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Calling Lucas experts!

Submitted by jim_royce on Tue, 10/07/2012
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Heavy Twins

Hi all,

On early 1955 models fitted with a Lucas 525 rear lamp there was fitted below the rear numberplate a reflector part number 18721. This was only done for around eight months until the introduction of the Lucas 564 lamp. The reason was that the 525 does not have a built in reflector and the legislation at the time made this a requirement starting circa October 1954 (1953 Road Traffic (Lighting) Act) which was probably why the 564 was introduced as this supposedly did have the required reflector.

Can anyone identify the model number from this part number? I have attached a picture taken from the Norton catalogue which may help. It is not an RER 25 (too big).

Thanks

Jim

Attachments reflector1.jpg

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/07/2012

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The Lucas list covering this period mentions the 525 and the 564 but I can't see a reference to a 18721.

It does list some Reflex Reflectors:-

â RER5 Black rubber body; chromium plated rim; grommet type fixing; 1?" diameter; red reflexâ RER5 Black rubber body; chromium plated rim; fixed by one self-tapping screw; 1?" diameter; red reflexâ RER10 Black rubber body; black enamel fixing strap; 1?" diameter; red reflexâ RER16 Black rubber body; screw and nut fixing; special contoured base; 1?" diameter; red reflex

From the picture you posted, I wonder if the special contoured base referred to with the RER16 describes the curved base for mounting to the mudguard?

Submitted by jim_royce on Tue, 10/07/2012

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Hi Chris,

RER16 looks like a possibility the only problem is whether that contoured base is designed to fit a pushbike rear mudguard or not as it sounds like the replacement I bought for the decomposeditem that was fitted only to find it didn't fit at all well there being a huge gap where there shouldn't be one.

I wonder if anyone out there has one they could post an image of? I know this is a minor detail but so few 55 models survive that have all original tinware details like this must be correct.

Cheers

Jim

Submitted by robert_gittins on Tue, 10/07/2012

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Previously wrote:

Hi all,

On early 1955 models fitted with a Lucas 525 rear lamp there was fitted below the rear numberplate a reflector part number 18721. This was only done for around eight months until the introduction of the Lucas 564 lamp. The reason was that the 525 does not have a built in reflector and the legislation at the time made this a requirement starting circa October 1954 (1953 Road Traffic (Lighting) Act) which was probably why the 564 was introduced as this supposedly did have the required reflector.

Can anyone identify the model number from this part number? I have attached a picture taken from the Norton catalogue which may help. It is not an RER 25 (too big).

Thanks

Jim

Hi Jim,

I've posted a photo of a reflector that I have and although it is different to the one in your picture the angled base looks about the same and probably only the anoraks would notice that it isn't correct. If it is of use to you it's yours for the cost of postage,

Regards Rob.

Attachments DSC01081a.jpg

Submitted by john_shorter on Tue, 10/07/2012

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Hi Jim, I have a mid '54 Domi 88, this also has a reflector mounted below the number plate. I was interested to see that your photo clearly shows the detachable rear mudguard section. There was some argument about this, some months ago. The '54 rear mudguard is one piece (making wheel removal a fiddly job), and has a curved section where the reflector is mounted. Unfortunately, this is purely a matter of interest, as your mounting is different (although the reflector is probably the same).

Regards, John.

Submitted by jim_royce on Tue, 10/07/2012

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Hi all,

Rob, thanks for the offerbut that reflector is an RER2 and they are huge and I know won't fit but your reply and kind offeris appreciated. Unfortunatley I am an anorak and the details must be right as the bike is a lucky survivor. The only 'wrong' parts on it are the handlebars (specific to 1955 only), front wheel rim, exhausts (replaced circa 1961)and horn button (1955 specific part)& dipswitch (both no later than the 60's).

John, it is actually hinged and some late 54 model 88's did have these fitted but oddly there is no mention of either this mudguard or a separate reflector in the 54 supplement. Hinged Mudguards were standard on 55 models (except the 19R)though 53 and 54 swing arm (meaning not featherbed)machines had an extremely similar mudguard fitted.

On a historical note the requirement to have a rear reflector came in on the 1927 Road Traffic Act.

Jim

Submitted by anthony_curzon on Tue, 10/07/2012

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That reflector looks very much like the reflector fitted to the Nomads from 1958 to 1960. There was one originally thatcame on one of my Nomads and i have been looking for another one ever since with out finding one so far. This reflector was P/N 21618 and the Lucas one is 57081 if this helps.The Nomad one has a rubber backing with a red circular reflector and a chrome push on bezel. The rubber backing was curved to follow the contour of the rear mudguard.

 


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