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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 - Two-bulb or One-bulb License Plate Lamp - TD

I have a 1950 RHD TD and am wondering if this early car (June of 1950) should have a two-bulb or one-bulb license plate lamp.

I have read that the early cars had the two-bulb units - does anyone have an idea of the changeover time frame?

Apologies for the multiple questions - trying to correct a few small issues on the car and have been unable to find certain items and answers.

Thanks in advance!
DLD

Every license plate lamp of this style I have seen...52's, 54's, 59's, 62's and 63's were all built for two bulbs.


L E D LaVerne

I've never seen one with two bulbs on a TD. Bud
Bud Krueger

See Fig. N.28 in WSM. Says 'Early models were fitted with two bulbs.' I've never seen one. Also see Fig. N.39 for TF - single bulb. Bud
Bud Krueger

TC had one bulb, so if a changeover during TD production would not it have gone from one bulb to two bulb?
tables1

TFs -One bulb.

Cheers
Rob Grantham
TF3719("Aramis"),TF9177("Athos").
Rob Grantham

One bulb original on my TD.
George Butz

Rear numberplate lamp on my 1951 TD.


R A WILSON

Thanks R A. First one that I've seen. Anybody else have one? Bud
Bud Krueger

Should have said - the chrome cover is the same as in L E D LaVerne's photo.
R A WILSON

The Chicagolandmgclub site has a copy of a December, 1949 Lucas catalog showing a Lucas Model 467/1 used on TC's.
http://www.chicagolandmgclub.com/techtips/mgt/pdf/TT_EL001_MG_TC_Lucas_Equipment_Bulletin.pdf

A bit of Googling shows that 467/2 is a very common lamp for motorcycles, TR cars, Land Rovers, etc. The TD Service Parts List doesn't list the lamp. Looks as if the 467/2 has two lenses molded into the glass.

The 'old' A/S catalog lists a OEM part number of 53836 for the TD-TF License plate lamp. Can anybody trace that down? Bud

Bud Krueger

Wow! I have to admit that I am amazed at the responses and at the information provided thus far. Thanks so much!

I will call Abingdon Spares and see if they have a two bulb unit. I will also ask if they have any Lucas references to what was fitted and when.

Interesting situation!
DLD

The two bulb is easy to come by. Try EnglishParts.com. Bud
Bud Krueger

The TD Service Parts List does list the lamp. I have the June 1958 issue AKD 834, and it is listed in section K as 3H1813, although there is no illustration. There is no mention of any change during the life of the car.
R A WILSON

Moss have them - T parts; 127916.
R A WILSON

Ah yes, found it in AKD834. No indication of a part number change over time. Bud
Bud Krueger

Hi All,

In the TF Operation Manual,(Hanbook),page 61 is stated the following,
"Number Plate Lamp -A single bayonet fixing bulb is fitted ..............".

Perhaps it was the MGA lamp that went to the double globe ..........

Rob Grantham
TF3719("Aramis"),TF9177("Athos").
Rob Grantham

Well my TD workshop manual shows a single bulb number plate lamp, as do the catalogues for Moss and Brown & Gammons**. However the catalogue for NTG** shows a two bulb unit. I have had my car since 1968, but who knows what a previous owner did.
** These two are UK suppliers of T type spares.
R A WILSON

According to my 1952 Lucas Catalogue for MG TD, the number plate lamp is 467-2 with ordering number 53093E.

The BMC Competitive Parts Manual gives a Lucas/BMC cross reference:
Lucas 53093E = BMC 3H1813.

The 1960 Lucas Catalogue gives the following data:
"Model 467-2, order# 53093E = number plate illumination lamp chrome plated , 12V, one single bulb holder, two stud fixing for MG midget, MGA and MGA1600 from 1949-1960"
Separate parts are:
Cover, chrome plated 572603
Window, 572596
Base, (one bulb) 572619 (54571541)
Gasket, 572595
Grommet, 572039
Bulb, 989 (BMC part# BFS989 = 12V-6W)

Hope this helps,

Nick (TD3232)
Nick Herwegh

My TD was built May 1950 and it has just one bulb.
John Walton

Good day all: Late as usual jumping into the fray but the Number Plate Illumination Lamp-Bulb component(s) query has me at another loss.

My TD3191, Sept.08/1950, came with a two bulb, bulb holder (unless it was changed at some earlier time).

Reading all the different comments, I can offer only duplication of the prior quips.

My M.G. Series TD "Illustrated List of Service Parts", Issue 1, 1950, shows on Page # K6 the Lamp under the antiquated BMC part # of A 1348. It also notes only one bulb is needed and that is numbered: S 20/34

Then, the M.G., Series TD, Parts List, June, 1958 on Page # K 7 lists the lamp renumbered as 3 H 1813 (Lucas Part # 53093)and using one bulb, BMC Part # 2 H 4817.

Moving Right along:

The Workshop Manual, Part # AKD 580, 1950 shows, on Page # N18, Fig. # 26 a drawing of the lamp possessing two bulbs. But,

The 1954-55 Workshop Manual Part # AKD 580A, TD/TF, shows a drawing on Page # N18, Fig. # 28, which has reverted once more to a single bulb lamp.

To finish this confusion off; my original Driver's Handbook, Part # AKD 618, on Pages # 12 and 59, shows that a single bulb lamp is in use.

However; in my Operation Manual, on Pages # 12 and 59, a dual bulb unit is depicted ?

So mates, just what is correct and does it really matter ? As long as I have an illuminated number plate, "Smoky" won't be writing me up for that one !

Another thing I would like to have cleared up, if possible, is, what is the standard issue for the TD number plate lamp cover ? Is it the "Plain Jane", black coloured version or is it the chromium plated type ?

Oh yes, and What about the seven inch, "Cat's Eye" patterned, semi-sealed headlamp, reflector units that came fitted to the Lucas Mod.# S 700 headlamp shells ?

Sorry lads, just had to throw the latter one in here !

Cheers all; respectfully submitted:
Emdall, Halfmoon Bay, B.C., Canada
Jack Emdall

TDs and TFs, Chrome rear lamp Cover.

TFs,One bulb only for the rear lamp.

Cheers
Rob Grantham
Rob Grantham

Jack, did you get my email about adding images? Bud
Bud Krueger

10-4 Bud will try when applicable
Jack
Jack Emdall

This thread was discussed between 20/01/2017 and 31/01/2017

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