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MG TD TF 1500 - Wiring a 3rd brake light

Not sure about the wiring on a late TD (turn signals) yet, just haven't rolled up my sleeves yet.

I'm wondering... if the brake light flashes when the brake is applied AND the turn signal is used, where do I tap into the wiring for a 3rd brake light?

Can I tap into #5 on the indicator relay (or right at the stop lamp switch) without causing Mr. Lucas a sleepless night? No problem passing a bit of juice to another bulb?

...
MAndrus

I think it would probably be easiest if you tap into the L/R bulb wires themselves? Or trace back to where the wires separate under the car, as I assume they do?

If you use LEDs for your rear lamps, absolutely no problem with additional bulbs as you have already reduced the amperage considerably. If you're sticking with incandescents I still don't see a problem adding one more bulb to the mix...
Geoffrey M Baker

I've just about finished wiring mine so maybe I can help. If you want two separate LED's mounted that act exactly as your rear lights then the best place is to tap into the existing wiring near each existing lamp. There are three wires - black for ground, red for the running lights and a multi colour for the brake/indicators. I put in two LED's that each has three wires (ground; a few LED's; and a full array of LED's) connecting the grounds, the red to the "a few LED's" and the coloured to the wire controlling the full array of LED's. If you have a lamp with only two wires (ground and LED Lights on) then just ignore the red wire and connect the other two.

If you only want a brake light then your connection must go further forward (to the brake switch), otherwise your new brake light will flash with either the right or left indicator.

And before anyone asks, I changed to negative ground before starting my project so I didn't have to think about that side of things.

Either way, the additional LED's will not effect your charging system/generator.
Chris Malcolm (TD29228)

Yes, MA, simplest way is to tap on at terminal 5 of the relay. You really should consider adding a relay to the stop lamp switch circuit.
See http://www.ttalk.info/Tech/BrakeLightRelay.htm and read Dave DuBois' info. Bud
Bud Krueger

Bud, thanks. An interesting idea. I'm putting off a re-wire til next winter at which time I'll be adding a hidden fuse block. This will be on the list of stuff to do.

Chris, I have seen brake/blinker LED 3rd lights for 'rods. These are easy to find custom-made to fit repo '30's cars fixtures.

The trick is finding something that kinda looks like it could be factory or at least of the period as a dealer accessory while adding the functionality drivers behind us are expecting to see.

....
MAndrus

MA, yes finding something that you like the looks of is the trick. I have gone in a bit of a different direction with two VERY inexpensive lights that look just fine. I've wired them in with decent weatherproof plugs - the idea being that I now have something that will work nicely but for such a low price can be easily unplugged and replaced when I'm ready. Again my idea is to get the exterior lights up to a modern (ish) standard. This has included changes to the front end as well. .... Chris
Chris Malcolm (TD29228)

I have mounted two small bullet lights next to the rear bumper horns on my TF . These are equipped with led bulbs and give me nice amber turn signals in addition to the stock ones. As these are also then in the brake light circuit they will also light up when braking , together with my high mounted third brake light. This makes my braking very visible, if not stock, for those coming behind me, perhaps with brakes inferior to the TF setup?

regards

Jan


Jan Emil Kristoffersen

This thread was discussed between 04/03/2015 and 05/03/2015

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