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MG TD TF 1500 - Daytime running lights?

Has anybody developed an electrical 'smart box' that could be wired into the headlight system so as to allow the low beam filament operate at half power whilst driving so the SUV's can see us. I remeber back in the 50's the Big Detroit Iron's could never see us Little Brit sports cars so you really had to drive defensively. I shudder to think about going out and mixing it up now the way some of them SUV's drive.
Greg & Grimm
G.J. Cenzer

Half power doesn't really work, it would need to be like 85% to get half the light. If you don't drive at night, and have original type lights with removable bulbs, there are a number of bulbs including the originals which are 35-40-45 watts on low beam, which is what you want for running lights. If you drive at night, you should be running QH light units, and there are many Euro spec lights which have a park light socket incorporated in the main light unit. You could fit these and use the "park" as a running light with a suitable bulb. You'd have decent headlights in the bargain!
Look up: Daniel Stern, http://lighting.mbz.org/
If you stick to the standard H4 60/55 bulbs, your T can handle it, unless you have upgraded your sound system a lot and run your AC at full cold all the time!
If you don't want to be bothered, or have a particularly onerous inspection problem where you live, just leave the low beams on.
BTW, if I had a T, I would definitely do something re upgrading the rear lights; the nice red glass lenses are very bad for visibility and depth perception at night in fog, and pcssibly worse in sunlight. People are not used to these anymore, and you have NO chance of avoidance or survival if a Suburban hits you from behind. QH taillight bulbs and/or extra lights (detachable for show) are vital.
FRM
http://www.usachoice.net/gofanu
FR Millmore

G&G - I have developed a "smart box" that works quite well - thumb and forefinger on the right hand. I just turn the headlights on everytime we drive the TD or the MGB. Both cars are equipped with a headlight warning buzzer, so there is never any problem with leaving the light on when we get out ot the car.

FRM is quite right about the tail lights and brake lights on the TD (alos applies to the early MGB). I have driven behind both of the cars during the day and one can barely tell that there is any light coming from them, even with the brakes applied. That is why I have enstalled high mount third brake lights on both cars.
Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

Dave "Never a problem with leaving the light on" Isn't that what the crank is for?
BEC Cunha

This thread was discussed between 05/06/2004 and 08/06/2004

MG TD TF 1500 index

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