MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

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 - Turn Signal Installation

I'm considering installing a turn signal system sold by Falk Products (http://falkproducts.com/). Can someone confirm that the lamp sockets in the Falk kit will fit the taillight assemblies in the TD?
Thx.


Corey Pedersen

I looked at the write up and it appears that the tail lights remain stock. The new sockets shown are to fit in the front parking light housings. I doubt the assemblies shown will fit. However, Moss has the replacement sockets which will fit, but they do use a very weird bayonet mount bulb with non staggered pins, p/n 1176.

Or, you can go with the stock sockets and simply delete the parking light function up front, and have only turn signals. They may not be very bright unless you can find a higher wattage bulb for the original socket.
Dave Braun

Dave, the taillights don't remain stock. The sockets are required to allow a dual-filament bulb to be fitted. The kit converts the front parking lights function instead as turn signals.
Corey Pedersen

Tail lights must already have a dual function--marker/stop light.
David Werblow

I put turn signals in my 1950 TD. I did not have to modify the tail lights as they were already for the 2 contact bulbs. {park and stop lights) I fabricated 2 contact sockets for the front park lamps from an old set of trailer lights to accept the 1157 bulb. Used the MGA relay, and MGA pneumatic switch mounted at centre underdash. Since I replaced the wiring harness when rebuilding, I ordered the harness that included the turn signal wiring. All works great.

The expensive part was the MGA switch.
C.R. Tyrell

All TDs had dual filament tail lights. The front lights were single filament for the earlier models that did not have the turn signals incorporated. Of course you will also need the directional relay unit, flasher unit, switch (warning light if you want) and the modification for extra wires to the forward lights, rear light and brake switch.
Mike
MJH Mike

Yeah, I should have realized that. One filament for rear lights and one for the stop lights. That makes things simple.
Corey Pedersen

Corey, that turn signal switch is not at all compatible with T-car steering wheels. While it is possible to install those sockets into the fender light, it is not a simple thing to wire then in. BTDT. IMHO, you're better off buying a pair of used TD/TF lamp sockets from someone like Hugh Pite. Bud
Bud Krueger

Bud, I know the turn signal switch isn't original, but are you suggesting it won't function well because of the size of the steering wheel (difficult to reach)?
Corey Pedersen

Corey, that type of switch is designed to go around a column that is fixed while the steering wheel rotates. On our cars there is no such fixed column outside of the dashboard. Bud
Bud Krueger

I had an 'old school' (worked with the original style relay box) turn signal switch clamped to the fixed portion of my column for years. You just reached under the dash for it. If you don't mind doing that, it works fine.

warmly,
dave
Dave Braun

Dave,
Did that turn signal turn off by itself? You can't always hear the ticking with the top down (or up).
That is one nice feature of the Moss turn signal. That vacuum device turns itself off after about 35 seconds.
Mort
Mort (50 TD "Mobius")

I am considering installing a lighted 3-way toggle switch through the dashboard using the turn signal circuit provided in Bud's website. It would be unobtrusive and easy to use. I would like to make the system self-cancelling. Does anyone know how to modify the circuit to add that feature?


Corey Pedersen

Corey,
I use Moss 162-400 plus handle. It is self canceling but expensive. I mounted it under the dash so you don't see it but is very handy. It's on the extreme left side of the dash and points down. I reach under and flip it to the left or right.
Mort
Mort (50 TD "Mobius")

Center mounted MGA type switch mounted under the mid dash has turned out to be the perfect location. I can use the switch with the paddle lever with my thumb as my hand is on the gearshift. I mounted an indicator bulb in a bracket below the dash so I can tell if the signal is on. I have had no problems with fit or function.
C.R. Tyrell

Mort,

Nope, it didn't, but the little flashing light at the end of the wand was a good indication that something was on.

I use an original style pneumatic switch in my TD. In lieu of a indicator light (I also have the panel mounted dipper switch) I have a piezoelectric buzzer. Drives Diane nuts, but I like it :)

Here is a picture.

warmly,
dave


Dave Braun

This Electro Tech version is very clean and works with LED's without modification:

http://www.turnswitch.com/Turnsignal.htm

I haven't had it in operation yet, so I don't have in-use reports. For Bud's correct observation of the column problem, we're planning to sister a small extension tube to the fixed steering column to get the shifter into a more user friendly position. It will also work with a toggle switch.

Jim
J Barry

The Electro Tech product looks very nice. Is there some reason the toggle switch version is $30 more than the non-switch version? I looks like the difference is just a simple DPDT momentary switch, which costs three or four dollars.
Corey Pedersen


That does seem a lot to pay for a switch. Try giving them a call (877)780-2861. Their main business is classic car radios, so they're part of the tribe.

Jim
J Barry

I re-read their website and noticed that they confirm that you can add your own DPDT momentary switch. I plan to order the basic kit and purchase my own momentary switch.

I think a nice addition to this setup would be a pilot light. I sent Electro Tech an email today to ask how to add one.
Corey Pedersen

Cool. It's nice to be able to connect people to good products (like Mort's door locks in another thread). I wish I had more first hand operational information. We have the controller connected to the harness, but haven't made it to the other end yet.

Jim
J Barry

I just received an email from Electro, including the owner/installation manual and instructions on adding a pilot light. Impressive customer service!
Corey Pedersen


I have a simple all electronic turn signal/4 way flasher set up on my TD. It's easy and simple. You can use regular bulbs or led bulbs or mix match. About $15.00 dollars total. You can use the TD/MGA type switch or a double-pole-double throw switch. If interested let me know and I will send you the diagram for it. over the last 30,000 miles I've found the 4 way flashers to be quite handy.

Ed Stanfield
ECS Stanfield

Ed, I'd be delighted to put a copy of your setup on my website (http://www.ttalk.info/) to share it. My email address is above this reply. Bud
Bud Krueger

Ed, is your design self-cancelling?
Please send me your diagram.
Thx.
Corey Pedersen

This thread was discussed between 23/09/2012 and 06/10/2012

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG TD TF 1500 BBS is active now.