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MG MG Y Type - LED tail lights

Does anyone have any comments regarding LED conversion kits for 'D' lights? Also, suppliers of same in Australia?
mike burden

The little LED illuminators are available as replacements for the push and 1/2 turn, 2 prong type bulbs both in offset prong and even prong types, but I haven't seen them in the screw in bulb types yet. (may be out there, I just haven't seen them)
LEDs use very little current so won't overheat your vintage wires or fuses.
I don't know who would sell them down your way, but several american "hot rod" suppliers have them listed.
Try "Speedway Motors" at www.speedwaymotors.com for a catalog.
If you use these with a turn indicator you may have to change the flasher unit due to the low current draw to one with minimum current needs.
Wayne Hardy

Shadetree Motors sells them and I have a set in my TC. When I get some extra funds I plan to install them in the YB as well. Three things top my list of the most important safety-related parts I have put on my TC. They are seat belts, new tires and these tail lamp kits.

The standard running light is twice as bright as the brake lamps were on the old setup. And the brake lights are three times brighter still! When I press the brakes, I see a bright red reflection in whatever car is behind me. I have received many comments from other British car owners that these are the best tail lights they have ever seen.

I am a purist at heart, but the original D-lamps are not safe in modern traffic, at least not here in Southern California. They are very low and very dim. People do not look down there for brake lights, they look in the rear window for the third lamp, which our cars do not have. I feel that the LED lamps draw attention to themselves when they light up, greatly reducing the chance of being rear-ended.

You may need to install an electronic turn signal relay in place of the mechanical one because the LED lamps draw almost no current and may not trigger the existing module. This is also a plus because it is less strain on the car's electrical system.

http://shadetreemotors.com/
Steve Simmons

I have the LED converted D lights on my TC and endorse all that Steve says about them. While Shadetree sells or sold them they are made by, I think, Joe Potter in Oregon. Skip Kelsey of Shadetree recently died, I understand some freinds have steped in and the business is continuing,but if not Joe Potter can be found on the T-ABC web site under Members.
For the YT(which was earlier) went a different route. Anthony Pearson in Australia (also on the T-ABC site under Parts Suppliers) makes halogen bulbs. I have a EXU where both D lights have a part clear lense supposedly as back up lights and the brake and signal lights are Lucas 482. Fitted halogen to all of them and 2-3 times the light. They draw much more power than LED but for the little night driving they are subject to it makes no difference.
I suspect the LEDs would not be satisfactory for the D light if it also serves as a backup light.Terry
Terry O'Brien

Any known source for them on the European continent ? Do they have internal voltage control: I think modern cars have a much more stable voltage than our old Lucas systems.
Remo Peter

Dont know any European suppliers for you, but would have thought a good motor factor would be able to supply. Try Paul Beck Vintage Auto Supplies - see Links page - or eBay (search LED Lights <under Advanced Search, Exact Phrase, in header and text>) too.

Paul
Paul Barrow

Thanks guys for all your advice. I will definately fit some extra type of light. Hopefully one thats in keeping yet stands out when needed. Mike
mike burden

This thread was discussed between 22/09/2006 and 30/09/2006

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