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MG TD TF 1500 - TF Map reading lights

I am now onto the electrical items stage of restoration of my TF9901. I understand that there are two map reading lights mounted under the cowl about the centre of each glove compartment. I have been able to follow the electrical diagram and find the cables on the loom for these but unfortunately the PO didnt bequeath me any light fittings.
I have also been unable to find any sketches or photos of what these should look like and they are not mentioned in either the Moss or Abington catalogues. I would like to find and fit the original type if possible (or repro if necessary) but am at a complete loss as to where to go as I have no idea what they look like.
Can anyone help me please?

Bill,
TF9901
R W Tutty

Bill,
My TF was the same. I was able to find some lamps/sockets at Nappa that fit. (I traced the mounting holes and took that with me to find the right size) Simply they are like the ones that snap into the backs of the gauges except they are slightly larger. You should be able to find the mounts for them just above each of the glove box openings. (Two right angle holes on a small flat of metal that is welded to the cowl).
I may have a picture of the one's I used if you contact me off line.
dsheward"at"columbus"dot"rr"dot"com
Cheers,
David 55 TF1500 #7427
David Sheward

Bill,
Following on from David's comments,there should also be four(4) small circular brackets(with a small hook) that actually hold the wiring up that goes to each light fitting(2).These four brackets always seem to be missing! When previous POs take the crash pad off for re-upholstering(covering),these four pieces are hardly ever put back into position.The factory used these fittings to prevent the wiring dropping down to then unwantingly be visible to either driver or passenger.The fittings are attached via the studs that hold the crash pad to the dashboard.

I had to make (3) on the current TF as only (1)was left on the car by a previous owner.I don't think any MG supplier has these.

Cheers
Rob.Grantham
TF3719("Aramis"),TF9177("Athos").

Rob. Grantham

Bill and David,

I have just referred to the original factory mgtf midget Specification NO.5 vol.that I loaned yesterday from a friend and fellow TF enthusiast,looked up under Dash Fittings,and there they were,"Clip-Map Light Cables to Fascia Surround", (4).

Cheers
Rob.Grantham
Rob. Grantham

David,

I have found two suitable bulb holders to fit in the brackets (holes) under the cowl. Thanks for the help.

Rob,

There are no small cable holding brackets in my boxes of bits or still attached to the studs on the crash pad. I will make some up and as they are not seen I guess the exact design is not too important. Thanks for your help too.

Regards,
Bill
TF9901
R W Tutty

Bill,
The clips used to support/hold the Map Light cables in place are not so different from the original clip which holds the wire harness cabling going to the TF Fuel Tank sender unit.This position of this clip is affixed with a wood screw under the bottom main wood cross rail of the rear part of the tub.
In essence,if you take a brass sheet,(does'nt have to be brass) and cut out four pieces about 1 and 1/8th inches long by 3/4 inch wide.On one end,form up a 3/16ths inch semi circle by tapping this end over a piece of round bar.This part of the clip 'holds'the cable in place against the bottom area of the Dashboard panel.You will then need to drill a hole in the other end of the clip for the 1/4 inch studs of the crash pad to go through.
Two(2)clips are located each side of the interior mirrors position,totalling four(4).

Cheers
Rob.Grantham
TF3719("Aramis"),TF9177("Athos").
Rob. Grantham

Rob,

Thanks for the description of the clips. Looks like they are quite simple even for a metalwork wally like me. I will make up more than the 4 for the map reading light cables as I will need some for the harness elsewhere. For your info the car I am restoring originated in Sydney and I picked it up from a guy in Canberra and shipped it to NZ in Aug 2005. It was pretty much in pieces except for the chassis and wheels and I have enjoyed bringing it back to life again.

Regards,
Bill
TF9901
R W Tutty

Just as a side, but not original, the rear numberplate lights from a '70 MGB split bumper make excellent dash mounted map lights. They are extremely similar to those used on pre-war MG dashboards and are sheilded to prevent direct glare.
SEAMUS
F. HEALY

This thread was discussed between 02/04/2007 and 06/04/2007

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