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 TD TF 1500 - Indicator switch

Where was the indicator switch placed on UK TD's. Bringing a long sleeping TD back to the road and although it did not have flashers when new we have fitted them and would like to put it where the later cars did.
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

Turn indicators came about in late 1952 (53 cars). It uses the same lamp that the generator and fuel lamp as seen in the attached picture.

My car was modified for turn indicators too and I run a 1953 wiring harness in my 1952 car. But I decided to fill in the two holes my father put in the facia for left and right turn indicators. I really don't think they are needed. I can see the red dots on top of the parking lamps flashing and that is all I need.




Christopher Couper

Has anyone figured out a way to use the two existing lights (generator and fuel indicator) to double as indicator lights?

And what a cool looking dash!

Jim
J Barry

I can't answer your question Ray but Chris's pic shows the indicator light in the centre of the dash. My car doesn't/didn't have indicators when it was built but a PO had installed the hole in the centre of the fascia. I've used that as my 70 mph light by adjusting the contact points in the flat faced chronometric speedo that was originally designed to indicate 30 mph? in the TC when used in the Old Dart. Pretty simple and invisible wiring mod. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

I was not going to comment, since I had posted my light before.
The fuel indicator, is always supplied with 12V, and is returned to ground by the float in the tank. The indicators are pulsing 12V. The fuel indicator would need to be returned to ground and the supply switched to the blinkers. That would require either a relay or some logic and some FET switches.

I think the generator light would be more difficult.

On my 52', I did not want to drill holes in my facia. I spent enough $ to get it re-chromed and painted.

I found a stud mounted 12 V LED and replaced one of the small Carriage screw fasteners with it. You could do two hand have L and R. With the light off you don't notice the lamp.

Jim B.




JA Benjamin

Chris,

Off the subject slightly, but in your picture of the dash, are my eyes deceiving me?

Surely that is not the steering wheel traversing the dash. It appears to be very 'thin' in comparison with others I have seen.

David
David Padgett

I am not worried about the warning light. You can see the indicators flash on the front wing, may fit a Piezo buzzer though.
Thanks for input,
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

Ray,
I fitted a simple automotive relay as an acoustic warning. Just connect it between the P terminal on the flasher relay and ground. Use the cheapest and noisiest relay you can find and mount it behind the dash. There is nothing else connected to it. It is a modern click and pleasant on the ears unlike a buzzer.
Regards
Declan
Declan Burns

Thanks Declan,
good idea, I have loads of redundant relays. One of them is bound to be noisy enough.
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

Sorry Ray: I miss understood your question. An acoustic warning would have to be pretty loud to cover the exhaust, engine and road noise.

The flasher relay does put out a small noise but it is covered.

Sounds like Declan has a solution for you or you could get an audible noise maker on the warning lamp circuit.

David: That picture is of an unrestored car and the original steering wheel has disintegrated exposing the center metal core.
Christopher Couper

JA Benjamin,

Thanks for your insight. Left and right would be nice, but even one light is useful. Small LED's might be the ticket.

Jim
J Barry

Very interesting thread. I like the idea of the LED replacements for the left and right lower dash screws. I am curious, however, to know if anyone can answer Ray's original question concerning the location of the turn signal switch on cars so equipped from the factory...anyone?
James Auer

Ray,

Below is information on the addition of direction indicators, taken from Knudson "The T series handbook".

TD22315 (Dec 4. 1952): On TDs for North America only, directional signals became standard equipment. A self cancelling control switch was mounted under the facia on the driver's side. The circuit required a new wiring harness, a flasher, a brake switch override relay, dual-filament bulbs in the sidelamps, and an indicator lamp (fig 19D) on the instrument panel. On cars for other markets the hole was covered by a small button.

The answer to your question is, "under the facia on the driver's side".

John
J Scragg

Anyone have information as to a specific location "under the facia on the driver's side"?
James Auer

James,

I installed mine under the centre (lowest)section of the dash, ie. above and clear of the gear stick.

Positioning it sideways toward the driver's side would make it difficult and unsafe to reach, because of interference from the steering wheel.

In the centre location, it is clear of both driver's and passenger's legs, and easily accessible (by left-hand in my case).

David
David Padgett

If you look carefully at the first image I posted you will see a white lever under the dash just barely showing.

That is the original turn switch selector. Its a bit off center so I would assume it would be different for RHD and LHD cars.
Christopher Couper

Mine is the same Chris. Perfect place for the switch Bracket attaches under the dash. I do have a dimming D-N Autopilot selected indicator unit, from an RAF Shackleton Mk2. Sadly all gone now. But never forgotten. Was called the Old Gray Lady in her time - 100,000 loose rivets flying in perfect formation. This bit lives on in my TD.
Rod





Rod Jones

Rod,
non flyable but a good few in museums.
I remember them well, nickname " The Growler" because of the 4 contra-prop RR Griffon engines note.
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

Here’s my view. Hope this helps

Bill Chasser
TD/c-8151


W A Chasser

thanks Bill. that looks about right .
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

This thread was discussed between 04/10/2020 and 09/10/2020

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG TD TF 1500 BBS is active now.