Restoration of a 356SC

[Mike Smith]

S.J.Szabo - While the beehives on my T-1 were no problem (after acquiring some of the tall lenses for all four tails (I also configured all to work as run/stop/turn for double the visibility) and the two front turns), your tear-drops will be a little trickier. The good 12v. bulbs are taller and hotter (of course) and may melt the lenses.

PRS have Teardrop Lenses with the Red Amber Reversed - This leaves a lot more room for the hotter 12v Bulb
This is the way that the Australian - New Zealand Cars and Italian Cars were supplied (although few are left that way)

[Mike Smith]

A Picture is worth a 1,000 words

[Mike Smith]

Note Melted Spot in the second Photograph

[Peter Roberts]

Thank you all for your valid responses. There are very mixed experiences out there so i am still not convinced.
All things considered i have decided to stick with 6V for the time being and ensure everything including starter, earth leads etc are reconditioned or replaced. I think i will also fit 2 batteries which will not speed things up but should not give me the worries about going flat before it starts.
I will be getting the car into the garage in the next few weeks once i have sold my Carrera C4S so i will keep you posted on progress and probably lots more questions.
Thanks once again one and all.

[Layercake]

Peter,

Have you considered the use of the CULayers for the rear lights.

Very bright indeed, here are mine.

[roy mawbey]

Peter,

Look forward to your result when you finish it. If you get the 6 volt electrics back to good condition, and make sure the starter is perfect ( you know where to send it ) then your troubles will be over I reckon. Buy a good battery and a battery conditioner and don't spend the money on the the 2nd battery you won't need it.

Mike's rear tear drop lenses look great, but I modified easily 40 years ago mine to have red brake lights instead of the yellow combined with indicator. I also found the correct clear lacquer to paint the inside of the lenses that had faded. Came up like new!! The 6 volt will not burn the lenses of course.

Roy

[POR68]

A Picture is worth a 1,000 words

Proudly staying 6V. Pretty sure these are original Mike

[Layercake]

Merv,

Beautiful looking car.

[mycar]

Peter,

Have you considered the use of the CULayers for the rear lights.

Very bright indeed, here are mine.

I revisited the CU Layer website just the other day meaning to definitely get round to ordering a pair. I've been reading the great reviews for a long time now and bright indicator/brake lights seem to be a very sensible upgrade.

But what's this ?.... New website.... It seems the CU lights are not compatible with dual filament European tail light fittings !

http://culayer.com/

That was a job I meant to do today... check to see if I had dual filament rears.... but I was so busy driving around I forgot all about it.

I love this time of year.

[POR68]

Merv,

Beautiful looking car.

Thanks for that. The passenger door was repainted by the first owner as an old race number decal pulled away heaps of paint when removed .... otherwise original paint, rims, caps, etc.

The new bulbs seem a good idea if they can work with 6v.