Re: [mg-tabc] Re: Recent query re TB lights - late reply

[PMS GB Ltd]

Message text written by INTERNET:TATERRY@aol.com

>In a message dated 5/11/00 9:37:07 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

spook01@home.com

>writes:>

>Ray, this is probably more than you wanted.....

[Harry Pyle]

Clive,

VERY Good...99.999%. Your description of what should be on these cars is
excellent.

I have a Lucas Parts Manual 1930-1939 and it actually lists and depicts 5
different lenses availaible for the 140 series lamps during that
period.(the alpha letter code denotes type of mounting, rim shape etc and
the numeric 140 denotes the diameter of the shell).

The 5 types of lenses are; Plain Glass, Difusa Glass, Fluted Glass,
Stippled/Opal Glass and Amber Glass.
Amongst the patterns listed there is no mention of the 'Cats Eye'..so that
proves it came out post war.

Incidentally, the rear lamp 'D' type is already listed in this
catalogue...proving that it was already available prewar.

Henry Stone ( he worked for MG 1931 to 1974..43 1/2 years) once told me
that it would have been quite possible that some cars left the factory with
any of these lenses. MG just used whatever they could get from Lucas at that
time. This particularly applied to postwar production of the TC as there was
a shortage of lots of items at that time.

Regards
Harry

----- Original Message -----
From: PMS GB Ltd
To:
Cc: [unknown] ; [unknown] ;
[unknown]
Sent: Friday, May 19, 2000 6:06 PM
Subject: [mg-tabc] Re: Recent query re TB lights - late reply


> Message text written by INTERNET:TATERRY@aol.com
> >In a message dated 5/11/00 9:37:07 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
> spook01@home.com
> >writes: as the TB?? >>
> >Ray, this is probably more than you wanted.....
>
> Thanks Terry for the detail list of the Headlights used on various models
> you posted a bit ago, I can add some detail on the TABC LB140 lamps
> however, as things aint quite as simple as may seem, and bore the list
with
> minute detail yet again! Sorry! But here goes......
>
> Never mind that the TA had solenoid dip on one lamp, the TB just had one
> light just go out(!!!), the TC had one double dipping bulb and the TC EXU
> two dipping bulbs, and no doubt there are other wiring diagram versions
> about as well -
>
> The TC LB140 headlights differed from the TA/B LB140 in a number of ways -
> As far as I know the following facts are correct:-
>
> 1. Firstly that the TA and TB units were the same all through except for
> the differences in the dipping mechanism of the reflectors - TA - one
light
> on permanent dip, the other a solenoid - TB one dipped, the other main
beam
> just went out.
>
> 2. Lucas Badge was recessed flush into the body of the Post War TC
> lights, but not so on the TA/TB pre war units where it stood slightly
above
> the body,
>
> 3. Then, of course the TA TB units have a screw to close the rim onto the
> body - the TC has a spring clip - the bodies and rims being different to
> cater for the two fitting types. Did very early TCs possibly use old
stock
> TA/TB units with screw fitting rims? Maybe not as DBL 606 the demonstrator
> TC and I think a very early car - seems to have spring clip fittings and
> the flatter glass.
>
> 4. Also the variety of lens glasses and rims used:-
>
> The TA/TB had Flattish, Horseshoe patterned lens, deep curved rim edges,
> and screw fitting o the body.
>
> Early TCs had the TA/TB style Flat Horseshoe pattern glass lens and rim
too
> but seem to have spring clips so must have different rim, and a different
> hole in the body of the light. The Lucas name and part number appeared on
> the top-rear of the outer rim, it was not visible when the glass was
> installed. Lens outside diameter is 7 7/8".
>
> A Deeply Domed Horseshoe pattern lens was then available from Lucas later
> (when?) and this used a different rim section to adapt to the glass
radius.
> After TC1850 they switched to Deep Domed Cats Eye lenses. Remember, the
> headlight rim that the lens is mounted in changed shape at the edge
> depending on if it was to conform to a flat or deep dished lens. For a
flat
> glass it has a full curve - for a deep domed lens it does not turn over
> nearly so much.
>
> The LATE TC after #1850 had the Deep Domed, CATS EYE pattern. This lens
> originally had "LUCAS" spelt in small letters in a vertical line ( about
> 3/4" long ) in the center of the lens. Later After Martket versions of
> this lens had the same Cats Eye pattern but the "LUCAS" was now in larger
> print horizontally across the center of the lens inside a clear circle
> about 1 3/8" diameter.
>
> Many laterly converted lights use Lucas #553435 adaptor rims for smaller
> sealed beam 8" units
>
> So just nip out and check that your lights are to original
specification!!!
>
> Clive Sherriff
>
> Oxford UK
>
>
>

[Chip Old]

Two minor correction, Clive:

On Fri, 19 May 2000, PMS GB Ltd wrote:

> Never mind that the TA had solenoid dip on one lamp, the TB just had one
> light just go out(!!!), the TC had one double dipping bulb and the TC EXU
> two dipping bulbs, and no doubt there are other wiring diagram versions
> about as well -

You were describing variants of the Lucas LB140 headlight, but the
TC/EXU didn't use that model. Instead it used a smaller type similar to
that of the the early chrome-headlight TD, fitted with US-style 7 inch
sealed-beam bulbs. I don't have the Lucas model number handy, but I'm
sure someone else here can provide it.

> Many laterly converted lights use Lucas #553435 adaptor rims for
> smaller sealed beam 8" units

That should be 7 inch, not 8 inch. Typo?

--
Chip Old 1948 M.G. TC TC6710 XPAG7430 NEMGTR #2271
Cub Hill, Maryland 1962 Triumph TR4 CT3154LO CT3479E
fold@bcpl.net