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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 - TF Reverse Light

Many summer years ago, I was visiting friends at the Lake with the TF. Too much fun. I originally planned to head home before darkness fell. I remember how bloody dark it was on their long narrow crushed stone driveway surrounded by thickets...especially because I had to drive(...crawl) in reverse quite a ways before an available roundabout.

That was the day (...night) I decided I wanted reverse lights, but I never liked the looks of the available traditional options, nor the idea of drilling new holes.

Several years ago I had an epiphany when I "saw the light" for me...a vintage mid-'50s Lucas reverse light as mounted on the Jags & ACs. To me, a period-correct "upgrade" matching my requirements.

I had never seen one on an MG.

T.A. Sirp

I installed a reverse switch to the transmission & ran wires to the license plate bracket.

The only significant modification was slotting the Lamp Mount Support Bracket's mounting holes to accept the reverse light's studs.

T.A. Sirp

The plate-mounted reverse light is unobtrusive, attractive, casts well & is very bright. It was well worth my wait.

T.A. Sirp

T.A.

I have fitted this same light on my TD.
See the thread entilted "Reversing Lamp Mounting"
in the archives, dated 2011.

Not original, but at least it is Lucas.


John

J Scragg

IIRC, the p/n is Lucas 469.
T.A. Sirp

I have Lucas style reversing light fitted under the rear bumper and it works very well.
Regards
Declan

D Burns

Details on installing the reverse switch?

I found several used on eBay UK. In the £40 range plus shipping.

Holden has new re-pros for £125 + S&H
http://www.holden.co.uk/displayproduct.asp?sg=1&pgCode=010&sgName=Electrical&pgName=Lighting&agCode=0060&agName=Numberplate+Lamps&pCode=L469/53161

Jim B.
JA Benjamin

Jim,
Wrong way to go!
Moss UK has them for £7 -part no BAU1074A.
Item 138
http://www.moss-europe.co.uk/shop-by-model/mg/t-type/clutch-gearbox-drive-train/gearboxes-components/gearbox-components-td-tf.html

As far as I recall it is the same as the MGB
Regards
Declan
D Burns

The correct Lucas reversing light that fits under the bumper can also be easily found S/H on ebay.
Dave J
Dave Hill

A few more pictures of the Lucas L469 lamp assembly...

Its curved lines compliment those of the TF body & it is mounted up out of harm's way compared to those mounted below the rear bumper valence.



T.A. Sirp

Rear view displaying identification:

The traditional lights associated to MGs of that time better reflect the more square lines of the TD. The TD's license plate is also mounted off-bumper making the use of an L469 irrelevant.

T.A. Sirp

This is the type that I have - normally used under the rear bumper.
Lucas 494.
Dave H


Dave Hill

And another.


Dave Hill

Is this light available somewhere? PJ


Paul Jennings

Found one, Vintage Car Parts, $125.00.
Paul Jennings

T.A. Sirp,

I would like you to explain further the meaning of your statement:

"The TD's license plate is also mounted off-bumper making the use of an L469 irrelevant."

I don't understand how the word "irrelevant" applies within this context.

I am asking because, as I mentioned above, I have added the L469 to my TD. The reasoning for my choice was the following:

1/ Add the fuction reverse light.
2/ Avoid drilling any holes in the bodywork.
3/ Integrate the unit into the character of the car.

The L469 responds to ALL these criteria.

My choice was the same as yours, but 5 years beforehand.


John

52 TD
J Scragg

Yes. Also see www.vintagemotorspares.com item 518.
Dave H
Dave Hill

@ J Scragg: Hi, John. I agree my previous statement does sound a bit off-putting regarding the TD. I immediately edited the post within the allowed timeframe last night before going to bed, but I now see that the revision did not save (I'm still getting used to the constraints of this BBS system platform).

The revised statement went something like this:

"The TD's license plate is usually mounted higher & further back off-bumper and skewed off-center casting a less direct light pattern than the TF & making the use of an L469 somewhat irrelevant."

No intent to ruffle feathers. Your choice meets your criteria. It is therefore relevant & I applaud your choice.
T.A. Sirp

This beautiful Aston Martin came up today on my Facebook time line and it has the reversing light you are refering to.

D Lamb

The car...

D Lamb

I have two Lucas 494's mounted. One for reversing one for rear fog. Reversing on passenger's side, fog on driver's side (US). They're on Lucas posts on brackets I made. No drilling holes in MG. Didn't want the lights under the bumper for road debris clearance.

L Karpman

This thread was discussed between 02/12/2016 and 04/12/2016

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