rim that allows the actual headlamp to protrude out a bit. Is that correct? Also, does anyone have such a set available?
Thanks for responding.
Oh, I should add that I did a search and found no reference to this subject under headlamp/headlight rims.

[ 04-09-2004: Message edited by: Johnny ]</p>
 
I'm not surprised that you didn't find anything under search. Either the "search" doesn't work anymore or the archives are missing. I think Bas is probably tired of hearing me complain about it.

I am aware of only two types of chrome headlight rims for the Big Healey. The first was used on the Hundreds, (BN1 & BN2) & is shorter. The ring that holds the lamp projects out from the rim about 1/4" to 1/2", depending on how the lamp is aimed. Moss #560-180.

On the second type the rim is nearly flush with the HL ring. To my knowledge, the deeper rim was used on all Healeys except the Hundreds. Moss #164-080.

I think all of the original rims had a chrome rivet head at the top. Many repros, including Moss, just have a small bump on the top instead of the rivet. If you look hard enough you can find the rivet type.

If someone can enlighten us more about a third type of rim I would be interested.
D
 
It was in June of '02 .. they probably just switched suppliers again. One of the old ones on my car had the bump and the other had the rivit. Guess it's always good to ask before ordering.

Yes, our sig cars look virtually identical
wink.gif


Cheers,
John
 
The Lucas number for the 100 & 100M is: 554440 for the US market and for the BJ8 is: 54520673. I do not think the 54520673 superceedes the 554440. I suspect they were not considered interchangeable by Lucas, because the 554440 is listed for other automobile makes in 1966. (the Mini and Sprite for instance).

I happen to own a set of 54520673 that do not fit my BJ8. I suspect that the rims and buckets on the car are not original and "someday" I will locate the bucket and mounting hardware that match my NOS rims.
 
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Dave Russell:

On the second type the rim is nearly flush with the HL ring. To my knowledge, the deeper rim was used on all Healeys except the Hundreds. Moss #164-080.

I think all of the original rims had a chrome rivet head at the top. <hr></blockquote>
Dave, so since I have a rivet on top, and a screw on the bottom they are correct?
I have seen cars where the headlight does appear to protrude out beyond the rim. I did buy (Moss) buckets, maybe they are the problem.


confused.gif
 
Johnny,
I think you probably have the correct rims. One thing that can change the appearance of how far the lamp sticks out is the headlight adjusters.

Since the rim is fixed to the bucket, if the adjuster (aiming) screws are all set out further or closer, the amount the lamp sticks out of the ring can vary. Eg.- you could have all of the adjuster screws set out quite a ways & still have correct aim. This would cause the lamp to stick out of the ring more than a lamp with adjusters set closer to the bucket but still in aim. I have found that it takes some fiddling (fettling?) to get the rim & the lamp looking right.

Thom,
To confuse things more, the rims that I got from Moss for my Hundred, P# 560-180, came in a Lucas box marked Lucas # 54520650, & are the correct depth, but have the bump on top instead of the rivet. It says "Made in UK" on the box. They are slightly different size & shape than the originals & don't fit as well. I have the slightly scuffed originals on until motivated to improve the situation. Maybe never.
D
 
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Dave Russell:

I think all of the original rims had a chrome rivet head at the top. Many repros, including Moss, just have a small bump on the top instead of the rivet.
D<hr></blockquote>

I bought a set of headlamp rims for my BJ7 from Moss about 2 years ago and they had the correct rivet on top. Just thought you would like to know.

Cheers,
John
 
I bought a set about a year ago & they didn't. Maybe you got the last of the good ones?

Your sig car looks a lot like mine.
D

[ 04-09-2004: Message edited by: Dave Russell ]</p>
 
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Dave Russell:
Johnny,
I think you probably have the correct rims. One thing that can change the appearance of how far the lamp sticks out is the headlight adjusters.

Since the rim is fixed to the bucket, if the adjuster (aiming) screws are all set out further or closer, the amount the lamp sticks out of the ring can vary. Eg.- you could have all of the adjuster screws set out quite a ways & still have correct aim. This would cause the lamp to stick out of the ring more than a lamp with adjusters set closer to the bucket but still in aim. I have found that it takes some fiddling (fettling?) to get the rim & the lamp looking right.
D<hr></blockquote>

Thanks Dave, once again you've solved another problem. I'll try and adjust the headlights to protrude out further, then adjust for aim. I can see why one would think there the wrong size.
Thanks again.

wink.gif
 
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