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MGT 7 inch headlight replacement with LEDs

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MGT 7 inch headlight replacement with LEDs #1 This topic is about my 1955 MG TF 1500
Paul J Locust Grove, OK, USA Sign in to contact 1955 MG TF 1500	Topic Creator (OP) Apr 14, 2024 12:19 PM Top Contributor Joined 17 years ago 9,575 Posts

Thinking about replacing my TFs headlights with LEDs, anyone done this and what were the results? PJ

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Re: MGT 7 inch headlight replacement with LEDs #2
LaVerne LaVerne Downey Fruita, CO, USA Sign in to contact 1954 MG TF "Green Hornet" 1969 MG MGB "The Beater" 1979 Triumph TR8 "Turd 8"	Apr 14, 2024 12:37 PM Top Contributor Joined 16 years ago 15,554 Posts

If I was going to do it on my TF I would convert the car to negative ground first. I have nothing that would be affected by doing so. I have done it on my TR8 and I used Holley Retro Brites. I spent a lot of time (months actually) looking at reviews of the various led units available and the Holleys were right at the top. Nearly all Led headlights will be brighter but just as important is the beam they project. Good quality units will not be cheap.; In addition the Holleys fit right in the buckets and are basically just plug and play. Not so with many others on the market. There are positive ground units available but they are limited and the beam may be less than desireable.
Made a huge difference on my TR8 which I had installed some NAPA hallogens which were just down right awful.

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Re: MGT 7 inch headlight replacement with LEDs #3
LaVerne LaVerne Downey Fruita, CO, USA Sign in to contact 1954 MG TF "Green Hornet" 1969 MG MGB "The Beater" 1979 Triumph TR8 "Turd 8"	Apr 14, 2024 12:42 PM Top Contributor Joined 16 years ago 15,554 Posts

I might add that I had originally put a set of the reproduction P Lucas tri pod head lights in my TF when I restored in back in the early 2000's and they were not much better than holding a cigarette lighter in front of you. I put some Sylvaina Super Brite hallogens in it and that was a big improvement but still nothing like the Holleys.

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Re: MGT 7 inch headlight replacement with LEDs #4
oldMGguy Dick Mason Florence, OR, USA Sign in to contact 1951 MG TD	Apr 15, 2024 11:41 AM Joined 10 years ago 90 Posts

You can now buy LED headlight bulbs that work with either positive or negative ground. Having said that, there is no mechanical or electrical benefit for changing to negative ground on a T-series MG. Smaller LED bulbs for taillights are either positive or negative ground (the dual ground bulbs may now be available), so buy for your planned ground option.

HUGE difference in luminosity for both head lamps and tail lamps using LEDs!! You can actually see them in daylight, plus they use so little amperage, turning all the lights on barely reflects on the amp-meter. with only a tiny additional discharge when applying the brakes. Worth every penny!!

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Re: MGT 7 inch headlight replacement with LEDs #5
ArchieMcAllister Archie McAllister Cleveland, TN, USA Sign in to contact 1955 MG TF 1500 1963 Austin-Healey 3000 "The Healey" 1968 Austin-Healey Sprite	Apr 15, 2024 12:10 PM Top Contributor Joined 9 years ago 894 Posts

I installed the units that Abingdon Spares is selling and have been very satisfied. It is excellent light and reasonable price. My first attempt was with LED conversation bulbs that were installed in original-type cans/lenses. Those were from Moss, were very pricey, and did not work well since the lens and reflector combination were not specifically designed for LED's.
The offerings from Abingdon come in both "clear" and "fluted"

https://abingdonspares.com/products/led-headlamp-assembly-7-mgb-pair

Archie (Scott) McAllister
1955 MG TF1500
1968 Austin Healey Sprite
1963 Austin Healey 3000

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AN5sprite and MGTF1500 Ardeche France thanked ArchieMcAllister for this post

Re: MGT 7 inch headlight replacement with LEDs #6
wiia WILLIAM ADAMS Terre Haute, IN, USA Sign in to contact 1955 MG TF 1500 1961 MG MGA 1600	Apr 20, 2024 02:59 PM Top Contributor Joined 7 years ago 557 Posts

LBCC has 7-in LED headlamps. I used theirs in my positive ground TF 1500. No issues. I also installed a pair of 7-in. Lucas "driving lights" that I discovered were actually dual-beam headlamps. I converted them to LED dual beam headlamps as well using replacement bulb inserts from a British motorcycle website. To make it all work, I installed a pair of relays that are enabled with the auxiliary/fog lamp dash switch. When enabled, the dipping switch works all four headlamps at the same time, four high or four low. Lots of light for those dark nights. LED headlamps use roughly half the current as incandescent or halogen lamps, so wiring for four headlamps does not need to be a heavier gauge. Attached is a picture. Wiring diagram available upon request.

Bill

1961 MGA
1955 MG TF-1500
1954 Chevrolet 3100

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