Front indicator assemblies differ significantly between chrome-bumper and rubber-bumper Midgets. Chrome-bumper cars use separate indicator units with amber lenses mounted on the front wings or front panel.
The rubber-bumper 1500 integrates the indicator and side light functions into combined units housed within the polyurethane bumper moulding, these are physically different from the chrome-bumper items and not interchangeable.
Indicators Specification
Indicator lenses, rubber gaskets, bulb holders, and complete assemblies are available for all production periods. The gasket between the lens and the body is critical for weather sealing, a deteriorated gasket allows water into the unit, corroding the reflector surface and bulb holder.
When replacing a lens or gasket, a thin smear of petroleum jelly on the new gasket helps it seal and makes future removal easier.
Upgrades
LED indicator bulbs are available as a brightness and reliability upgrade. LED bulbs illuminate faster than conventional filament bulbs, providing a fractionally earlier warning to following traffic.
However, the reduced current draw of LED bulbs may cause the original Lucas bi-metallic flasher unit to fail to flash at all (or to flash erratically), as the unit relies on a small heating element to operate the bi-metallic strip. A LED-compatible electronic flasher unit or an inline load resistor must be fitted to restore correct flash rate.