A7 Shooting Star headlamp shell

[chrisannesam]

I hope someone can help me on this. The VRD says I have a May 1956 A7SS. I understand that in 1955 the headlamp shell had a special tubular grommet (19-535) passing around the speedo cable through two holes. This was changed in 1956 to a cutout shell. But what is the correct pattern of the cutout? Anyone know?

[chotus52]

Hi Chrisannesam, here's a photo of my 1955 headlight. It may or may not be of any use to you

[chrisannesam]

Thanks chotus52. Unfortunately, the shell changed in 1956.

[trevinoz]

Chris,
Why do you say that the headlight shell changed in 1956?
According to the Lucas catalogue, the same body was used from 1955 - 57.
The headlight was changed for the 1958 model to the nacelle type which I guess you could say it is cut away in the back.
I have only ever seen two types of headlight body to suit the cowl, the 1953 - 54 with the underslung pilot and the one pictured by Chotus.

[chrisannesam]

Hello Trevinoz. Thanks for your reply. The parts manual has two different shells listed 19-526 with underslung lamp up until 1956 and 19-535 after 1956. In discussions with Dragonfly.co.uk and a local BSA chap this was also supposed to coincide with the speedo tube being dropped and a cut out used instead. My bike currently has a cut-out but it is home made and I remain unconvinced it is correct in shape or even factory fitted. The bike was assembled from a basket case of parts and there are several bits that are wrong that I know about... Cheers, Chris

[KiwiGF]

I don't think Draganfly are correct. I have both underslung (a spare) and non underslung ss700 type (on the bike) headlight shells, and both have the same rubber tube for the speedo cable, and no "cut out".

Note, I'm not exactly sure what is meant by a cut out, but a largish hole is made in the shell if the separate switch and ammeter panel is fitted.

[trevinoz]

Chris, there you have your answer.
There are two different shells but the underslung was only used until 1954.

[chrisannesam]

Thanks guys. So as per the parts manual, my bike (1956) should have no pilot (up to 1955) light or grommet (up to 1955). I'll plan for a slot cut out as in the pic with the pilot light. I see no other hole for the wiring loom so I assume this comes in the same slot.
The attached is maybe what I should be aiming for? (without the homemade hole in the middle).
Cheers, Chris

[KiwiGF]

Thanks guys. So as per the parts manual, my bike (1956) should have no pilot (up to 1955) light or grommet (up to 1955). I'll plan for a slot cut out as in the pic with the pilot light. I see no other hole for the wiring loom so I assume this comes in the same slot.
The attached is maybe what I should be aiming for? (without the homemade hole in the middle).
Cheers, Chris

I'm still puzzled as to why you need a slot and/or cut out? Only a few wires need to go into the headlight shell (switch and ammeter being outside of it) and these wires will easily fit through a small hole maybe 10mm diameter (with grommet fitted to protect the wires). This could be the hole you think should not be there

Note rightly or wrongly I DO have a pilot light on my 56, not the underslung type, but a separate small bulb fitted in the reflector.

Edit: I've re read the earlier posts and what you called a tubular grommet, is present on my 56, exactly the same as it is on the shell with the underslung pilot light, and as the pic posted by chotus52.

My guess (others to confirm/deny) is that all the "cow pat" nacelle models need to have the speedo cable passing through the headlight shell, whether they have the underslung pilot or not.

I'm not sure how the speedo cable is routed on the later nacelle models.

On models with NO nacelle eg those with "ears" on the shrouds, I would have thought there would also be no need to pass the speedo cable through the headlight shell. I guess this would also probably apply to models with rev counters?

[chrisannesam]

Thanks for the reply. I'm not sure what is 'correct' now. :-)
The slot or grommet is, as you say, for the speedo cable. My bike does have the nacelle (cow pat) as in pic.
Cheers,
Chris

[JulianS]

Seen on Ebay this morning


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BSA-A10-B31-M21-LUCAS-SS700P-HEADLIGHT-SHELL-UNUSED-/162598791531?hash=item25dba4a96b:g:doIAAOSw2gxYy8PB

[Greybeard]

My '55 has the same setup as KiwiGF. I posted some pictures of my headlamp a few months ago. I'll have a search to see if I can find them.


UPDATE: See pics

[chrisannesam]

Thanks Greybeard. I did see your great pics already. Your bike is as per the parts book.  However, the headlamp shell arrangement apparently changed in 1956 which is the year of my bike... I'm thinking it's exactly the same just no grommet tube and a pilot light (not underslung).
Chris

[trevinoz]

Chris, it didn't change in 1956.
Pilot lights were fitted in the reflector from 1955 after the demise of the underslung pilot.
The one on ebay is exactly what you need.

[andygaze.vfr]

My '55 has the same setup as KiwiGF. I posted some pictures of my headlamp a few months ago. I'll have a search to see if I can find them.


UPDATE: See pics

Pictures very helpful  - thanks. Which you also sent direct  - even more helpful, ta.
I've a '54 A7SS
Previous owner fitted a '70's flatback shell inside the cowl and I wish to replace it with a modern 'normal' shell but I'll need to cut the two large holes for the speedo drive where the rubber sleeve would fit.  Can anyone give me the size and position of such holes.  I can guess from photos but any help would be welcome.
Thanks
Andy