Ammeter

[Geoff Leake]

Evening gents, I've just broken the ammeter for my 1947 B33 rigid (it fits in the panel in the headlamp) by overtightening it whilst attempting to re-fit it! It's no great loss as it's a cheap reproduction one. Nevertheless, I'd like to replace it with the correct type and a better quality one too. As we know, there are many advertised, many of dubious quality. so can anybody please point me in the right direction as the the correct type and where best to source it?

Cheers. 

[Derek996]

I've never had to replace mine yet so can't recommend any. You could maybe find one from Altec Automotive who I've used for various electrical bits. They are good to deal with and the quality has always been good. https://www.altecautomotive.co.uk/ammeters-2208-c.asp

[yellow B31]

That's Interesting. Which one is the correct face type for a 1949 B31?

[Derek996]

My B32 is 1948 and this one is fitted https://www.altecautomotive.co.uk/ammeter-black-8-0-8-----altww19002-1-82-35977-p.asp
although I think it would have originally been a Lucas item https://www.altecautomotive.co.uk/lucas-ammeter-36084-altww19021-1-82-35999-p.asp

[Geoff Leake]

Hi Derek, thanks very much for the recommendation. They say they're British made items, in which case they certainly seem good value for money. I'm off to call them now. It's great this forum! Cheers.

[yellow B31]

Thanks for reply. I have 12-0-12. It works so will leave on.

[Geoff Leake]

Hello again, i spoke to Altec Automotive, although the guy was helpful he doesn't know which ammeter is the correct one for my bike. I'd prefer to use a
genuine Lucas one; and I very much suspect it's Lucas part number 36084 for 6V Applications up until the late 1960's.

I propose to buy this: https://www.altecautomotive.co.uk/lucas-ammeter-36084-altww19021-1-82-35999-p.asp

Can anybody confirm it's correct - or otherwise. Or maybe it doesn't matter that much? Thanks.

[V500]

I don't know whether it would be correct for your bike (appearance-wise) or not, but it's modern Lucas, so made in Taiwan or similar and supplied by Wassell.
You may as well go for any generic ammeter as sold on Ebay. You'll get a bigger range of choice and probably cheaper on Ebay too.

[Geoff Leake]

Thanks for the advice V500. I guess it doesn't matter very much which one I choose as long as it looks about right. I'm probably over-thinking it, so I'll go ahead and order a decent one at a reasonable price. Tanks again all for your comments and observations.

[scifi]

I think there are three things you need to check..  Is it 1 3/4 inch diameter.     What current range is Ok, 8A or 12A
Do you need it to be back-lit with a bulb..?

[Bicycle repair man]

The big Lucas Master catalogue lists a CZ27 ammeter. Part number 364455. It has 8-0-8 on the dial and is 1 5/8" diameter and has a metal body. They turn up occasionally but are rather expensive. The part number was referred at some point in the fifties to 36084. This is listed as CZU27 and only has  - or + on the scale but is still 8 amp. They both would have windows in for back lighting.

[Geoff Leake]

Good morning Bicycle repair man, thanks for your contribution.

I've actually ordered a Lucas 36084 from Altec Automotive, which they refer to as 1-3/4" and it is also universally advertised as being 1-3/4" everywhere else I've searched - not the 1-5/8" you've mentioned. I hope it'll fit otherwise it's back to the drawing board. Cheers.

[Geoff Leake]

Hi Scifi, thanks for your observations, you'll see my post to Bicycle Repair Man a few minutes ago. Mine is 1-3/4 inch diameter, the current range is Ok at 8A and I'd not considered the need for a back-lit type. Let's hope 36084 fits and works just fine when I get it. thanks again.

[JulianS]

This is from the 1936-50 Lucas catalogue.

The black faced 36084 should be fine for your bike. These are found with no numbered amp markings, 8 - 8 and 12 - 12.

[Geoff Leake]

Thanks JulianS, I'm fairly uninitiated about these things but I was pretty confident I'd ordered an appropriate type. I think that should now put the matter to bed, thanks to everybody who contributed. I've mentioned this before but it's worth repeating, this forum is bloody excellent!