Triumphrat

Kev_England · 12-21-2009, 04:43 PM

The standard bulb on my 68 Bonnie for the tailight is: 6 / 21 W.

Now that I have most of my electrics working (in large part to all of youl!) I notice that the regular tail light is quite good. However, the brake light is almost non-visible when the tail light is also on. In fact, Id go as far to say that it is useless. I.e. way to dim.

Do I have something wrong with my electrics or is this normal (after all 6w for the brake part does seem a bit low)?

Is there a recommended upgrade for this bulb (Ill be running a Sparx 3-phase Alternator)?

Cheers.

OzBloke · 12-21-2009, 04:58 PM

Kev,
Most likely you have the tail light and Brake light wired ar$e-about. The brake light should be 21W, and the tail 6W. Could be the connectors mixed up, or the offset bayonet globe fitted the wrong way round - hard to do but possible.

Swap the wires around at the bullet connectors, and see how you feel about the visibility.

If not happy, start looking at LED brake light assemblies.

texjj · 12-21-2009, 09:51 PM

Once you get the wires reversed it may still look dim compared to some of the lights on the road. The standard rear bulb is 1157, with two contacts. Other alternatives besides LED listed below.

2357 is a higher watt version of 1157.
2357 outputs 40 candlepower on high.
1157 outputs 32 candlepower on high.
Bulb #3496 - in a GE or Sylvania blister package - much brighter, silvered
but the bulb(s) on the inside the package will be
stamped "STANLEY" and will have a SILVER base.
These are made by Stanley Electric Co., LTD

Note that I have not seen the #3496 but it supposedly exists on shelves of some of the big stores.

Kev_England · 12-22-2009, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by texjj

Once you get the wires reversed it may still look dim compared to some of the lights on the road. The standard rear bulb is 1157, with two contacts. Other alternatives besides LED listed below.

2357 is a higher watt version of 1157.
2357 outputs 40 candlepower on high.
1157 outputs 32 candlepower on high.
Bulb #3496 - in a GE or Sylvania blister package - much brighter, silvered
but the bulb(s) on the inside the package will be
stamped "STANLEY" and will have a SILVER base.
These are made by Stanley Electric Co., LTD

Note that I have not seen the #3496 but it supposedly exists on shelves of some of the big stores.

Thanks guys. Good info. The 2357 is readily available. But, the 3496 was less so. Finally found this info on it:

#3496 MINIATURE BULB BAY15D BASE - 12.8/14 Volt 2.1/0.59 Amp T6 Double Contact Index Bayonet Base (BAY15D) Base Lamp, 43/3 MSCP, C-6/C-6 Filament Design, 2.0" Maximum Overall Length, 600/5,000 Average Rated Hours.

Ill try both bulbs and see which looks best.
And yes, I did have have my wires crossed! I have a cheap rear light copy and doesnt have original wire colors.

Appreciate the info guys....the bike gets closer and closer to getting roadworthy!