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MG MGB Technical - Poor Lighting

Has anyone else found MGB lights to be relatively poor.
I fitted a Wipac Quartz Halogen conversion when I was putting the car back on the road but still find the lights inadequate for spirited night driving.
I was going to try 100 watt bulbs after fitting a suitable relay. I also found a long lost pair of Lucas FT/LR 14 spotlights in my mother's garage this afternoon that I might fit if they clean up ok. I seem to remember that, although period, they weren't that effective.
I have fitted a Wipac conversion to another old car I have and have found them to ok. Is the poor lighting something to do with the recesses in the wings reducing the beam spread.
Any advice gratefully received.
Robert Holmes

I was very concerned about the lights in my 68 also. But as i did the rebuild, I cleaned each male connection on the wiring and replaced all of the female connectors. I also cleaned all of the spade connectors on the switches and wire harness. Finally, I used Koper-ease (sp) to ensure good connections all around. I then put H-4 standard halogen headlamps in the car and the light is very nice.

I still plan to put in a relay to save the switch and dash wiring, but a little cleaning goes a long way with 30-40 year-old electrics

Cris
Cris DeYoung

This one is easy; use a relay to bring the voltage at the lights up to full voltage (aprox14v). I bet if you check, your current voltage is closer to 11v at the bulb plug-in. This mod will also keep your expensive dash switch around forever. Very easy mod.

Pete
Pete

At best and even at full voltage they are relatively poor when compared with most modern cars. You *must* fit relays (2) and ideally fuses (4 or 5) when using uprated lamps to get the benefit from them, and to avoid burning out the main and dip switches.
Paul Hunt

Robert, MGB lights are indeed hopeless but if you fit a halogen conversion they should be fine. I have a Cibie conversion on one of my cars and a Wipac on the other. I have doubts about the longevity of the latter but that's another matter. You must fit a relay and ensure that all connections are clean and tight including the earths. Say the system voltage is 14v then you should be able to get darned near that at the lamp connectors. 100w bulbs are not strictly street legal in the UK but I find normal H4s to be fine even at speed. Interestingly enough one of my cars has a pair of Lucas Square Eights fitted. They look nice but the headlights drown them out !
Iain MacKintosh

This thread was discussed between 28/08/2004 and 31/08/2004

MG MGB Technical index

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