[CR]Lucas lights... a patriotic defence.

(Example: History:Ted Ernst)

From: <StuartMX4@aol.com>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]Lucas lights... a patriotic defence.
Date: Sat, 7 Dec 2002 14:45:58 EST

I never thought that I would find myself defending Lucas as I have made all the rude jokes about the company and have done my share of whinging about unreliability. However, the cycle electrics from the twenties to fifties were pretty good. As far as car and motorcycle parts are concerned, there was a marked falling of in quality of switchgear at the end of the twenties but then why not? They were trying to make a profit and continental or US equipment in the same price range was not better. As far as reliability goes, Lucas went through a bad patch in the sixties and seventies but to test the equipment realistically, you need to be as poor as me. To keep running something interesting, I have to save money by driving time-expired bangers as daily transport. The German and French electrical equipment is no more reliable than Lucas. My Elva Courier is on its original forty year old starter motor and its twenty five year old exchange alternator. Back on list. if you have a late forties or early fifties lightweight, see if Hilary Stone can find you a contemporary Lucas (CD33?). They usually work well and if it doesn't, you have a supply of Prince of Darkness jokes to make up for it. Stuart Tallack whose gloomy way to the pub will be lit by Lucas but backed up with LEDs on his hat.