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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 - Replacing Tail Light Bulbs

I've ordered new LED tail light bulbs for the TD ('53 with round lenses). How do I remove the lens to install them? Do I just pull until the rubber gasket releases?

Thanks.

Jud
J. K. Chapin

Just run a small blunt screwdriver between the chrome and the rubber and ease it out, then pull out the lens. More fiddley putting it back
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

Jud-- I agree with Ray about using a blunt screwdriver to remove the lens. Just move it around the lens prying off the rubber. It is a little harder replacing the lens but by being careful it can be done without doing any damage to the rubber. As a caution, I always put a towel or a few rags beneath the lens when I work on them in case I drop a lens. I did drop one once and of course it broke into many pieces. I admit that I haven't dropped one since then but I am sure that the one time I work on a tail light without a towel/rags I am guaranteed to drop it.

Larry
LD Kanaster

Jud Apply a smear of silicon grease on the securing rim of the lens when you reinstall, decreases the chances of damaging the rubber seal and will make it easier to remove the lens next time.

Graeme
G Evans

Thanks all. As soon as the new bulbs get here I'll give it a shot.

Jud
J. K. Chapin

Jud, If you find the led bulbs don't work to your satisfaction, check out my L488 LED conversions at www.brittrix.com
Far brighter than any incandescent or LED bulb.
Lew Palmer

Yesterday we installed the LED headlights in the two TD, the LED tail lights in Peter's '51 rectangular lens TD and the tail lights in the MGA. All went well (not counting the usual expected problems of corrosion and Peter's wiring and dash switches are fubared) until we got to the tail lights on the '53 round lens TD. Removal of the lenses was relatively easy and the LEDs fit and worked beautifully in the sockets BUT they are about 1/8th inch too long and keep the lens from being able to seat in the rubber keeper. Ergo, they don't work.

Lew, do you have dual filament positive earth 1157 LEDs for the round lens TD? If so, how much and how do I order a pair.

Thanks.

Jud
J. K. Chapin

One solution, although not original, would be to switch to the "bee hive" lenses as used on the rear of the bug eye Sprite. Moss number 164-900.
John Quilter (TD8986)

John, that appears to be a reasonable suggestion since I have $50 invested in the LEDs (the vendor will take them back but I'm rather fond of them except that they won't fit under the standard lens). If you're reasonably sure that the diameter of the base and the lip are correct for the TD rubber keeper, I'll go ahead and order a pair.

Thanks.

Jud
J. K. Chapin

the "beehive lenses have refractor/reflector rings which act as rear reflectors. I fitted them many years ago when my TF failed it's M.O.T. inspection for not having reflectors.
I did not know then that the TF had reflectors on the rear 1/4 panel.
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

Thanks John and Ray. I'll give it a shot. Jud
J. K. Chapin

Yes, Jud. I sell the L488 LED inserts for the late TD and TF. They fit perfectly and are built polarity neutral - they work in either positive or negative ground vehicles. $129 per pair. Order at www.brittrix.com

Best safety addition to the car you can make. 3 times brighter than incandescent bulbs, twice as bright as LED bulbs.
Lew Palmer

This thread was discussed between 16/04/2019 and 21/04/2019

MG TD TF 1500 index

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