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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 MG Y Type - Rear Reflectors

I need to replace the rear reflectors on my 53 YB. The ones I took off are Raydyot. Anyone know the correct make and number for original equipment? Could not find in John Lawson's book. Thanks.
Larry Brown

Hi Larry

The reflectors were originally not part of the UK standard equipment package, nor were they fitted to export cars.

In the late 50s/early 60s (Neil Cairns [an ex-policeman and very knowledable about this sort of thing can place the date exactly] however, UK safety law changed and required reflectors to be fitted to the rear of a vehicle, at a given height and distance from the outside edge of the vehicle. Again, Neil can provide the exact data.

This requirement was made retrospective and became a requirement as a part of the UK Ministry of Transport safety test (aka MOT).

Accordingly there isnt actually a MG Part number for these.

If you want ones with an angled rubber pad to mount on the rear fender go to
http://www.gregorysautoparts.co.uk/catalogue.php?t=0&c=415

or if you want surface mount ones to put on a stalk use

http://www.gregorysautoparts.co.uk/catalogue.php?t=0&c=416

Gregory's Autoparts are listed on the Vendor Links so please tell them you found out about them from www.mgytypes.org and they do ship internationally and reasonably.

Regards

Paul
Paul Barrow

Thanks, Paul. As usual, you are prompt to answer, and I appreciate that. Now that you mention this, seems I have heard it before. Also having a TF, I have an extra set of Lucas reflectors like the kind you referenced. Nice when you are seeking is already in your garage. Thanks again.
Larry Brown

You are welcome Larry - all part of the service.

Paul
Paul Barrow

Reflectors became compulsory during TF production, 1954 I think. The 1250 TF's did not have them but most of the 1500 TF's had the Lucas angled rubber plinth type fitted by the factory.

Cheers,
Matthew.
Matthew Magilton

Thanks Matthew. Upon further checking the mounting spaces on the YB, I find I need the flat reflectors, not the angled kind, so the hunt is on! Might use Gregory's, might hold out for Raydyots since that is what the original owner had used, and looks good.
Larry Brown

The requirements for reflectors in the UK can be found at the following web address:
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1989/Uksi_19891796_en_23.htm.

The MOT testers manual states that the reflectors should be checked during the MOT test. This requirement does not seem to be rigidly enforced.

My own YB does not have reflectors, yet it has passed an MOT annually since it was returned to the road in 2004. I acquired the car last year and the latest test was carried out at a different garage to the previous one.

I still have a collection of photographs of Ys that I was offered during my search for a car last year. Most do not have reflectors. A quick look through the classic cars for sale on ebay shows that many do not have reflectors, despite being offered with MOTs.

Mike
M Long

The 'Construction and Use Regulations' meant all UK cars had to have rear reflectors is BUILT after April 1st 1954. Many manufacturers fitted them earlier. I do have a diagram of the correct height and level they need to be.

NC.
Neil Cairns

My comment has missed out the bit that the Regulation was 'retrospective'. That meant ALL cars had to have rear reflectors, not just those made from the date of the law.

NC.
Neil Cairns

I am not sure if I have to have them here in the U.S., but since mine had them, and there are screw holes for them, I think I will replace. In my opinion they look good, and may help a little for safety's sake. Thanks for all the comments and help. The car belongs to my Grandson who is serving in Afghanistan, so I am trying to make some progress while he is away. Carried the rf fender, bonnet panels, and boot lid yesterday to the guy who is doing some body work for me. Still have a long way to go. Thanks again.
Larry Brown

This thread was discussed between 28/01/2010 and 10/02/2010

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