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 - LED headlight conversions now PASS MoT (19/3/21)

"From 22 March 2021, we’re changing these rules so that not all motorcycles and vehicles will fail the MOT test if their halogen headlamp units have been converted to be used with HID or led bulbs.

For class 3,4,5 and 7 vehicles, the defect ‘Light source and lamp not compatible’ only applies to vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1986."



Guidance
MOT special notice 01-21: headlamp conversions
Published 19 March 2021

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/special-notice-01-21-headlamp-conversions/mot-special-notice-01-21-headlamp-conversions
Nigel Atkins

For those that want to convert -

LED bulbs to 7" Lucas style headlamps -

LED Headlamp Conversion Stella Lux QP472A - https://www.mgocspares.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000001.cgi?WD=qp472a&PN=MGOC_SPARES_Lighting_700%2ehtml
Nigel Atkins

From Classic Car LEDs not from the MGOC but using the same lamp part numbers I was very disappointed with them. Whiter yes but no brighter in terms of illuminating distant objects, and with a significant 'dead' area in the main light pool in front of the car (the dark area at the top of the first picture), the Moss pictures are the same. They went back, as at the time the statement that they were sold for off-road use only was buried in the small print.

The MGOC items have an electronics module as well as the larger lamp base to be accommodated inside the bowl, and if you have sealed beams you will need a halogen conversion (minus bulbs) first.







paulh4

Paul,
there have been many developments in the LED headlamp bulbs, how long ago did you buy the Classic bulbs, which generation were they.

The MGOC Spares Stella Lux QP472A were "Developed for 7" Lucas style headlamps ".

Yes if you've got sealed beams now, or the lens is scratched or cracked or reflector dulled, discoloured or peeling, you'll also need (H4) lens/reflector units, the MGOC Spares Q Parts claims "Carefully designed for an original appearance, superior light distribution and optimal fit".

https://www.mgocspares.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000001.cgi?WD=qp472a&PN=MGOC_SPARES_Lighting_700.html

I see Classic Car LEDSs offer a kit of reflector and bulb(s) and warm white colour for classic look.

I've already seen an example of the next/latest generation of development, of course as usual for initial release it's higher priced and unproven in real life use.
Nigel Atkins

For tight fitting of the IC units Classic Car LEDs offer remote mounting lead(s), about £3 a lead.

"They allow you to remotely mount the IC units (small black boxes) away from the headlight unit to ease installation.

Only available and suitable for our own headlight units. Fully water and dust proof to allow installation of the IC units in wing or engine bay areas."

https://www.classiccarleds.co.uk/products/h1-h3-h4-h7-led-headlight-remote-mounting-leads-for-ic-units?_pos=1&_sid=7622b33c0&_ss=r
Nigel Atkins

Late 2017. But unless someone can show me an improved comparison I'm not trying them again based on a suppliers puffery. HIDs are also allowed under the same rules, I'm looking at those.

Other problems with LEDs are flickering when other things are turned on like standard indicators, and they went out altogether when cranking! Two people have told me that the headlamp flash function doesn't work if the dipped beams are on, one of those being late last year. I didn't have mine long enough to discover that.

Based on mine and those shown by Moss I can't see that 'warm white' would be of any benefit at all in seeing things any better.
paulh4

Paul,
what you seem to be forgetting is not all parts including LEDs are of the same build or function quality, unless all those you hear about are comparing exactly the same item it's no good grouping all the complaints.

Again what's flickering with what, and flasher not working with which bulbs.

As with the back of your garage door test the LEDs should at least be in pairs or the halogen or LED side could be highlighting faults to or on other side.

Who said warm white mays seeing things better? Warm white is just a colour to give that classic yeloowish look as in your photo here.

I thought HID were the glare masters.

I think I'm going to have to nip up Brummie way and replace a load of scotchlock connectors, poor wiring and connection do tend to be shown up by LEDS. 😉
Nigel Atkins

Your last sentence is nonsense. LEDs taking much lower current than incandescent are far less likely to be affected by poor connections - Ohm's Law!
paulh4

The poor connections and wiring doesn't have to be only directly on the LEDs, poor connections and wiring can cause lots of nonsense.

Looks like my trip could turn into an overnight stay!
Nigel Atkins

This thread was discussed between 19/03/2021 and 21/03/2021

MG MGB Technical index

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