has anybody replaced the wiring on their 41 pattern mae west floating light? The insulation on the wiring has all deteriorated and is pretty much gone, I would like to replace it if possible, just curious if anyone has done this? I noticed it is steel core, I wonder what material the insulation was originally made from?

Yes Tony, I've done several. Hardest thing was finding cable that had no markings at all, as a lot of modern wiring does. I used the original tape from the top cap, with the result that the restoration looks superb. I also fixed the two small wires on the end cap (that get broken when you push the cap in), so my example is in unused condition.

Car speaker wire is good. The covering is probably something like polyurethane or similar. You can send it to me if you're unsure.

alex,

any help appreciated, do you have a photo of yours restored??

thanks
Tony

I'll try and sort that later today Tony...

alex,

where are you located? would you be willing to do this for me?
thanks

...no problem. I'm just on the edge of London UK. Drop me a PM and let me know where you are.

...inside you should have a round cardboard disc that goes on top of the battery. I think I have a spare original somewhere if you're missing yours...?

alex, sadly I am on the other side of the pond. I dont know if it is worth shipping over and back for this. What do you think?

got any RAF bits for sale

T

Hi Tony

Its up to you. Value wise, I see lights llike this with bad cable up for £35.00 or so and not selling, but decent ones going for about £70.00 or so. So whist not original wiring, it can increase the value. You'll have to see how much it would cost to send over, and if you want I'll see what it would cost to return.

I dont really have much else going at the mo. Flying gear is about third on my ist behind insignia and niform. I do have a pilot chute waterbottle (sits under the pilot on the chute pack) in its original zip bag and unissued in its box, which I might pass on. Mick Prodger confirms it is late WW2 issue.

Further to the last post, its a 'Water Cushion for K dinghy introduced 26.10.1944'!! (although it was carried under the pilots backside on top of the chute pack).