MK3 ignition light bulb holders

As I an replacing my ignition console on my MK3, I am intending to fit the original type warning lights to my MK3 after previously having the earlier, incorrect larger type warning lights fitted. I have the original type coloured (colored U.S.) "shells" but cannot source the original bulb holder/light fittings that insert into the holder/shell. As many of you will be aware, these warning light are smaller and diffrent to those fitted on the earlier pre MK3 Commandos.

Andover Norton cannot supply the bulb holders as I have asked Nick Hopkins (I believe), only the coloured shells and bare bulbs. I am also aware that Mick Hemmings did supply and may still supply some silmilar warning lights (I haven't contacted him yet), but these are different from the originals, but this might have to be the solution to my problem.

Therefore, is anybody aware of where I can get the specific bulb holder/fittings for the original shells, or some sort of improvise, or even better, for those amongst us who have altered their bikes and done away with their MK3 warning lights, would you like to sell them to me?



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Reggie said:

Therefore, is anybody aware of where I can get the specific bulb holder/fittings for the original shells, or some sort of improvise, or even better, for those amongst us who have altered their bikes and done away with their MK3 warning lights, would you like to sell them to me?

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I repaired my dud MkIII warning lights with type 286 1.2w capless wedge bulbs . http://www.autoelectricsupplies.co.uk/product/498

View attachment 36303

If you can't locate any bulb holders, you can solder insulated wire tails to the 286 bulb contacts (bend the contacts away from the glass) and then stick the bulbs in the colours with silicone sealant?

LAB wrote;

If you can't locate any bulb holders, you can solder insulated wire tails to the 286 bulb contacts (bend the contacts away from the glass) and then stick the bulbs in the colours with silicone sealant?

Click to expand...

I do have some of the "original" type bulbs (from Andover) and they are similar to the 286 bulb that your picture shows, and I think that I will do it as you suggest (unless somebody does have some bulb holders kicking about and available to sell).

I did get some bulbs from Maplins (an electrical outlet) and they came with bulb holders that I glued to the bottom of the coloured lens. The problem that I was having was that the wires from the bulbs were so fine, that to get them to satisfactorily locate in an electrical connector that would stand a bit of pulling about was nearly impossible. Also I was unable to solder on better connections to the bulbs themselves with my limited abilities.

Thanks as always for your advice.

I had some cheap warning lights laying around
View attachment 36304

So...I removed a bulb holder
View attachment 36305

...cut off part of the casing and filed down the outside diameter
View attachment 36306

..until it fitted the MkIII coloured lens tube.
View attachment 36307

It's a bit of a fiddly job-but it didn't take very long.

I've done what you suggested Les and soldered some wire onto the Andover-Norton supplied bulbs, and used a thin cable tie through the two holes normally used to locate the bulb holder to keep the bulb in situ backed up with a bit of silicone for extra support.

All is working well. If I have problems, I'll try improvisation No.2 that you've illustrated. Thanks for the photos.