S Indicators - a glimmer of hope......
Discussion
OK we all know that they are from a Sherpa Van, but I've been trying to find out who originally made them.
Here's my paper trail so far.
My local dealer thought they were manufactured by Britax.
A quick email to their website (where you ask about child seats!) produced a response within 5 minutes to ring Britax PMG with a phone number. Well done Britax for the response.
Spoke to Britax PMG, very helpful chap, had me in the garage looking at the indicators, the 6677 number on the lens is significant as its the type approval number, and the part can be traced from this.
The E11 above it in a circle means type approval was gained in the UK.
(Amazing what you can learn in 5 minutes).
Anyway anyone spotted the VAP together as a logo to one side ?
This stands for Vega Automotive Products. Originally part of Britax, also known at the time as Britax Vega, located in Droitwich, Worcestershire.
In 1996 Koito Manufacturing acquired a 50% stake in Britax Vega.
Spoke to a guy at what is now Koito, very very helpful guy.
Its not his remit to look into this, but he assured me that he will.
He says he knows people in the business who will know about these.
In any case I have his phone number so I can chase him up!
He is going to see if tooling still exists for the indicators.
He asked what sort of numbers we would be looking at if they were to manufacture some.
I said I couldn't see it being more than 100.
I also enquired if it would be possible to purchase the tooling (moulds) if they still exist, though I guess they may be rather large for mass production so this may be a non starter but worth a go.
Watch this space.........
Chris
Here's my paper trail so far.
My local dealer thought they were manufactured by Britax.
A quick email to their website (where you ask about child seats!) produced a response within 5 minutes to ring Britax PMG with a phone number. Well done Britax for the response.
Spoke to Britax PMG, very helpful chap, had me in the garage looking at the indicators, the 6677 number on the lens is significant as its the type approval number, and the part can be traced from this.
The E11 above it in a circle means type approval was gained in the UK.
(Amazing what you can learn in 5 minutes).
Anyway anyone spotted the VAP together as a logo to one side ?
This stands for Vega Automotive Products. Originally part of Britax, also known at the time as Britax Vega, located in Droitwich, Worcestershire.
In 1996 Koito Manufacturing acquired a 50% stake in Britax Vega.
Spoke to a guy at what is now Koito, very very helpful guy.
Its not his remit to look into this, but he assured me that he will.
He says he knows people in the business who will know about these.
In any case I have his phone number so I can chase him up!
He is going to see if tooling still exists for the indicators.
He asked what sort of numbers we would be looking at if they were to manufacture some.
I said I couldn't see it being more than 100.
I also enquired if it would be possible to purchase the tooling (moulds) if they still exist, though I guess they may be rather large for mass production so this may be a non starter but worth a go.
Watch this space.........
Chris
Edited by Barkychoc on Thursday 14th June 12:36
As a further update, the guy from Koito rang me back.
He said 'We haven't made any for years'.
They basically are not interested in making any more (Unsurprising I think).
He said the tooling might still exist in their archive tooling, I've persuaded him to try and find out if it does.
I've also asked if a group of enthusiasts wanted to purchase the moulds if it would be possible.
I said we were more interested in the mould for the front orange lens rather than the black rear section, though if we could get both would be better i guess.
I have no idea if it is at all feasible, so if anyone has any contacts in the plastics industry it might be worth asking.....
I haven't given up yet !
Chris
He said 'We haven't made any for years'.
They basically are not interested in making any more (Unsurprising I think).
He said the tooling might still exist in their archive tooling, I've persuaded him to try and find out if it does.
I've also asked if a group of enthusiasts wanted to purchase the moulds if it would be possible.
I said we were more interested in the mould for the front orange lens rather than the black rear section, though if we could get both would be better i guess.
I have no idea if it is at all feasible, so if anyone has any contacts in the plastics industry it might be worth asking.....
I haven't given up yet !
Chris
Edited by Barkychoc on Thursday 14th June 12:37
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