R.E.M.E. Jeep Headlights

[Rod Rushton]

The Butler side lights were probably there already as the standard marker lights are too far in for the MoT test - although some testers turn a blind eye to them depending where you go.
One worrying thing lately is that as Jeeps only have a single line braking system - the testers are supposed to pull on the handbrake with the rollers going at speed; the original parking brake is just that - A parking brake, and not designed to stop the vehicle at speed, and the worry is that it might result in the boss being torn off the casting behind the transfer box.
Again, you need to prime your tester.
Most of us have been taking our vehicles to the same place for years and the older testers are "sympathetic" and know you are not going to drive like an idiot, and you care far more for your pride and joy than the average Joe does for his everyday vehicle.

Regards
RR

[shrek]

I'm lucky in Virginia as classic vehicles are exempt from inspections so long as the owner agrees to maintain the vehicle to the standard it was produced.
It was a shot in the dark, asking about the Butlers. Though it was first registered in the UK in 1983, the earliest receipt that came with it was from Dallas Auto Parts in 1986, where the jeep had beed sold as a complete unit to somebody. No receipts list Butlers being added. Common enough lights over there that sort of look the part - I guess.

[Rod Rushton]

Dallas imported a lot of WOF Hotchkiss Jeeps as well as dealing in "projects"; I have known Steve Rivers for at least 35 years and he has worked hard to get where he is now.

You are quite right about the Butler Sidelights. When I was building the replicas for the Speilberg Empire of the Sun we bought a lot of NOS ones still in their Army packing cartons, and I have seen a few at Automeets.
As the Guide Marker lights are not legal in both position and even if you take the Flag Masks out, and in many cases they had gone altogether, it made sense to use the Butlers as they were of that period.

As Jeeps escalated in value, more came to light and were being restored. It was rare for these to be so particular as many of the restorations nowadays are quite fanatical about what was fitted when etc. The knowledge simply wasn't there, or if it was many people chose to ignore it.
In 1983 Hotchkiss Jeeps did not have the same values as their WW2 cousins - but this has now changed and the WOF vehicles usually command the same prices, if not more. They are nicer to drive and with 24volt systems start every time and are much more attractive propositions for people who just want a "Jeep"
I'm afraid I am a WW2 person, in spite of having an MD Juan body on my truck, and several other modifications, at heart it is still a '44 GPW

When I had the 1940 K2 Austin Ambulance that had a 12v system from original, but the Butler Lights were atrocious for nightime driving.
I bought a pair of new Butler Tractor lights and put 12v Sealed Beam units in out of the Triumph Stag. At least I could see where I was going! The sidelights were adapted to take twin-filament bulbs and served as indicator lights as well. When I sold it I gave the new owner the original 5" Butler lights as part of the spares I had with it. They were interesting as they had 1/2 covered blackout lens with hoods and lift - up doors to let more light out
Regards
RR

[Jim M]

Hello Jim
I have just run a check through Google for "Butler Headlights" and several of the vintage tractor spares suppliers have them - also on e-Bay there are some at the moment.
They are also quite common on the Classic Car Meet Autojumbles, and several people supply bulbs, etc.
I have new replacement lens with quartz halogen H4 bulbs and side(marker) lights incorporated - these are for driving on the left - but I think they are available for dipping "on the other side"
Holden Automotive stock both 12v and 6v H4 bulbs.

Regards
RR

Rod,
I cannot locate Holden Automotive searching Google. I need replacement bulbs for the headlights on my R.E.M.E. JEEP. The bulb currently installed is marked 6V 24/24W W(arrow)D CLB.Y. 1949. It is a rather large round bulb.

[Rod Rushton]

Hello Jim
I've just found what I think is an old Butler bulb
Do yours look like these:-

003.JPG (35.27 KiB) Viewed 277 times

002.JPG (35.09 KiB) Viewed 277 times

[Jim M]

Rod,
Yes, that is the bulb. I think the designation 24/24W is 24 watt, low and high beam? There are bulbs available 24/30 with a similar base but they have a ring around the base.
Thanks,
Jim

[Rod Rushton]

I've had a quick look on line and could not immediately see any - but this weekend there is a big Militaria Meet taking place and I plan to go.

Now that I know what you are looking for I'll see if there are any there. If there are, They won't be expensive - do you want me to see if I can pick up a few?
I'll have to check an see if the old British motorcylcle bulbs are the same as I have a feeling some were.
Regards
RR

[Jim M]

Rod,

That would be great. I would like 6-12 if available. Thank you very much!
Jim

[Rod Rushton]

Hello Jim
So many might be a problem - I can but look and see what is on the tables. In any case I will keep my eyes open and see what I can find.
Might get lucky!!
Regards
RR

[Jim M]

Thank you Rod. I'm happy with what is available.

[Derek Eddlestone]

Was there an influx of MBs released to the U.K. around 1983?

Shrek
1943 MB275638

The mid 80s were the glory days for buying jeeps in the UK as Mike Stallwood brought them in fifty at a time as the Greek Army amongst others disposed of their outdated vehicles. I wish I'd taken photographs of them parked all over his yard in Kent but you picked one with good mechanics if you thought you could repair the bodywork or good bodywork if you were good with engines. The rare bits got stripped off and sold as 'extras' but they were all there and you just bought what you wanted. Nobody could make any money out of repro parts in those days as the spares were largely available in wartime packaging which no-one ever considered would run out.

Derek.

[Jim M]

Hello Jim
So many might be a problem - I can but look and see what is on the tables. In any case I will keep my eyes open and see what I can find.
Might get lucky!!
Regards
RR

Rod,

Thank you very much for sending the bulbs. I really appreciate you help!
Regards,
Jim

[horrocks]

My Ministry of Supply rebuild was fitted with Butler headlights and sidelights, though they have been long consigned to the workshop shelves. Ministry of Supply rebuilds were done to exactly the same specification as the REME rebuilds, but by designated civilian workshops. My Jeep (MB127415 with motor 176250GPW fitted at its rebuild in 1952) had identical mods to the Jeep in the original post, and to Jim Mulligan's vehicle, though I have restored it back to its wartime British army spec. During the war the original lights were used, but the blackout markers were moved to the fenders.