Mounting Lucas 576 in MK1 Cooper

General Chat with an emphasis on BMC Minis & Other iconic cars of the 1960's.
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RicardoFragoso
Basic 850
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Location: Santarém - Portugal

Mounting Lucas 576 in MK1 Cooper

Post by RicardoFragoso »

Hi,

I recently restored a Austin Cooper MK1 998.

I would like to consider a pair of Lucas SFT 576 in the front.

What are the options to fix them? And what about the electrical part? And the switch?

If I get to mount them, it must be something 60's style.

Can anyone help with some ideas? Pictures? Advices?


Thank you,

Ricardo Fragoso
nick rogers
1275 Cooper S
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Re: Mounting Lucas 576 in MK1 Cooper

Post by nick rogers »

A Benelite Grille. The perfect 60's setting.
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RicardoFragoso
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Re: Mounting Lucas 576 in MK1 Cooper

Post by RicardoFragoso »

That is one option... but I don't like it very much.....

Other options?
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Chris64
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Re: Mounting Lucas 576 in MK1 Cooper

Post by Chris64 »

Hi Ricardo,

I was about to post a query on the same subject! :)

I'm interested in exactly the same thing, how best to mount one or two 576's at the front. I like the idea of the works style flip down brackets but don't really want to drill holes in my nice new bumper!

I've seen few cars with a bracket that is almost completely hidden under the grille and mounts to the top and bottom of the front panel opening and that just have a short bit protruding through the slats to mount the lamp to but have no idea where to get them from.

Looking forward to seeing people's suggestions! :D

Cheers,

Chris
Old English White
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Re: Mounting Lucas 576 in MK1 Cooper

Post by Old English White »

My Mk1 had brackets bolted to the front panel behind the grille, so the mounting part protruded through the slats as described above. The disadvantage being that you had to remove the lamps from the brackets in order to remove the grille.

You could also, in period, purchase brackets which mounted to the grille itself, so NO drilling required! but these tend to squash the grille a bit and don't provide such a robust mounting for the lamps.

My car did without a relay and just had a simple supply from the fusebox and a period Lucas switch/accessory panel beneath the lower dash rail but, as we know, there are almost unlimited solutions when it comes to Mini period dashboards!

Personally I think the Benelite grille is very neat but, in its current guise my car does without its fog/spot lights, partly for the very reason that I can't decide on an ideal mounting. Also, I quite like the uncluttered look.
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