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 MGB Technical - Driving Lights

I'm thinking of installing a pair of Helle 500 driving lights on my '71 (Chrome bumper)B. Couple of questions, will the standard alternator handle the load of mains and driving lights together? Assuming that it will, are there any specific points along the bumper to drill the holes - as in the original rally lights of old and thirdly, what is the best way to drill the hole without the bit jamming up on the relatively thin metal of the bumper.
Thanks
Ken
Ken Martin

What kind of headlights do you have that you need driving lights too? A simpler upgrade might be to replace the headlights with good quality H4 units. For drilling holes in sheet metal, Black and Decker "Bullet" drill bits work very well. They have little "wings" that scribe the outside of the circle, and a fine point that's less likely to take off and skitter across the surface. I had a set of Hella H4 headlights and a 55 watt foglight on my 68 MGB and it handled the load just fine.

David Breneman

Ken - I go with David - broken so many driving lights and then someone mentioned Hella H4 - the light they provide allows a reasonable turn of speed.

RW
RMW

I'm planning on some Hella Optilux 2500 Angel Eyes, mounting them behind the valance and cutting two holes for them to fit into.
Jake

Ken,
I have a set of 55W driving lights on my 68 with a rebuilt stock alternator and it handles the load well. Make sure you use a relay in the circuit to minimize load on the switch. I mounted my lights using a photo of a works rally car as a reference. I counted the number of grille slats to the center of the lights in the photo and used that to position the lights on the bumper. There's a picture of my car at the link below. The 2 outboard lamps are tractor flood lights. Aimed slightly outward, they work great for lighting the road edge and turns, they are about 35W each. My headlights are off the shelf Sylvania halogens. I can run with all lights on with no sag in voltage.

Bill

http://tripp.fenderson.net/index.php/galleries/image_full/32/
Bill Boorse

David/RMW
Main lights on the B are the original type I would guess.The old yellowish light. I installed a pair of rectangular Hella 500's on my van last fall and the difference was fantastic, even though the van is relatively young. I live out in the country where the back roads have no lighting and there are plenty of deer around. So I thought the extended beam on the Hella's may help prevent an MG vs Deer confrontation. A deer in your lap is not fun! Incidently, there are no overiders on the front bumpers, so I have the space. You can have a look at the beast if you want at:

http://photos.yahoo.com/wildejokers

Thanks for the info on the "Bullet" drill bits Dave.
Ken
Ken Martin

Bill,
Thanks for the info and the photo. Do you get any overheating with the air restriction in the grill?
Ken
Ken Martin

Ken - If you're running with tungsten sealed beam headlights it's no wonder you're looking for more illumination. You really owe it to yourself to upgrade to H4 halogens, whether you install the driving lights or not. I think you'll find the difference amazing.
David Breneman

Ken, what are those unusual wheels you're running?
John Hubbard

Ok, Dave I will get me some H4's and try them out.
John, they are SAAB Fundo K2 5½J x 15 with Yokohama Avid H4 Tires. They were on the car when I bought it and they do look nice.
Ken
Ken Martin

Hi Ken

Those pictures are so nice I thought that you had posted my car! See you soon,

Barry
73B
B.J. Quartermaine

Ken,
Nice looking car. Those wheels do look nice. I haven't had any overheating problems. Although that picture makes it look like the lights cover alot of the grille they're tapered enough that there seems to be plenty of air flow.
Bill
Bill Boorse

Hey Barry, on the road soon I hope.

Ok, Bill, nice to know, although I'm going to pick up a Kenlowe electric fan while I'm in the UK next month. The engine was running a bit warm in the traffic on hot days last summer and I don't want to cook a rebuild.
Ken Martin

All excellent suggestions but I have mine mounted under the bumper and I bought the ovel shaped hologen and be sure to use a relay.

cec
Cec

This thread was discussed between 23/03/2005 and 29/03/2005

MG MGB Technical index

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