How to rebuild classic beehive British marker lamps

Update by Tim Suddard to the Austin-Healey Sprite project car
Oct 10, 2023 | Austin-Healey, Moss Motors, Sprite, Austin-Healey Sprite, Beehive Lamp

The Lucas running lights found on an early Sprite like ours are very common as they were used on many other British sports cars of the day. Triumphs, Lotus, Austin-Healeys and so many others used these round units commonly called beehive lamps.

While they are readily available from most British car parts suppliers (including Moss Motors), the aftermarket lights generally available today do not always have the original-style glass lenses that are sought after by restorers demanding originality.

Our parts stash included more than enough of these lights, but we still pick them up when we are at swap meets like the Import Carlisle event.

[Swap meets: How to buy and sell like a seasoned professional]

The restoration process starts by cleaning the nearly indestructible chrome rings that surround the lights with some ultra-fine steel wool. Then clean the glass lens with an appropriate degreaser/glass cleaner. (An ultrasonic cleaner works great at getting old dirt out of the nooks and crannies on the inside of the lens, by the way.)

The rubber boots are seldom usable on used lens, however. Moss offers them new (part No. 159-600) for a staggering $2.69 each. Break out your piggy bank, because you will need four to do a car.

Moss offers the socket/bulb receptacle as well, but we find that the originals to still work. We just clean up the contacts with a bit of steel wool mounted on a stick or screwdriver.

While Moss sells the bulbs, they are the No. 1157 style that any auto parts store carries.

Once you have everything cleaned up, you can attach the units to the bodywork. While these lights were usually just screwed on, we bolted ours to the nose–better looks and one less sharp thing inside the engine bay, we figured. We always use stainless hardware on these despite these British cars not originally using it.

Once you install the bulb, you can then work the glass lens into the rubber ring. Lubricating the rubber with some silicone spray–especially if reusing an old boot–will help.

Then you have to work the chrome ring back around the glass lens and into the rubber boot. A small screwdriver can help with the needed leverage. Take your time and you will be able to work the rim into place.

From there, you can connect the light to ground and power. Metal tabs should be present to secure the wiring inside the body work. (Another hint: Take a heat gun and warm the tabs up to keep your paint from peeling during assembly.)

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