'73 Europa headlights

[bobbythejudge]

Has anyone ever had a problem with the right front headlight as to being dimmer than the left one? I bought a new sealed headlight and thinking that was the problem, and it did the same thing. I'm hoping the mice did not eat the wires insulation as to effect the connection. The left light, parking lights and brake lights are all fine. If it is a wire that is hidden, has anyone a solution to bypassing or adding a new wire to the light? Any ideas on this problem will be appreciated, Bobby

[WayneB]

I would check and clean all the earths (chassis grounds) on that car Bobby.

They tend to corrode with time and cause wierd electrical problems like you are describing.

Do as many as you can find/get to, and If you like, clean out the bullet connectors and connections as well (and use dialectic grease when you re assemble them)

It will take you a while, but It will save your sanity in the long run.:)

[RoadDad]

I think WayneB has your answer with cleaning the connections. It sounds like you have too much resistence somewhere. That could be at the connectors, fuse box or ground. Trace the wiring to the ground, the fuse box, the dash switch and clean everything. Hopefully you will not find any little rodent teeth marks.

I like dialectic grease but remember to put it on after you reassemble the connections ;).

EDIT:
It will take you a while, but It will save your sanity in the long run.:)
"Ain't that the truth."

[bobbythejudge]

Thanks to the both of you on the advice. I did find a broken wire and it is a ground and looks like it was chewed on. It is right with the wires for the lights up front. I will get a connector for it as it is pretty short on one end and hard to get a grip on it. I was afraid the mice would get to some wires that would be hard to get to. Also I got the horn to work after taking it off and using a little carb cleaner and some penetrating oil and a few taps with a hammer and it works just great. I have used 2 cans of penetrating oil so far on this car and it is getting the jobs done. The only thing now left is the headlight and the car is ready for inspection for registration. Thanks again, Bobby

[RoadDad]

Bobby,

I don't know about Texas DMV law but here you could register your car as an antique once for life as it is over 25 years old. $50 registration fee and never a penny after that. No yearly stickers or fees. Plate is yours forever. Can still get a personalized plate if you want ($10 per year though). Never needs a state inspection either. You just have to show evidence of possession of another non-antique car that you can drive on a daily basis. Supposed to use the antique car for parades, shows, getting them to and from parades and shows, taking it to the mechanic, road testing and the "occaisional" out and about. You really get to define "occaisional" yourself.

Check your DMV's website for info on local laws.

Just a thought.

[RoadDad]

Well, sounds like Tx is a little less "giving" with the fees. $50 for 5 years for your car. Slightly more stringent restrictions on driving - no occasional out and about. But there is a provision for club activities and other functions of public interest. I'd say driving around in a 35 yo Lotus is by itself in the best interest of educating the public ;).

Here ya go: http://www.txdot.gov/forms/specialty_plates.htm#antique

[WayneB]

Great that you got the problem fixed Bobby.:)

I dont like dim bulbs either:lol:

Now it looks like you can get on with the fun stuff like the black paint job and the driving.:)

[bobbythejudge]

Thanks for the comebacks, I will check with somemore at the DMV on the registration restrictions for an antique. I'll be driving it a couple of times a week and when I go back to work in November,I'll take it. It's about 8 miles and it would do it good to run like that, a short run on the interstate 77/83 and rest would be in light traffic. the paint job will come later around Dec. or Jan.

[bobbythejudge]

I registered the car for normal driving rather than restricting it to special occasions and ordered a special plate. My first selections were taken and I settled for Lotus 2. It takes about 15 days to get it or they give you another temporary plate until its ready.:steeringwheel: Bobby

[WayneB]

I dont have any of my 7 older cars on historic Plates either Bobby, it just isnt worth the hassle of getteng a ticket on a weekday when you are obviously going to work and not taking part in a parade or car show etc.

[bobbythejudge]

Has anyone had any experiences with the starter on a '72 or 73 Europa special with the twin cam engine? I was driving the car for several weeks and never had a problem starting it when on a Sunday night after church it was dead. I had power but the solenoid was dead. After a little push I popped it in 2nd gear and started up,after shutting it off in my garage it was dead again. I tested the cable at the solenoid and had a reading of 12.97 so I knew it was not the battery. The ignition light comes on but thats it. I sent for a new one at Dave Beans but it does not look like the one on the car as it has a oblong shape on top as the new one is round. I'm going to get the old one rebuilt anyway but was surprised that this went without any warning. The car always started right up, any suggestions would be appreciated, Bobby

[WayneB]

If the solanoid didnt make any clicking sounds,you could have checked to see it was not the starter by jumping the two posts on top of the solenoid (with a largish screwdriver) Its also worth while to make sure it is grounded properly to the frame.

If the starter wuurs into life its the solenoid or possibly the ignition switch or wire/connection to the solenoid from the ignition switch could be suspect.

You can check the smaller wire from the ignition switch with a voltmeter (get someone to twist the key in the car.)

If that all checks out OK, the brushes in the starter are probably knackered.

It sounds like Dave Bean sent you a Ford USA type solenoid, not a OEM lucas style, but it will work as the Lucas one did.

[bobbythejudge]

Thanks for the comeback,we pulled the starter this morning after testing it and found one of the post in the solenoid was loose and you could push it in. My friend who has been helping me is going to rebuild the starter anyway,brushes etc. It is the replaceable solenoid as my friend said it would work I'm calling Florida Twincam Specialists to see if they can rebuld the old one anyway for a spare. Again, Thanks, Bobby

[bobbythejudge]

Well, the new solenoid was installed with the original starter after my friend took it apart to check on the brushes and said they were like new. The starter is now working just fine and have been driving the car to work and have had a lot of people ask about this car. A lot of them never have seen one before as this is the only one here in my area in South Texas. If there are any others here email me and let me know where your at. I have a good friend that can do just about any mechanical work and he is very reasonable in case you get stuck on something. I must of saved over $500.00 in labor alone. You'all have a good day and have fun, :steeringwheel::wave:Bobby

[Autocross7]

Great news! I know you will enjoy the hell out that car. So much fun...:thumbup:


Cameron