Red Indicators
Discussion
Guys, I'm currently considering importing a 1966 Dodge Polara from the US and am trying to think through all the potential issues. One thing that I just really wouldn't want is to have to ruin the looks by converting over to amber rear indicators. From what I can make out, anything post 1965 (September I think) would need amber ones to pass the MOT, even though the rest of Europe doesn't seem to demand that.
Has anyone here got any experience of this - is it something you can 'get away with' at a sympathetic testing station?
Also, anyone happen to know the the difficulty/cost involved with having a 383ci lump retro-fitted with hardened valve seats so that it can run safely on unleaded?
Has anyone here got any experience of this - is it something you can 'get away with' at a sympathetic testing station?
Also, anyone happen to know the the difficulty/cost involved with having a 383ci lump retro-fitted with hardened valve seats so that it can run safely on unleaded?
01869 601 028
AmCar-Paul
If you want the job done right with no altercations to the exterior, amber lights etc then give these guys a call. Just tell them John with the Cobra sent you.
I brought my car into the country wanted no altercations to the sides due to the cobra emblem and taking away from the car with amber indicators etc. They custom fabricate their stuff and make no noticible changes. Plus their stuff is legal with a MOT garage beside them. All they specialize in is Amercian Cars.
AmCar-Paul
If you want the job done right with no altercations to the exterior, amber lights etc then give these guys a call. Just tell them John with the Cobra sent you.
I brought my car into the country wanted no altercations to the sides due to the cobra emblem and taking away from the car with amber indicators etc. They custom fabricate their stuff and make no noticible changes. Plus their stuff is legal with a MOT garage beside them. All they specialize in is Amercian Cars.
john3883 said:
Oh and they have a 3 year warrenty with their work. Also they can achieve what you want I believe.
How is your Camaro doing?
Not good I'm afraid. Got written-off after being involved in an accident a few weeks ago so looking for something to replace it with and ease the pain!How is your Camaro doing?
I used to rebuild classic mopars for a living, sorting the lights out is really simple, basically as long as you have two suitably placed reverse lamps, then you "flip" the wiring for the brake lights/turn signals with the wiring for the back up lamps, so that the back up lamps get wired through the indicator stalk. You have to "flip" the wiring to the lamp cluster as well & change the bulbs to amber, then you have rear lights which provide all your requirements, as when in reverse you will get both lamps come on, I hope this makes sense, if you look at a wiring diagram for your car it will help, if not PM me & I will send you a diagram, it really is easy & you keep the right look.
here's your wiring diagram in this really usefull site
http://www.mymopar.com/index.php?pid=27
& join the mma here if you like your chrslyer products
www.moparuk.com
http://www.mymopar.com/index.php?pid=27
& join the mma here if you like your chrslyer products
www.moparuk.com
Thanks Rob & Andy. It looks like it has got back-up lights in the lower part of the rear bumper so I guess the conversion can be done - sounds similar to how it was done on my old '72 Charger.
Ideally, though, I'd just like to stick with the original red indicators - I guess it's a case of finding the 'right' MOT testing station.
By the way, my offer on the car has now been accepted and I'm in the process of arranging the shipping. Also looks like it qualifies for the reduced import charges as an 'historic vehicle', based on what as advisor at HMRC told me (over 30 years old, largely original condition, not intended as a main car etc). That's no Duty and just 5% VAT. I'm awaiting confirmation of that in writing though.
Ideally, though, I'd just like to stick with the original red indicators - I guess it's a case of finding the 'right' MOT testing station.
By the way, my offer on the car has now been accepted and I'm in the process of arranging the shipping. Also looks like it qualifies for the reduced import charges as an 'historic vehicle', based on what as advisor at HMRC told me (over 30 years old, largely original condition, not intended as a main car etc). That's no Duty and just 5% VAT. I'm awaiting confirmation of that in writing though.
yabadaba said:
Also looks like it qualifies for the reduced import charges as an 'historic vehicle', based on what as advisor at HMRC told me (over 30 years old, largely original condition, not intended as a main car etc). That's no Duty and just 5% VAT. I'm awaiting confirmation of that in writing though.
Definitely get this in writing from HMRC. There is a shipper telling people their cars will qualify for this but they won't and you end up with a bill several years down the line.I was sceptical myself and that's why I phoned HMRC themselves. I actually got told by two different advisers that it should qualify. They were interested in the age - both said it had to be over 30 years old, but more emphasis was placed on how original the car is. Apparently cars are more likely to qualify for this status now following a successful 2008 appeal ruling.
Your'e right though, I don't want a bill for the difference at a later date, so that's why I've applied for this BTI thing (Binding Tariff Information). Fingers crossed....
