... or little red indicator thingys! (as one vendor called them)

Does anyone know of a special way to remove and replace those cool red "tell tail" indicators that go into small slots on top of the running lights on 120s, 140s, and 150s?

I know they are originally attached with a thin clip - the ones Im looking at seem original, and I dont want to break the original "Tell Tail"!

I have replacements of course, both the tell tails and the clips - but examining them doesnt really give a clue as the best way to remove the originals without damaging them.

Any help? Thank you!

Submitted by greg@nofatmusic.com on Sat, 05/31/2014 - 16:30

Thanks Guys
First off - Steve Kennedy is right - slanting forwards - flat to front - is actually how they came on my MKIX, I have one detailed picture from 1961 when the MKIX was delivery new to my dad.
Of course, sloping back makes more sense - aerodynamically etc (not that there is any drag, just visually !)

After some repair work, the body guys put mine in backwards AND with the clips from the front, which were then obstructed by the downward edge of the light fixture screw hole just in front of the tell tail slot. ughh.
Took an array of dental type tools to get the clip off again!
Holding the clips in place below and just behind the slot with your finger, slipping the tell tail into the slot, and then just pulling the clip forward, makes replacement very easy.

thanks again to Michael Eck for his great clocks - Im still amazed at how they keep time and keep on ticking!!
greg

Submitted by SW07-04436J on Tue, 04/29/2014 - 20:35

I have done extensive research on this. I have photographed many unrestored XKs and MK 7-8-9-2 sedans that still have the original jewels. There is also a drawing in the MK 2 Service Manual, page P.26, that shows the ÔÇ£FlatÔÇØ portion of the jewel forward. "Flat to the Front".

Submitted by SE21-35014J on Tue, 04/29/2014 - 19:25

Several years ago there was a "many-respondant" & long Forum discussion as to what direction these "Light- Indicators" should face - with the net result that it was that it was about a 50-50 split.
The most logical argument ( in MY opinion)- for installing the "flat-side" to the rear -was that they were originally used to show that the Wing- Light was on and working when the Wing lights where first used as the Turn-signals -and with the Flat-side facing backwards they were easier to see from the Driver's seat. That made sense to me.

Submitted by MikeEck@optonl… on Sun, 04/27/2014 - 15:58

Geoffrey is right on both counts. After several frustrating hours of trying to get the clips on in that tiny space I simply glued the tell-tales with RTV. It passes light, attaches them securely and in addition makes them waterproof. The MK2 uses the same tell-tales and the manual shows them mounted with the blunt end forward. Jaguar called them "Indicator Lens for Side Lamps, C.4691" but "Little Red Indicator Thingys" is just as good.

Submitted by bogot001@yahoo.com on Sun, 04/27/2014 - 11:46

Greg,
On my 55 140 FHC the clip is installed from the rear pushing it forward. They have become a pain over the many years from breaking off. Secret, I use RTV clear silicone. Next discussion is what direction do you face them. For twenty years I had them facing slope forward. Last ten years I face them blunt end forward.
Good Luck,
Geoffrey