Headlight and Cowl Questions

[RichardL]

I'm working on my barn-find '57 A7. The headlight in the photo was mounted between makeshift ears. I bought the cowl thinking that the standoff for the speedo mates with the cowl, but it does not. So, does anyone recognize this headlight shell as being from a BSA? I haven't seen a similar one with the speedo standoff. The shell fits in the cowl, so I'm wondering if it's just a case of remounting the speedo, switch and ammeter in the cowl and then the holes in the shell remain invisible behind the cowl? Even if this is not stock, it may be what I do.

Looking forward to all thoughts and ideas.

[Beezageezauk]

Hi Richard, 

The correct headlight shell is recognised by two slightly elongated holes that accept a curved rubber tube.  The speedo cable goes through that tube.  Also, depending on the year, some headlight shells have an underslung pilot light.  Sorry I don't have an image of one of these otherwise I could have posted a picture of it.

Beezageezauk

[RichardL]

Thanks. That's helpful.


Here is a picture of the shell with speedo removed and me holding the standoff piece. Anyone recognize this stuff?

Richard L.

[a101960]

so I'm wondering if it's just a case of remounting the speedo, switch and ammeter in the cowl and then the holes in the shell remain invisible behind the cowl? Even if this is not stock, it may be what I do.

Richard you have got it right. That is exactly how it goes together. This type of headlamp and cowl was fitted from 1953 until 1958 the only exception being the export Super flash. The ammeter is positioned on the right, and the light switch on the left. The under slung pilot lamp was discontinued in 1955. Also in 1955 a steering lock was fitted, there was no steering lock fitted before 1955. Looking at your cowl it would appear that there is no cut out for a steering lock so the bike is form 1954 or earlier.

[RichardL]

A101960,

I didn't know about the difference in cowls until you just mentioned it. As you noticed, mine has no relief for the lock, but no problem to modify. In your pic it even looks like it might have been a modifcation to parts made on the original die.

Richard L.

[RichardL]

Oh yeah, forgot to mention, the cowl cost me all of $10. 

Richard L.

[Jules]

I sourced a "divers helmet" cowl years ago, just like yours Richard for my '56 Flash, but must admit that I have yet to assemble it so your experience is good for me to see - the bike came "bush bashed" when I got it years ago but had an assy. suspended in brackets with the headlight/speedo/switch/ammeter all cut into the headlight "cowl", so have been wondering how best to adapt into the divers helmet. Some clear guidance would be appreciated since I cant quite see how your bits fit together! cheers

[Greybeard]

My '55 machine, which I'm sure is original has this arrangement. The speedo is located by a slotted rubber ring in the cowling, so needs to have a bezel with a locating ridge, (I see that your one has the ridge). I'll take some pictures a bit later to show you how mine is done.

It looks like someone has cut holes in the headlamp shell to hold the speedo, switch and ammeter so they could do away with the outer cowling. When assembled correctly you will not be able to see the butchery on the headlamp shell.

Pictures added:

Please notice the rubber moulding around the cowling edge.

PS. Don't go doing your Sherlock Holmes stuff on my pictures!! 

[RichardL]

Graybeard/Neil,

Those are great pictures and very helpful. I have to say, the mod that was done on the shell I have is very neat and it took me some time to realize it was not original off of some bike, BSA or otherwise.

Jules,

If the shell mods I have are what you are looking for, I would readily consider a trade if your shell is an unmodifid version like Neil's. I could buy one for about 100 Euro (including shipping), but I wouldn't be asking near that much for mine, again, assuming you or someone else wanted it.

Richard L.

[Jules]

Great pictures Greybeard, thanks - I didn't realise that the speedo cable actually passes/threads(?) through the h/lamp shell, I presume that the grey tube inside the shell is just a sealing tube then?
Richard, sorry, you misinterpreted, my headlamp shell looks something like yours. Then I found the divers helmet shroud and have been trying to figure out how to block the holes but wasn't really sure of how it all goes together. Now I see that I need to have a speedo cable "pass through" too 
Fortunately the shell is well covered by the shroud, so as long as its water tight, looks are less important, I think...

[RichardL]

As I sit admiring GB's/your cowl (not referring to his/your monk's hood), and realizing mine will never look that good, I need to ask a mundane question about part No. 67-5080, headlamp cowl fixing support washer. Where does it fit and is it the same dimensions as 65-5332, front tube nut washer? Still grinding away at the bodywork, obviously, with months of interruption.

Richard L.

[Swarfcut]

 In a word it's the same size on the ID,  it will go on top of the yoke and under the cowl. As a unicorn part  (Listed but seldom seen) my guess is that a genuine olde worlde one would be made of fibre or aluminum....Steel (chromed?) would be the same part 65 5332.

 Swarfy.

[RichardL]

Thanks, Swarfy.

Richard L.

[Greybeard]

As I sit admiring GB's/your cowl (not referring to his/your monk's hood), and realizing mine will never look that good, I need to ask a mundane question about part No. 67-5080, headlamp cowl fixing support washer. Where does it fit and is it the same dimensions as 65-5332, front tube nut washer? Still grinding away at the bodywork, obviously, with months of interruption.

Richard L.

I think you are referring to the large bright washer that on my build I put between the top screw and the cowl. It seemed to be the correct place to stop damage to the paint while tightening that screw.

Update:
I seem to remember a similarly sized washer, (alluminium) goes under the cowl.

[trevinoz]

Have a look at Mike Reilly's site. Listed at A$4.95 each. Hard to say what the material is.
I have a feeling that I used rubber washers between the cowl and the top yoke but that was several years and brain cells ago.