"Let there be light!" - LED indicators

When I was restoring the Ariel I was surprised to find that all the old electrics were in pretty good shape, even the horn, which I'd been told was broken. In fact, as soon as a battery went in everything worked so I took the easy route and left the 6 volt electrics in place. Even when I came to installing electronic ignition, I chose the 6 volt version. But there was one area I wasn't particularly happy with - the indicators.

While the front indicators were pretty good, the rear indicators were always weak, especially in daylight. The indicators are also set quite low so they are easy for a car driver to miss. When I'm riding I'm always particularly concerned about drivers plowing into me from behind. I replaced the bulbs several times, trying different makes, etc, but none really improved the situation.

I'd heard that some companies were manufacturing LED indicator kits for classic machines but although I made some inquiries I couldn't find a 6 volt - until now. Auto Lumination produce a wide range of LED auto lights for all types of vehicles. To my great joy they had 4.4cm 6 volt festoon globes that could slot straight into my repro Lucas indicators.

At US$9.95 each they are fairly expensive but they work! No new flasher unit, no rewiring, just replace the globe. You can see in this photo the globe comprises 3 rows of 3 LED panels. And do they make a difference?? Do they ever!

These are the old globes. They don't look too bad in the garage where it's dark, but on a sunny day they are a total washout.

The new LEDs are much brighter and will last a lot longer than filament globes apparently.
Auto Lumination are in the US. You can find them online here: http://www.autolumination.com/

Classic car events in Perth 2011

As summer rolls on here in Western Australia it's time to get out the spit and polish and bring out the old machines. Here's a couple of upcoming events on the classic auto and bike calendar in Perth and regional WA.

Sunday 6 February 2011 - Veteran Car Club - Perth to Armadale Run


Display in the Murray Street Mall, Perth between 9am and 11am. Here's some photos from last year:
http://heinkelscooter.blogspot.com/2010/02/veteran-car-day-2010.html and another link: http://inbox.apana.org.au/?p=1021

Saturday 12 February 2011 - Big Al's Poker Run


Charles Patterson Park, Burswood from 10am to 4pm. http://www.bigalspokerrun.com.au/
Here's some photos from last year: http://heinkelscooter.blogspot.com/2010/02/big-al.html
And another link:http://inbox.apana.org.au/?p=1070

Sunday 13 February 2011 - VMCC of WA Inspection Day

Trailer them or ride, but just get them to VMCCWA clubrooms, corner Hale Road and Tonkin Highway, Wattle Grove from 7am to 2pm. http://www.vmccwa.com/

Sunday 20 February 2011 - Northam Vintage Swap Meet


Jubilee Oval from 7am to noon. Here's a link: http://www.avonvintagecars.org.au/

Sunday 27 February 2011 - Italian Car Show


Mulberry on Swan from 10am. Here is a link to the event flyer: http://www.docwa.com.au/itcar.pdf
I'm hoping we'll see the Nazzaro bought out of its slumber this year. Here's some photos from 2009:
http://heinkelscooter.blogspot.com/2009/03/italian-car-motorcycle-and-scooter-show.html

Sunday 20 March 2011 - Classic Car Show at Whiteman Park

Free display of vintage cars from 11am -2.30pm. Here is a link: http://www.motormuseumofwa.asn.au/

And

Deville's Pad Hot Rods to Hell
DEVILLES PAD presents our inaugural LOW BROW KUSTOM KULTURE EXTRAVAGANZA.
Combining the best of Perth's Rat Rods, Kustom Cars and early American Muscle Cars (pre-1972 ), Kustom Bikes and Vintage 60’s Scooters with our current favourite band on the local rock and roll scene. A Vintage Market, Vendors, Tattoos, Fashion Show, BBQ food and our unique pedal powered dragster races.  Childrens entertainment, carnival rides, Al Kazam the magician and under 12's race events. Adults also are invited to bring down their low rider bicycles and custom pedal cars to compete in our 1/16th mile pedal powered drag races. Marco and the Rhythm Kings will provide the musical entertainment live on stage plus Hill Billy Jack and special guests on the pick up truck. Rare vintage drag racing films and classic cartoons will be projected in the venue.

Sunday 27 March 2011 - VMCCWA Swap Meet and Vintage Bike Display

Cannington Agricultural Showgrounds, corner of Albany Highway and Station Street, Cannington From 7am to 12 noon. Buyers $5 http://www.vmccwa.com/ click on the Swap meet tab

For a 'complete' calendar of events, check the Classic Rally website:http://www.classicrally.com.au/2011_events_in_WA.htm