Your'e right though, I don't want a bill for the difference at a later date, so that's why I've applied for this BTI thing (Binding Tariff Information). Fingers crossed....
yabadaba said:
- I guess it's a case of finding the 'right' MOT testing station.
This is true. My Cougar still has it's original sequential indicatore that flash red and has been passing MOTs since 2005. My usual local chap has said 'no chance, must be amber'. 
Both my Chevelle and Firebird had reversing lights converted with amber bulbs.Yes you may be able to find a sympathetic MOT tester, but you may have problems with an unsympathetic plod, when I did this type of conversion on my own cars I used to do it with plug in connectors in such a way that it could be swapped very easily, then if an observant plod mentioned it I would explain that I had recently been to a show where, as a classic, originality counted, and I had forgotten to swap the lights back to UK spec. It only ever arose twice & I was on my way with no further problem. Similar issue with seat belts, on my Dodge Challenger I removed the diagonal part as, being of shorter stature, it cut across my neck, leaving just a lap strap. I only got stopped for it once & explained how imported vehicles were exempt from our construction & use regulations regarding seatbelts as you cannot retrofit something as crucial as a seat belt, the BiB replied "you obviously know a lot more about it than I do" & sent me on my way, that was 25 years ago though, before all the SVA stuff came about.
yabadaba said:
Thanks Rob & Andy. It looks like it has got back-up lights in the lower part of the rear bumper so I guess the conversion can be done - sounds similar to how it was done on my old '72 Charger.
Ideally, though, I'd just like to stick with the original red indicators - I guess it's a case of finding the 'right' MOT testing station.
By the way, my offer on the car has now been accepted and I'm in the process of arranging the shipping. Also looks like it qualifies for the reduced import charges as an 'historic vehicle', based on what as advisor at HMRC told me (over 30 years old, largely original condition, not intended as a main car etc). That's no Duty and just 5% VAT. I'm awaiting confirmation of that in writing though.
I can sort the m.o.t station for you.Ideally, though, I'd just like to stick with the original red indicators - I guess it's a case of finding the 'right' MOT testing station.
By the way, my offer on the car has now been accepted and I'm in the process of arranging the shipping. Also looks like it qualifies for the reduced import charges as an 'historic vehicle', based on what as advisor at HMRC told me (over 30 years old, largely original condition, not intended as a main car etc). That's no Duty and just 5% VAT. I'm awaiting confirmation of that in writing though.
From what I can make out anything 1965 or older can legitimately run with red indicators, so I'd hope that they wouldn't bother pulling anyone in a car clearly of around that age. Shame it's not 1 year older then I wouldn't even be having to think about this.
Didn't think about the seatbelts...The Polara has belts but only lap ones, not 3 point. I have seen 3 point belts available that would fit it and may go for a set....not as bad, in my mind, as messing with the lights....though the idea of making the lighting easily reversible is appealing.
Didn't think about the seatbelts...The Polara has belts but only lap ones, not 3 point. I have seen 3 point belts available that would fit it and may go for a set....not as bad, in my mind, as messing with the lights....though the idea of making the lighting easily reversible is appealing.
I see there are quite a few cars made now that have red indicator lenses but the light output is amber. I found out this happens because the reflector part in the indicator is coloured green. So I dont know if you can either change the reflector in the lense to a green colour or if you can find a green bulb and put that in to replace the clear bulb, this might solve your problem. Chris
Hi
Mot wise as has been said it must be amber, although you might get lucky with a "nice" tester. I ran red for a 2 years (swapping for MOT day) but now run amber, simply because the Police don't like it and the general public seem to have no idea its an indicator, a lot seemed to think I had a wiring fault on the brakes as I was getting flashed at a lot. Plus nobody ever let me out (on motorways) I assume as they did not realise I was indicating..
You might find it's just not worth the hassle..
I wonder if due to the reduction in Yank films that show the old 70's stuff clearly with red indicators i.e. Rockford files etc that the general populace are just not exposed to it any more, whereas years ago most seemed to know that Yank indicators were red.
But I'm probably wrong..
Mot wise as has been said it must be amber, although you might get lucky with a "nice" tester. I ran red for a 2 years (swapping for MOT day) but now run amber, simply because the Police don't like it and the general public seem to have no idea its an indicator, a lot seemed to think I had a wiring fault on the brakes as I was getting flashed at a lot. Plus nobody ever let me out (on motorways) I assume as they did not realise I was indicating..
You might find it's just not worth the hassle..
I wonder if due to the reduction in Yank films that show the old 70's stuff clearly with red indicators i.e. Rockford files etc that the general populace are just not exposed to it any more, whereas years ago most seemed to know that Yank indicators were red.
But I'm probably wrong..
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