Headlamp Pod Motor

[111Robin]

My Plus 2 headlamps were converted at some point to electrical actuation, fitted with a Lucas motor dated 1977 (TR7 ?). I want to fit a later MX5 motor, does it matter if I use a left or right hand motor ?. Location is in the left side of the nose as would be expected but does this mean it is the same side motor from the MX5 or are they mounted differently therefore swapped around ?.

[prezoom]

The MX5 motor operates in 180 degree sweeps. The lever arm is splined and be attached in any direction you choose. Mine is clocked in the 6 o'clock position in the down position, an at 12 o'clock when raised. I chose a left side motor, but I don't think it matters if it operates in the clockwise or anti-clockwise rotation.

[111Robin]

Ok thanks. How accessible is the manual override with your arrangement out of curiosity.

[mbell]

The manual override is a knob on the rear of the motor section. So accessibility depends on your positioning of the motor. On my car I've been able to have it pointing in the general direction of the gap between radiator and open bonnet.

[stugilmour]

I decided the easiest position for the manual override knob is facing forward. The grille is removed to operate it. With my Federal narrow radiator and dual boosters there is not enough clearance to get a hand down between the radiator mount and the bonnet.

You may want to consider getting the Spyder kit, which seems well thought out by Spyderfan. Seems the kit includes a mounting bracket, a pulse width controller to adjust the motor speed, wiring loom, and the linkage bits and bobs. Note you will need to have one of the original springs included in your setup. Just a thought. Like most here, I built up mine prior to the kit being available.

http://www.spydercars.co.uk/electricy-h ... an-elan-2/

HTH

[111Robin]

Thanks. I'll just swap the motor first as it's already set up and working albeit without the luxury of a speed controller.

[111Robin]

Having checked mine again, the manual override is positioned downwards and is accessible through a hole in the bottom of the nose cone. Seems like a good idea so I'll try to replicate this with an MX5 motor.

[prezoom]

For manual over ride, I positioned the motor so the hex shaft pointed upwards at an angle to the left side of the radiator. Found some aluminum tubing in my "left over" pile that was used to extend the shaft up into the engine compartment. I broached the tube with a, I believe, 5.5mm hex wrench that I ground the end to make the edges of the wrench sharp. I used the knob from the motor on the upward end of the tube, using the sacrificed hex wrench to attach. If I have a failure, I can access the knob from the engine compartment without getting dirty. Where you decide to place the knob for easy access is up to the user. YMMV.