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MG TD TF 1500 - side light conversion

On a recent thread there was talk about converting the sidelights to a two bulb system using a clear and an amber bulb. I have looked closely at the conversion by Gordon Davis on 'totally T Tyype2' at and also the ones offered by SVC. Gordon Davis' looks simple to build but I have a question - as there are only two wires does this mean that both bulbs light up at the same time? if so does this not defeat the purpose? also the SVC system has three wires which I think makes more sense except that of course there are only two wires going to the side light in the car. Anyway, hopefully somebody can set me straight here! .... Chris
Chris Malcolm (TD 29228)

Chris,

The ground side comes from the mounting of the sidelight on the chassis. The base of the bulb is the ground to the filiments, the two wires go to the contacts at the bottom of the bulb.

For some obscure reason, even though the dual filiment bulbs are 1157 type on the tail, they are 1176 type on the front. The difference being the tail lights have staggered pins facilitating the correct placements on the contacts, where the 1176 are straight pins which means you have to test the orientation of the bulb to make sure the bright filiment is the turn signal and the normal filiment is the parking light. After I determin the proper orientation, I mark the base of the bulb with a T for top.

warmly,
Dave
Dave Braun

Doh! Clear and amber bulbs. Well, some of my answer is appropriate!

warmly,
Dave
Dave Braun

Chris

I have just fitted the svc conversion and have simply grounded the third wire to the metal bracket supporting the bulbs by means of a self-tapping screw. It works fine except that my indicators now flash about 50% faster. I understand that this may be due to a greater current draw, although the bulbs are of the same wattage as the originals. The only fitting issue I came across were that the supplied bolts were not quite long enough and I had to make some slightly longer ones (they are standard M6, so readily obtainable). The bolt in the front needs to be quite a precise length, as the lower bulb (the amber indicator) almost touches the top of the bracket.

Matt
Matt Davis

Dave, Matt, thank you for your answers. I had thought that I would fashion my own bulb holders using a fiberglass paste. Dave, I had not thought of the ground required. Am I to understand that in the Gordon Davis build the ground is as described by you - by mounting to the chassis? and then in that case then I assume I will need to wire a ground? and Matt, with yours wired in and the running lights turned on are both lights lit up at the same time? (this is the part that has me really confused!) .... Chris
Chris Malcolm (TD 29228)

Forget that last bit - the penny finally dropped and now I understand! To many Bank Holidays here have my mind in mush.... Chris
Chris Malcolm (TD 29228)

Chris

The ground on my sidelights/indicators is via the wing and frame. I am sure you could make up your own conversion. The svc kit consisted of a bracket similar to the original, but with two sockets for push fit bulbs. I understand that the indicator bulb is one commonly used in motorbikes. If you have the standard relay and flasher unit it is important to use the same wattage bulb as the original. Matt
Matt Davis

Chris,

I fitted the SVC conversion as part of my recent full rewire and it's fine.

At first, I had a problem with the LH indicators (they wouldn't work, whereas the RH were OK). After laboriously checking all the bulbs, wiring and earths, I happened to accidentally knock the relay unit with my elbow and the LH side suddenly sprang into life.

Following a few more on-offs and an occasional rap on the relay box when it wouldn't co-operate, it's all now working every time. I'm assuming a sticky relay (?) after the 12-month lay-off was the problem and a bit of exercising has put it right.

- Tom.

BTW, the Battle of Britain flight always goes overhead, here, about 5 mins before it goes over Buck House for the flypast - it marshalls over north-east Essex and then comes into London from the east, along the north side of the Thames estuary. So if any of you are watching the wedding using wedding cars tonbridge tomorrow, you can think of me working on the TD but pausing to watch the Spitfires and Lancaster bomber as I do so (they really are a great sight but the sound of those merlin engines is totally unforgettable).
Tom Bennett - 53TD 24232

Tom, I was living in London during the 50th anniversary celebrations of VE day - the planes were great! I'll have to miss this one though! Again thank you everyone for taking the time to reply. ... Chris
Chris Malcolm (TD 29228)

This thread was discussed between 28/04/2011 and 29/04/2011

MG TD TF 1500 index

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