Jem
Viscount
?
Posts: 3,390 
|
Post by Jem on Oct 20, 2014 17:26:11 GMT
I like the look of vintage lamp's on a vintage bike but obviously they aren't much good as a lamp. I was researching modern LED ones in a retro style but came to the conclusion they look rubbish. So, in a flash of inspiration I thought I would buy an old one very cheap and then modify it and add the guts from a new one. What do people think? What problems can you envisage? How would you do it? Here's a suitable recipient for my upgrade. I love the design of this shape.  |
|
|
|
Post by velocipete on Oct 20, 2014 18:05:59 GMT
Jem,It's a good idea to "re-bulb" old lamps.When I had to commute to work,in the late '90's,whilst working shifts,I did something similar.
I used an old dynamo head lamp,removed the bulb holder,acquired a 10 watt halogen car bulb and holder,I think some Araldite may have been
involved,fitted them together,and fitted it to the front fork rh drop out. Briil light going over the bridal ways to work in the pitch black,
I could avoid most of the sheep,and their droppings.The rear light was far easier,it had a screw in bulb,I replaced this with a 12v bulb
from an old Mini instrument panel.Very bright rear lamp,when on the road,no near misses.Powered it all with a small motor bike battery
in my saddlebag with an on off switch.
One charge lasted a week.Not the lightest of set-ups,it worked for me! Could be done much lighter with today's batteries.
Hope this helps in the inspiration department.Well worth doing if you intend lots of riding in the dark.Oh,and it's cheap!
Cheers,
Pete.
|
|
|
|
Post by Stella on Nov 23, 2014 21:10:10 GMT
I think it's a great way of upcycling and to complete the look of a bike. Go for it!
|
|
|
|
Post by stevevw on Feb 4, 2015 11:57:59 GMT
I did this to a 60's miller rear light. now has LED and a capacitor for dynamo operation.  |
|
|
|
Post by whippet on Feb 5, 2015 19:04:25 GMT
That looks great Stevevw.
|
|
|
|
Post by sprockit on Feb 5, 2015 21:05:03 GMT
Try here www.reflectalite.com/LEDpage.htmlI use them on my BSA with 1960s hub dynamo which, because there are only a few magnetic poles, tend to strobe at low speeds. Modern hub dynamos are better. They don't throw out megawatts of light like some modern LED lights, but it's certainly an improvement on conventional bulbs. |
|
