Changing Lucas WL12 lens color

[Ivygreen65]

On my last junkyard run, I found a couple of Lucas WL12s. The downside was the lens color was a now non-transparent red. I picked up a piece of green 1/4" acrylic plastic rod to make a new lens. I cut a piece about 2" long and chucked it in my drill. Profiled the end, lathed it down to .15", polished it up, and then cut it to size. I know you can buy them new, but I always enjoy rehabbing an original part.

[ACademic]

Impressive! I bought some knock-offs from Europa Spares (close enough) but you'll get more enjoyment knowing you took originals and fixed it.

[rsk289]

The most common UK car this style of lamp was fitted to with a green lens was the Rover P4. If you look on ebay there are usually a few around. Nice job with the mods, though!

LUCAS WL12 LU 38092 12V VINTAGE GREEN DASH WARNING LAMP VGC KIT CAR SPECIAL | eBay

[LMH]

That's fantastic! Shows that not only could you change the color of the lens but also restore an old one if needed. Nice job!
Larry

[Mongoose930]

That is awesome. I am trying to restore a few originals myself. Can you provide a little more detail on the tools you used to profile the end and reduce the diameter?

Thanks - Kevin

[Ivygreen65]

I used a few different files and grits of sandpaper to get the size and profile right. Then took the buffing wheel to it to get final finish.

If you're looking to try some yourself, I had to buy a pack of 5 of the 24" green plastic rods. You're more than welcome to a length of it to make your own.

[Mongoose930]

That would be great. I will send you a PM with my address and then we can figure out the best way for me to cover the cost of the rod and postage.

Thanks - Kevin