LED rear lights

[s6boy]

Glad to have got rid of the 'mushrooms' in the boot. And happy the way the lights look, i was worried they'd look a bit Jettson but pleased with the result.

[s6boy]

Size wise they fit perfectly and being so slim free up space. Brightness is better particularly the reversing light. I hadn't thought to check their conformity as they're sold for road vehicles but on looking it up they are to something called ECE 7-02 which I assume is a European standard.

[s6boy]

Ha ha, no secret just forgot to post a reply. They are made by Britax and are their L15 range. I got them from the Dun BRI group.
I was behind mine when it was being reversed in sunshine and the reverse light was bright.
I want to upgrade my clear front indicators as the orange paint is coming off the bulbs, so bought a couple of their 'front position indicators' thinking they had orange LEDs, they don't and are just side lights. If anyone is interested in the same I'm investigating having them made up as a special order but since the lockdown the factory is on skeleton staff so slow progress.

[s6boy]

Not too clear but hope you get the idea. Once i get the amp removed it will be a properly usable boot.

[s6boy]

The amp came with the car and connects extra rear speakers. Got to say I rarely listen to music in the TVR as there is so much background noise. So hoping to find a way of connecting through the speakers without an amp so I can just use the head unit for Bluetooth satnav directions and calls.

[s6boy]

mozza42 said:

Rob-c33sg said:

I was thinking about LED lights so glad I came across this. I can see why you were a bit worried. You want the super sleek look of modern cars which is hard to get in aftermarket small but still compliant lights! This is a good find.

I'd also be interested in the indicators I think the housing looks very outdated. I'd be interested in that.

Would also be up for getting front indicators in LED - current clear ones letting in water...

I haven't chased up on the indicators since I posted this so thanks for the reminder. I will report back

[s6boy]

I've had no luck with Dun Bri which is disappointing, however I think I have found the answer as long as no one is stuck on having LED front indicators.
Over on the Chimaera forum Bobfather has done the work already and found some clear lens fittings which just need an amber bulb put in. Link to the thread with pictures here:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
and a link to the extremely helpful people in Bradford called Bolt on Bits who sell it and also do the range of LED rear lights I've put on already.
https://boltonbits.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=b...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/75mm-Side-Reverse-Lamp-...
For just over £23 I've ordered the pair and will see if they fit the Tuscan and report back.

[s6boy]

About half an hour ago I gave the go ahead to knock the old ones out as we 'think' these will fit.

I'm going to be nervous until about this time tomorrow as the existing are in so hard they will break so if the replacements don't work

[s6boy]

Well the good news is they fit the aperture, the bad news is they needed a bezel made up to secure them in place (plus some tiger seal). So in relation to the cost of the lamps, fitting more than doubled the cost. If you are handy and have a lathe, which I'm not and don't, I don't see it being too diffucult. However I don't know if original parts would have gone in any easier, but from memory they were over £100 a side.
I'm really happy they're finally done and integrate well with the look of the front....and I know they'll pass the mot. Unless I have to change the bulb I don't regret not persevering with LED now.

I can't upload a picture with the light off at the moment.

Edited by s6boy on Friday 19th February 12:49

Edited by s6boy on Friday 19th February 12:51

[s6boy]

[s6boy]

Phil that is correct concerning the blending in of the surround, however despite being 75mm diameter overall the fitting around the bezel came up smaller hence the need to make ones with a slightly larger circumference.

I thought about the silvered bulbs but glad I didn't go with them now if they don't last as long, and I don't think the orange bulbs show through enough to worry.

[s6boy]

Lomo19 said:

Well done that man, I have to replace both mine so this is great news! Is there anything you would do differently, is it close to perfection?
You mention the bezel had to be manufactured, do you have a design drawing, or photo by any chance? Forgive me I've never taken mine apart, nor had a look inside the wing as I've only just bought my Tuscan. Is the bezel secured to the inner wing with glue, is that how it works? I spoke to Racetech recently, they mentioned they are also looking into an LED type replacement. Alternatively the TVR club could possibly raise sufficient money (by crowdfunding?) to have a relatively small quantity produced. I've no idea by the way if that's something they would do, just thinking out loud.

No I wouldn't do anything differently, visually the front indicators are identical to the old and the finish all looks to better than factory, with the exception maybe of the rear lights and their design, but I can easily live with those for the sake of the extra space in the boot.
There was no design drawing for the bezels, they were just made up by a very clever man who took them in his stride as he always does.
The problem with these lights is the physical difficulty of getting your hands to the back of them otherwise you could just change the bulbs, so it's been suggested an access panel could be cut into the wheel arch to help although personally I'd still go down the route I have.
Good luck with yours.