a1 marker lights

zeke57 · Post by **zeke57** » Sat Oct 19, 2019 2:27 pm

Debating about converting the front marker lights to blinkers and have seen these amber lenses that supposedly will bolt up to the stock a1 housings and am wondering if that is the case. I read an old posting from this forum and it was stated that these amber lenses that are made for the M151 will work but I spoke to a dealer who sells them and he says they do not fit because of the little tab that is on the lens. Can someone who has done this conversion verify whether or not they bolt up. Thanks all.

Post by **wesk** » Sat Oct 19, 2019 3:50 pm

Are you converting the purpose of the single element lamp to blinkers or are you upgrading to a dual filament lamp to retain the front marker function and add the blinker function?

These were meant to be used as an assembly, not by steeling the lens and fitting it to an older Willys front marker lamp body. But if you did the amber unit replaces the whole lens/retainer cover of the old unit and if that small tab at the bottom has an inner tab as well then you would just grind the tab out. I haven't handled one in some time so I'll to locate a spare and see just how much any tab interferes with use of the lens.

mdainsd · Post by **mdainsd** » Sat Oct 19, 2019 5:57 pm

The amber lenses are part of a kit that includes the lens, the screws and a new rubber gasket. I just did two of these a week ago. Unfortunately, I already threw away the kits boxes.

The only B/O marker light housing that MAY have trouble is the very early one. It did not have a locating tab. The lenses have a tab tat mates perfectly with the housings if they have the tab set up.

mdainsd · Post by **mdainsd** » Sat Oct 19, 2019 6:16 pm

Here they are installed:

There are three of those single filament bulb housings.

The earliest has no lens key. It also has a wire coming out through the back with a Douglas connector.

The second one has a key for the lens. It too has a wire coming out the back with a Douglas connector.

And the final one has the key for the lens. This one has a rubber Packard connector in the back, no wire.

I just went out and checked. The lens will fit the early keyless housing as well as the other two.

Sidebar. I am using two of the early housings with the Amber lenses for my WC-57 restoration. The WWII B/O marker lights are small and there is no super clean way to convert them. So the Early M38 housings while a bit longer look as close to factory as one will get. I also converted them so the wire comes out through the center of the mounting bolt, like the WWII versions did.

Post by **wesk** » Sat Oct 19, 2019 7:04 pm

You can see the complete kit with container in my photo album under "Turn Signals"

These are the M38 & M38A1 front marker lamp bezels and lens which have no locating tabs.

G740 · Post by **G740** » Sat Oct 19, 2019 7:36 pm

Midwest Military has them in stock. $14 per kit.
John

zeke57 · Post by **zeke57** » Sat Oct 19, 2019 7:40 pm

Those are what I have no locating tabs but from what I just read they will work. Thanks Wes and also to you mdainsd.

jnissen · Post by **jnissen** » Mon Oct 21, 2019 10:47 am

On our M38A1 we left the front black out lens on the housing but did convert the socket to accept a dual element bulb for blinkers. I was surprised that with the bright bulb you can still see the turn indicator fairly well. Not great but it works. Something to consider if your looking to retain that stock look.

BTW - I had to use the shorty style bulbs as there isn't a lot of room in the housing for a standard size large dual element bulb. If your running 24V may be able to still use a 12V bulb if you add a series limiting resistor to them.

Post by **wesk** » Mon Oct 21, 2019 12:07 pm

Check your local laws first. They may require a specific color lens and a certain size lens.

jnissen · Post by **jnissen** » Tue Oct 22, 2019 10:48 am

Wes very true. IN Texas there is an exemption on military vehicles to even pass a safety inspection. We did one anyway to help push the paperwork. In the process of the inspection the guy looked at all the lights and did not question them. Being an antique they are fairly lenient.

Post by **wesk** » Tue Oct 22, 2019 11:17 am

Yes, I am aware of the exemptions in most states but I still advise each individual when modifying his jeep in regards to roadibility to always check their local motor vehicle laws.