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MG TD TF 1500 - Headlight buckets

Greetings -- I was active on this board about 20 years ago, but went into hibernation when my car was "sorted." I'm in the process of reassembling my '52TD -- its second restore/refresh since the '80s. Headed to a very nice driver, not a show car (new paint is BRG5 from Land Rover, which is slightly metallic). I've been the custodian of the car since 1972.

As far as I can determine, the original headlight buckets were chrome; I had them re-plated in 1987. The quality was not great and they need to be redone (rust and loss of plate), which is too pricey for now.

I could simply clean them up and paint them, but I'm wondering if anyone has found an acceptable alternative in the new/repro market -- at a cost less than the usual suppliers. There are lots of "Dietz" type buckets available for <$100. Thoughts and experiences?

Obviously, I'm not a stickler for originality. Frankly, it doesn't matter to me if the bolts for the spare tire carrier are BSF, Whitworth, SAE, or metric -- as long as they hold and are consistent. That might make me an MG heretic?
SM Scott

Early 52 buckets were painted. Later in 52 they went back. to Chrome. Don't ask me when! Mine is January 52 and they were painted.
I, of course, chromed them.
It would not look out of place if you painted them.

Jim B.
JA Benjamin

I just had two from my 1950 rechromed at Custom Polish and Plating in Houston Tx. They ran $400 for the two.

IMHO, as you have a car that would fit into the area of painted headlight shells, I would say, sand them and paint them. The originals painted would not be an issue at all.
Bruce Cunha

I have the stainless steel headlamps from SVC on my car and am very pleased with them.
Regards
Declan





Declan Burns

This thread was discussed between 30/10/2020 and 31/10/2020

MG TD TF 1500 index

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