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MG TD TF 1500 - Headlamp Wires

Can anyone confirm, or contadict, that the original wiring to the TD headlamps was too long? In replacing my main headlamps, I noted the wiring coiled up and stuffed in the back of the headlamp shell. Seems odd to have that much excess wire up agains hot lamps. No wonder they are so dry.

In any case I'd like to remedy this. In my lamps, there are two dried black rubber Lucas type bullet connectors between the wiring entering the shell, and the connector for the lamp. I suppose they are there in the event you need to change the connector. Does anyone know the proper connector size for replacement? I looked at British Wiring, but see varied sizes of bullets, but only one "size" for connectors.
L Karpman

The wire is a little long but should hang down in a loop under the headlight.
Tom

The loops of wire on both the headlights and the license plate light are 'designed' to let water drip off them rather then running back down into the brackets...there should be a loop at the license plate bracket as well. (No mere pretty faces those British engineers!)
gblawson - TD#27667

Not sure we are speaking of the same "loops." I'm not addressing the loops "under" the buckets, Im saying that "inside" the buckets I have coiled loops of cloth covered braid wiring that are obviously pressed hard against the back of the lamps when the rims and lamps are securely attached. I can't see a reason to jam this much extra wire inside the bucket.
L Karpman

LK,
On my TD the main harness junction into the headlight was secured by a clip on the inner case of the brass shell of the light. Two bullet connectors were then used to link these wires to the wires leading to the headlight globe socket. The length you talk about,I always presumed was there so that you could take the glass assembly out of the brass/chrome case and easily get to the globe. I also assumed that in days of old if the socket had to be replaced it was simply a means of removing the socket, disconnecting at the bullets and adding another unit. Once again length for ease of access.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Bill C.
Bill Cassidy

I agree with you Bill, makes sense. Perhaps just a bit overdone, for me. I think it would have been fine just to have enough wire so that the headlamp connector could clear the shell for removal. But then again, I'm no automotive engineer :-)
L Karpman

Don't shorten the ground (if they are the same as my BPF). When I change bulbs I can rest the lamp on my knees...if it is too short it will hang there and swing into the fender/grill. Know what I mean?

gblawson - TD#27667

Thanks Gordon. Not sure what too long or short is, but when I pulled my lamps to change out, the lamp and rim nearly reached the badge bar when hanging fully down. As I said, just my "perception" of too long. :-)
L Karpman

The shot of the old TD pictures show the wires...not sure if that is the type of light you have:

http://gblandco.com/gb/bmiht/album/TD/slides/C-34711-MGmidgetTD1950.html
gblawson - TD#27667

Thanks Gordon. No, not the same type of lamp, but the coiled wire in the bucket looks awfully familiar. I imagine mine is correct. Just don't particularly like all that wire "cooking" back there :-) Great reference pics!
L Karpman

This thread was discussed between 14/09/2006 and 15/09/2006

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