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MG MGA - Reversing Light

Whilst lying on my back fitting the right angle speedometer drive unit to my Ford Type 9 box, I noticed the the reversing light terminals sitting there ( very close to the tunneling mind you). Just wondering if anyone has fitted a reversing light to the terminals. Did MG have a specific aftermarket lamp?

I don't normally go backwards in my MGA, especially after dark, so just a general question!

Steve
Steve Gyles

Steve,

Later model MGB's built in Australia had a reversing light as a standard factory fitting. Did MG use them in the UK?

Mick
M F Anderson

Steve,

I noticed in the Moss (US) version of the "Hi-Gear 5 speed" upgrade they offer a "reverse lamp switch" for the Sierra gearbox for $5.95 (041-606). I assume it probably is just the connector for the switch that is already installed in the gearbox.

What kind of terminals do you reference in you post? Are they flat spade, round, etc. Are the switch connectors accessible after installation of the gearbox?

I was planning to attach some wires to the connectors before I installed my gearbox. I was just going to tie them off until I decided what to do with that feature.

Link to Moss (US) 5 speed:
http://mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=52457

Jim

Jim Ferguson

Jim

They are twin round section male pins. Might be bit of a tight fit getting a plug on the end after installation with tunnel on, so your idea sounds sensible. I guess it all depends how you align the gearbox on its mounting as to how close both the speedometer drive and reversing light pins are to the tunnel.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Steve,

I have fitted a period Lucas L494 reversing light to my car. This is operated through an auxillary switch on the dash but I guess could easily be adapted to the switch on your gearbox.

I've mounted mine using a standard swan neck fog light bracket.

These lamps can often be found on ebay.

Regards

Steven


S HILL

Steven, you beat me to it! The same lamp can also be used as a period foglight with red lens.

There is a picture of the restored works competition car RMO 101 in John Price Williams "THe MGA First of a new line" on p81, showing the L494 fitted as Stevens car (but on the off side - RH traffic Monte spec?)

Another option is the foglight or driving light (Lucas 576) like the works Minis.

Neil
Neil McGurk

Jim, the gearbox that came with my kit from Moss (2 years ago) did not have the reverse lamp switch. It was supplied with a plastic piece to plug the hole near the shift lever where the switch would go (see photo). I'd assume that #041-606 actually is the switch. Don't know if the connector would be included. Best to ask Moss about that.



Andy Bounsall

Andy

That's nice and clean. Makes me a bit envious!

Steve
Steve Gyles

The trans put out by Peter Gamble "HI Gear" did not come with the switch. I had to ask him for one. I have the switch on my trans with an old Lucus back up light on the rear under the rear bumper. I is very helpful on dark nights and lets people know I am backing up. I bought my trans direct from Hi Gear before he had people here in the US to sell them for him. The switch is a tight fit but will fit and work.
JEFF BECKER

Here is the switch on Ebay: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FORD-TYPE-9-REVERSE-SWITCH_W0QQitemZ120285915190QQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

Steve
Steve Gyles

This thread was discussed between 27/08/2008 and 28/08/2008

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.