
Hello guys, hope you all had a safe & very merry Xmas & that you all have a happy & prosperous new year. I have been absent for quite some time, haven't I. I've been flat out, so haven't had much internet time. I've been picking up quite a bit of amplifier service/repair work, whenever I've got free time I usually go for a ride, there's some great roads up in the hills, though riding in town I've come to the conclusion that I need to fit turn indicators. Have had a few close calls, young people just don't seem to understand what hand signals are. Have a great new year guys. I'll make the effort to check in regularly next year. Cheers
I totally get what you mean about hand signals. As an older rider myself, I fear younger people. Especially the ones committed to their cells phones, and not the road in front of them.Hello guys, hope you all had a safe & very merry Xmas & that you all have a happy & prosperous new year. I have been absent for quite some time, haven't I. I've been flat out, so haven't had much internet time. I've been picking up quite a bit of amplifier service/repair work, whenever I've got free time I usually go for a ride, there's some great roads up in the hills, though riding in town I've come to the conclusion that I need to fit turn indicators. Have had a few close calls, young people just don't seem to understand what hand signals are. Have a great new year guys. I'll make the effort to check in regularly next year. Cheers
"Fear younger people" is an apt description of how I feel too @SG John, & yes, especially those committed to their 'phones. Another thing I see in the mornings (though not as often as doing the phone/facebook/whatever thing), is young girls using the rear view mirror to put their war paint on while driving to work.I totally get what you mean about hand signals. As an older rider myself, I fear younger people. Especially the ones committed to their cells phones, and not the road in front of them.

CheersI was going to do a Lucas comment too. I've owned 3 MGBs....Do they supply a jar of replacement smoke with the switch cluster?
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Old joke, but still funny. Just like my favorite instructions in an English motorcycle repair manual will always be "Apply Hide Mallet."

So, you are very well experienced at applying the hide mallet then, aren't you?I was going to do a Lucas comment too. I've owned 3 MGBs....![]()

Q. Why do the English drink their beer warm?Do they supply a jar of replacement smoke with the switch cluster?
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Old joke, but still funny. Just like my favorite instructions in an English motorcycle repair manual will always be "Apply Hide Mallet."
Classic, that's one that I've not heard before.Q. Why do the English drink their beer warm?
A. Because their refrigerators are made by Lucas!
Ahh Lucas, prince of darkness.
One thing I've learnt, which no doubt often is a contributing factor to the smoke coming out of Lucas wiring harnesses, is the way Lucas rates their fuses. Taking the Bonneville as an example, if we look to the workshop manual's general data section, it shows the fuse rated at 35A. Now one could reasonably expect this be a normal 35A fast blow fuse, but no,,, the Lucas 35A fuse was actually a "17.5A continuous/35A surge" type fuse (kinda like a 17.5A Slow Blo fuse). So when a normal 35A fuse is used, in the event of a problem, the wiring will burn out before the fuse blows.
Don’t forget to add a 3-way José mod to it… :dood:Classic, that's one that I've not heard before.
One thing I've learnt, which no doubt often is a contributing factor to the smoke coming out of Lucas wiring harnesses, is the way Lucas rates their fuses. Taking the Bonneville as an example, if we look to the workshop manual's general data section, it shows the fuse rated at 35A. Now one could reasonably expect this be a normal 35A fast blow fuse, but no,,, the Lucas 35A fuse was actually a "17.5A continuous/35A surge" type fuse (kinda like a 17.5A Slow Blo fuse). So when a normal 35A fuse is used, in the event of a problem, the wiring will burn out before the fuse blows.
While doing the indicators I intend to upgrade the whole electrical system. Being that the original harness has been hacked into by someone that obviously hadn't the knowledge or ability to properly do so, I have a new main harness ready to fit. The ignition points/condensers & advance unit will be replaced with a Pazon electronic ignition system (got the ignition & coils direct from Pazon in New Zealand at a great price, about 1/3 of what I see retailers advertising them for). The whole Pazon system is covered by a 7 1/2 year warranty too. The bridge rectifier & zener diode regulator will be replaced with an efficient & cool running MOSFET regulator/rectifier (ordered). The original 10 Amp alternator will be replaced with a new 16 Amp alternator. This will allow the headlight bulb to be upgraded, from the normal 35/30W type to a 60/35W halogen type bulb (yes, the headlight wiring is of suitable gauge for this, so long as the electrical system is also suitably fused). Now, when the last few items arrive, I just need to free up a weekend so I can get it all done. Cheers
Now I know this thread is a little old like almost a year.Has anyone heard from Ivan H?
He last logged in October 18. I'm hoping he's just enjoying the summer months down under with that sweet Triumph he got last year.
Yeah, I hope so too. I for one, do look up to him for knowledge and inspiration. Would love to see him posting here again.I suspect he has just been cruisin and enjoying the time away.