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MG MG Y Type - Headlamps

I know this is a shot in the dark (pun intended) but is there any way to repair or refurbish an original Lucas 8" headlamp? The dim beam is out but the high beam still works. I'd like to keep the lamp that came with the car if possible. I don't think sealed beams can be repaired but perhaps I'm mistaken?
Steve Simmons

I think you are right - that is why they are sealed, invariably the dipped filament goes forst - it does most of the work - but I did not think the originals were sealed! May be they were (I am sure I will be advised on this now!).

You may have to try and source a replacement unit - in which case, you will need to look for the Lucas Glass 507586 (2 off), Reflector 506855, Bulb holder 504801 for the Left hand one and Reflector 506854, Bulb holder 506854 for the Right hand one I think. These are the Lucas part numbers for the MBD140 not the S7000 range as fitted later.

Paul

PS - Good luck, Blue elephants may be easier! Alternately, you will need to get a pair of reducers! I am sure you'd be better off getting a new sealed unit though!
Paul Barrow

I'm not sure the sealed unit is original, but it is Lucas. The right-hand lamp is a replacement lamp made in canada. I'd rather have the original style, whatever that is. I'll do some research.
Steve Simmons

Steve,

At the risk of being too critical; shouldn't an YB have 7" headlamps? I thought only early YA's have 8" headlamps.

As I understand the 8" headlamps are rather sought after, so maybe you can exchange them for 7" examples and make some profit!
Willem van der Veer

These must be 7" then. I was thinking the sizes were 8" and 9", but these are definately smaller than the YA headlights.
Steve Simmons

Steve

I will add a few comments. The last YA fitted with 8 inch headlights was Y4759. Therefore your car should have 7 inch headlights; all Sealed Beam units were 7 inch. There are a number of both early YAs and TCs with reducer rims. These enable 7 inch units to be fitted into 8 inch bowls.

Lucas Sealed beam units are still available. It should be noted that LHD units, normally state E or Europe on the glass.

Regards.
David Pelham

My car is RHD. I noticed a note of it on the headlight so it must be the right type.
Steve Simmons

Steve,

I had a look last night at my headlamps and noticed that the units are the same Lucas European 700's as on my '73 MGB.

In the Netherlands they are not sealed beam but have a separate, twin filament, non-halogen light-bulb. My Y is RHD, but as I drive on the right-side, (that is not the left-side) as you would in California, I must have LHD-units. These "modern" LHD-units shine more light to the right (the curb/pavement-side), if I use RHD-units, I would blind oncoming traffic.

As the "dipping-methods" of Ye Good Olde Britans where very different of continental and american practices, you can forget reverting to original.

I think the nicest solution would be to fit the same LUCAS-units as on your A and B. Would they be sealed-beam as this is a legal requirement in the USA?

Greetings,
Willem Y5888
Willem van der Veer

This thread was discussed between 21/09/2003 and 23/09/2003

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