1952 MM Innition Warning Bulb - Lucas 970

for those with Series MM sidevalve cars produced between September 1948 and February 1953
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Mike F
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1952 MM Innition Warning Bulb - Lucas 970

Post by Mike F »

Help!
Can anyone advise where I might be able to source a Lucas 970 ignition warning bulb for a 1952 MM?
Thanks
Mike
plumby74
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Re: 1952 MM Innition Warning Bulb - Lucas 970

Post by plumby74 »

Can you post any sort of pic of one, even from the Workshop Manual?

I may have one here, as I have had a lot of such parts out of cars which were dismantled.
firedrake1942
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Re: 1952 MM Innition Warning Bulb - Lucas 970

Post by firedrake1942 »

This place usually has almost every bulb under the sun
http://www.dynamoregulatorconversions.c ... s-shop.php
RobThomas
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Re: 1952 MM Innition Warning Bulb - Lucas 970

Post by RobThomas »

Mike. What country are you in?

https://www.carbuildersolutions.com/uk/ ... ulb-12v-2w One like this? It is the 12 volt version, but is it this shape in 2 volt?

Later versions of this Lucas assembly used 12 volts and did away with the wrap of wiring round the outside of the bulb holder. The coils were added, so I'm told, to use up stocks of 2 volt bulbs, although I must say tha I find that hard to believe. More research needed? :D
Cardiff, UK
palacebear
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Re: 1952 MM Innition Warning Bulb - Lucas 970

Post by palacebear »

According to the wksp manual, the 970 bulb has a 2.5v / 0.5w rating. Seems it is obsolete (here in the UK anyway) :( No longer listed by the main suppliers such as Lucas or Ring Automotive. Not obtainable through the usual Minor specialists either, or through specialist classic/vintage bulb suppliers. You may get lucky at an autojumble, unless you find someone who's broken up an early Minor (or an Oxford series MO/Cowley ute).
1956 4-door called Max
RobThomas
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Re: 1952 MM Innition Warning Bulb - Lucas 970

Post by RobThomas »

Loads on Ebay.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-X-2-5V-MES- ... G8iKyaEuEA

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from ... b&_sacat=0
So the proper bulb is a Lucas 252, C252A or 970 MES. Of course these are all the same part, just Mr Lucas trying to confuse us. But where can you buy such a bulb these days? Most of the usual suppliers carry the look-alike Lucas 987 MES, but this is a 12 volt / 2.2watt bulb. Yes, it will fit and yes, it will work but can be difficult to see in good light. The 2.5 MES bulb was standard fit in old fashioned bicycle lamps (made by, you guessed it, Mr Eveready and Mr Lucas!). Never fear, just Google or Ebay ‘bulb 2.5 volt MES’ and the magic of the internet will supply your needs. Maybe not from a car accessory supplier, more likely from a vintage flashlight or cycle specialist!
Cardiff, UK
JOWETTJAVELIN
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Re: 1952 MM Innition Warning Bulb - Lucas 970

Post by JOWETTJAVELIN »

RobThomas wrote:Mike. What country are you in?

https://www.carbuildersolutions.com/uk/ ... ulb-12v-2w One like this? It is the 12 volt version, but is it this shape in 2 volt?

Later versions of this Lucas assembly used 12 volts and did away with the wrap of wiring round the outside of the bulb holder. The coils were added, so I'm told, to use up stocks of 2 volt bulbs, although I must say tha I find that hard to believe. More research needed? :D
Hi Rob, as far as I know the winding is there for resistance. This is certainly the case on the MO where the main beam warning lamp is thus wound, giving a dim light. The reason for this is that a normal bulb would be too bright for night time and distracting.
palacebear
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Re: 1952 MM Innition Warning Bulb - Lucas 970

Post by palacebear »

Someone else posted a similar query on here a while back. It seems that the 970 bulb is obsolete and no modern equivalent exists. Even the most well-informed of Minor suppliers was unable to help, suggesting a bulb that would, in fact remain illuminated whenever the key was turned. The best suggestion when I inquired was that a torch bulb (can't remember the exact spec) would probably do the job, provided the cap size was compatible
1956 4-door called Max
Mike F
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Re: 1952 MM Innition Warning Bulb - Lucas 970

Post by Mike F »

Chaps
Thank you all very much for your thoughts and advice. Looks as if I need to spend some time at auto-jumbles etc and take a look at the 2.5V MES.

Will update on the final outcome in due course.

Thanks again!
Mike
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