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MG TD TF 1500 - Clear amber 576 lenses question

Question.

What was the reasoning / intended use for the clear amber lenses for the Lucas 576 fog lamps? Known in the UK as Pathfinders.

I understand clear lenses for spot / long range. Fluted amber or white for fog.

I have a pair of matching clear amber lenses along with my 8/55 date stamped 576 spot lamps on the stem mounts. I know the clear amber lenses are rare and was hoping to use them. Don't know if they are used as a pair or single only.

If anyone can enlighten me, much appreciated.

Frank

TF 1414
Frank Cronin

I use an amber bulb in my 576 fog lamp with clear (not fluted) lenses.
Lew Palmer

There was an idea that amber lenses gave a better view in murky conditions. In France amber headlights were standard on all cars. Since then the idea has been debunked and they are no longer required. For Brits driving in France at the time it was advisable to paint the lenses or bulbs with amber lacquer or fit amber lens covers to avoid being flashed - both the lenses and the lacquer were available from motorist shops (I still have some of the lacquer). No need for fancy bulbs.
Dave H
Dave Hill

Frank,

This article should enlighten you.

https://jollyrogersmotors.com/tips/Fog-Spot-and-Driving-Lamps

Excuse the pun.

John
J Scragg

Thanks for the informative link John.

After reading this article I have yellow lenses not amber which is described as darkish almost brown.

I'll probably use them as daytime running lamps with LED's to be seen better by other motorists.

Frank

TF1414
Frank Cronin

I think the distinction between yellow and amber lenses is probably false and they are just extreme variants in a range of colours deemed acceptable at the time, but I don't know for sure.
Dave H
Dave Hill

The Lucas parts manual makes a clear difference between amber and yellow light units. It shows about 40 part numbers for amber and only 1 for yellow. The yellow unit was fitted to a Bentley S, saloon and continental, 1955 to 1959, for the French market.

John


J Scragg

There is a difference - after a short period when red was permitted, amber is universally used for indicators only throughout Europe. Uniquely the French market for headlamps snd foglights i(from the 1930s until 1993), used the term "ambre jaune" or "jaune ambre" which is simply amber yellow or yellow amber,.
Dave H
Dave Hill

This thread was discussed between 17/08/2019 and 18/08/2019

MG TD TF 1500 index

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