Austin J40

[Polarsilver]

J40 Headlight.jpg

Thanks to Forum Member RB203 for supplying the pair of ye-olde Mini Headlights .. headlight glass cut down to size to fit the "Speedwell Blue " J40 Pedal Car.

[mk1]

Nicely done!

[Fanfaniracing]

Will it race at Goodwood?

[Alex]

How difficult was it to cut the glass lens down ?
I've got a box of old headlamps and a few 'sightless' J40s...

[Polarsilver]

Sorry not Goodwood this year as the J40 Rivet Counters will string me up as i have not re-painted the OE Steering Wheel

J40 Steering Wheel.jpg

Headlight Glass
Method take a knackered 7inch Lucas Headlight & put masking tape over the glass then place on the J40 Back Reflector & Draw the finished size needed onto the masking tape. Take a "Green Grit" Grinding Wheel ( i had an old 3inch dia grinding wheel that was past used for sharpening Masonry Drills ) & light grind away the Headlight Glass in a gradual rotation until it breaks through.. use the Grinding Wheel to clean up the Glass Edge to fit into the Reflector ..job done & "warning" be prepared to take on the J40 Rivet Counters .. whatever perhaps to re-use an original Lucas Glass is better solution than what J40 "new" parts suppliers offer today ?

[Alex]

I can 100% guarantee that your mildly insulting rivet counting jibe won't apply to the J40s.

Let's face it, the bloke who wrote the rules and is the eligibility consultant & scrutineer is asking how to cut down headlamps...

[Polarsilver]

Alex i apologise to you ref Rivet Counter.. My comment was based on an experience during my visit to Gaydon BMC/Mini Day this year where a very nice J40 was displayed .. that J40 Owner was being berated by a fella giving the owner a hard time because his J40 had none standard Glass Headlights that were derived from a French Bicycle .. i told the owner his French J40 Headlight Glass looked good to me ..this discussion provided me the idea to Try to modify the 7inch Mini Headlight to fit my J40.
you have pm.

[Peter Laidler]

Your idea was right on the button Norman. That's just how we used to grind down slightly oversize optical lenses. But we mounted them on a slowly rotating bed until the optical tube or cell JUST dropped over reduced diameter lens. Still do it occasionally now

[Polarsilver]

Austin J40 5degree brake test..jpg

Checked after brake re-line .."The Handbrake must be capable of holding the car on a slope not less than 5deg; from the horizontal."

[Old English White]

Haha. Do you keep it in your sitting room Norman

It looks really great now!