MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Frogeye Brass Bullets

I’m currently installing a new wiring loom on a 1958 Frogeye, the connections on the rear lights are not great using the hollow brass bullet connectors.
Has anyone any tips on how to improve the connection with similar bullets?
They’ve always been ok on the number plate lights on a midget but the bullet connectors on these rear lights are not such a nice snug fit.

Sorry about the pic, no idea why BBS always seems to turn them round!

Thanks
Tim


Tim Lynam

I find by splaying the wire around the bullet helps to make it a tight fit. Slightly squeezing the hole where the bullet goes in also helps
Bob Beaumont

Same as Bob. I was using new aftermarket light fittings which had loose terminals from the start, but splaying the wire strands and squeezing the bullet socket seemed to do the trick.
Bill Bretherton

Thanks Bob & Bill,
I thought there may be some ingenious trick but unfortunately it appears not but thanks for the confirmation I am not missing the obvious.
Tim Lynam

Tim, those billet terminals are very fresh looking. I solder mine which results in the solder spreading up the outside of the bullet to secure the bent over wires. But this also thickens the bullet and then the brass terminal digs into the softer solder, giving it a good grip.

Yesterday afternoon, by coincidence, I removed and disconnected my rear number plate lamp, last fitted in 1994 and have never had any problems with it in all that time.
GuyW

I think I soldered mine.
Daniel

The bullets are brand new but the light fitting is old, the holes the bullets fit into are a little larger resulting in a loose fit, so soldering would help but wasn’t sure if brass would take the solder ok.
Tim Lynam

The ones in the pic are not standard bullets.
ISTR that type are made such the wire is put through the centre and the bare ends turned over on the outside and down the bullet length for a push fit into the light unit.

No harm in doing it that way and adding a dab of solder.

Yes brass is ideal soldering metal.

R.
richard b

This thread was discussed between 07/05/2024 and 08/05/2024

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.