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MG TD TF 1500 - Tripod headlights - correct?

My TD was bought in 1964 and the restoration started in 1968! As you do, a number of parts got put in a box for the re-build, but then got overlooked.

I have just discovered the boox, the old headlights are there, and they are tripod style. My current ones are not they are just plain vanilla versions.

Hence the question, were the tripod lights what came with the car when it left Abingdon, or were they 1960's replacements? I have found replica tripodreplacements, and they can be fitted with high intensity bulbs and a side light, which would have some serious benefits!

All thoughts, advice and guuidance most welcome.

IanB
Ian Bowers

Ian, the tripod lamps were not an original part of the T series cars although many owners have installed them over the years. The brighter bulbs do offer many advantages but draw more current so watch your ammeter.
Jim Merz

Like wooden steering wheels and shift knobs, the Tripods were an add on... however, its a really great add on... If you have original Lucas P700 (?) they are a great light and you can get fairly strong bulbs from Brown and Gammons.... (not as good as Royals were, but still better then sealed beams and look good too)


gblawson(gordon)

Look around on eBay, you see them from time to time. I bought a pair from a woman in Atlanta for $17.00 US. When they arrived they were NOS, still in the Lucas boxes. Sorry, not for sale. Check Bud Kruegers web site for my pictures and nomenclature on the lights.
colin stafford

Look around on eBay, you see them from time to time. I bought a pair from a woman in Atlanta for $17.00 US. When they arrived they were NOS, still in the Lucas boxes. Sorry, not for sale. Check Bud Kruegers web site for my pictures and nomenclature on the lights.
P 700 are the orig. lamps.
colin stafford

Colin, I'm ashamed to say that I can't find it on Ttalk.
When the snow starts flying I'll get the new site index up and running. Today was a TD'ing day. Had to celebrate the 233rd birthday of the USMC. Semper Fi


Bud Krueger

Congratulations on the aniversary, Bud.

from a grateful friend,
dave
Dave Braun

Bud........I thought it was on your site, but alas I could not find it. Will send to you pictures and the write up. Maybe its on the web archive.
colin stafford

The info on the P 700 headlamps is on www.mgcars.org.uk/mgtf Which a site for the TF. Go to Overview and find Gallery, click on unrestored TF's and scroll down to picture 12 and click on notes.

I knew idt was someplace.
colin stafford

Thanks, Guys!

I have njust returned froma short break, without easy computer contact, and found your helpful replies. So, the tripods stay in the box, along with three orphan spotlights which I now need to identify.

I am quite happy to upgrade anything which cannot be seen, but these are a little obvious.

Regards

IanB
Ian Bowers

Ian,

In keeping my car as original as possible (on the outside), I installed a set of absolutely great sealed-beam headlamps. They are the Sylvania 'Silver Star'. I can’t speak highly enough of them. I replaced my original tripods with halogen lamps, and saw an immediate improvement.

They are available as an H4, see:- http://www.sylvania.com/cgi-bin/MsmGo.exe?grab_id=93&EXTRA_ARG=FILTERNAME%3D%2540URL%00%26FILTERVALUE%3Dwww%252Esylvania%252Ecom&host_id=42&page_id=7932160&query=H4&hiword=H4+

Of course, you’ll have to have the bowls that accept the H4, but these are relatively common.

These are marketed in Europe under the brand name Osram. I tried to find out if the sealed beams are available in dip left configuration, but was unable to do so. However the H4 is universal and would work. If you want me to get you a pair of North American ‘white’ bulbs, let me know and I can get them at out local Canadian Tire store for around $40/pr Canadian + taxes (14%), and I can ship them to you. Just let me know.

Both the sealed beams and the H4 bulbs offer greater luminance (increased brightness). However, the European SilverStar does not have the coating for the whiter light, making it more like the SYLVANIA (US) XtraVision product line.

One word of caution however, Don’t operate them at over 110% rated 12.8v voltage (I can’t ever remember my generator putting out 14 volts!) because such operation increases pressure and lamps have a tendency to shatter.

Gord Clark
Rockburn, Qué.
Gordon A. Clark

This thread was discussed between 09/11/2008 and 17/11/2008

MG TD TF 1500 index

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