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MG MGA - Front Side Light Holes

I'm in the process of modifying my 1500 indicator lights to separate them from the braking system. Whilst I am at it I am Looking at the options for the front side lights. I have seen the recent bits about coloured bulbs etc, so am now researching the other option of the Mk2 units. To install these I believe the hole in the wing has to be enlargened - by how much? Do they still utilise the same screw fixing holes as the 1500 Lucas 539 assembly?

Steve
Steve Gyles

Steve,

The early front wings had a single hole for the L539 sidelight unit and the later wing had two separate holes for the L632 side/indicator lamp unit.

The fixing hole spacing is also different with the L632 being wider.

I bought a pair of 1500 wings for my 1600 and had to modify these areas. It's a long time ago now but I think to start with I welded up both the single 1500 hole and two small fixing holes because the hole positions overlap and then cut two new large holes plus the fixing holes for the L632 unit.

I think the two holes must weaken the wings a bit so the factory welded a circular reinforcing plate complete with caged nuts behind the wing.

If you need it I could dig out a dimensioned drawing of these plates (see pic.) .................................................Mike


m.j. moore

Hi Steve,
Maybe this helps.


Wim Betzel

The simplest solution is :-

1. Change the headlight units to ones with sidelights in them, just make up short extension wires to connect the sidelights to the harness.

2. Use the existing Lucas L539 sidelight & indicator unit, for the indicator only. You could use the fashionable modern dangerous practice of an amber bulb behind a white lens, or the better way of a white bulb and change to an amber lens.

No need for any of that welding, drilling, painting malarkey.

Jim



J N Gibson

Simplest solution is to leave the light units as is and use an led bulb that lights white but flashes amber. Then you only have to run a single wire for the new brake light circuit at the rear of the car. eBay item 271554560521 tyre the ones I used.
dominic clancy

JNG's approach worked well for me (although retaining clear lens). I also recall talk of clever LED bulbs which, whilst showing white 'at rest', will flash amber. That is on my look-again-later list with a view to LED running lights, but SG may be able to put that into the melting pot for an overall solution which all of us can crib later.
(I agree that 'modern' combined / clear lenses (front and rear) can be confusing, but, in my view, that is because they tend to be part of a larger cluster with less apparent contrast. That is different from a defined and obvious lens such as what we are talking of here. But SG will crack it for us ....)
David
D Smith

DC's must be the ones I had in mind.
David
D Smith

Thanks for the comments guys and also for the pictures, Mike.

Sods law, the indicators must have known I was talking about them because they stopped working yesterday even before I started! 19 years of trouble free service up to now. I swapped the flasher unit last night. Three of the 4 lights work fine, but one of the front lights is way down on brightness. The flasher light is also not working but that may well be a dry contact after swapping the flasher. The indicator switch is fine. Serviced that and checked with a meter. All good fun. Postman has just delivered the new back lights which I will mount on my rear fog light and reversing light pedestals.

Steve
Steve Gyles

I have just been loaned a new Mk2 set of lights so that I can take some measurements to see what would be involved. The existing 1500 hole is exactly the right size to accept the flasher bulb protrusion, although I might need to ream it a few thou for a comfortable fit. This is because the protrusion is tapered (slightly conical) and the light comes with a very thick rubber gasket. A second hole of 5/8" diameter needs to be drilled 1 1/4" below the existing hole (centre to centre), plus the two mounting holes. It does not actually seem that major a task.

Steve


Steve Gyles

I have done the modification at the back. Works fine. Most pleased. This afternoon I looked at the front to see why the left flasher is so dull. I was mortified with what I found. I hang my head in shame. For 19 years I have been driving with the wiring crossed. The flasher has been running the low wattage side light element in the bulb and the side light has been running the high wattage side. I have suitably chastised myself, given up for the day and had a glass of wine.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Steve the easiest way is to fit LED's which are white but flash orange. I have fitted them and can say there brilliant. Only take 5 mins to fit. You do need an electronic flasher unit. this keeps the cars look original as well
p anderton

Sorry guys and all the purists. I have gone the later front lights route. Just finished the wiring and all works well. I found two poor crimped joints. Once sorted and the relay box bypassed I found that my original flasher unit was working fine. Now to put the grill back on (5 minute job with my external removal mod) and clear up the garage - tools everywhere.

Steve
Steve Gyles

This thread was discussed between 27/07/2015 and 07/08/2015

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