MGF Headlights

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Ask the Gurus - Use this board to discuss problems or technical issues you have with your MGF/TF - there's always an expert around to help you!

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ZSx
Posts: 97
Joined: Tue Apr 18, 2017 12:23 pm
MGF Register Region: South Coast
Model of Car: MGF VVC & MG ZS T16
Location: South East

MGF Headlights

Post by ZSx » Fri Aug 18, 2017 10:13 am

I have done some research on the shocking ability of my headlights, on my P reg MGF, and come to the conclusion there is effectively three options.

1. Get the bowls re-chromed
2. Fit projector lights into the units
3. Buy whole new units

As I see it, option 1 is fine if the rest of the unit is clean and not tarnished (glass etc) although can be expensive depending where you go. Coupled with the fact it takes a long time and the car would be off the road for a few weeks while the job is completed. - Means this option is a no go at the current time.

Option 2 seems to be only an HID option? And I am not sure on the legalities (MOT passes etc aside) of this conversion.

Option 3 I assume is going to be very difficult to find brand new, and there is no guarantee that any older unit will be better than what I currently have.

So... Does anyone have any idea on a projector unit that takes standard H7 bulbs and can be fitted to the current MGF headlights? I don't particularly want to go down the after market HID route if I can help it, but I need to be able to see at night!

Of course a fourth option could be to "TF" the front end... although this seems expensive and excessive to do, especially when I like the F looks...

The F is being used daily at the moment for my commute, since SWMBO decided to crash the ZS and then "forgot" to put oil in her Coupe causing the engine to fail spectacularly. This does mean at the moment the only real transport is the F and with two kids you can imagine its a bit difficult a task... however we are in the holidays and till the ZS is fixed, the F gets me to and from work but night-time driving is a necessity sometimes and I would like to be able to see properly in these situations!

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Keith Williams
Posts: 6109
Joined: Mon Oct 08, 2007 5:25 pm
MGF Register Region: Midlands
Model of Car: MGF VVC, Trophy 160
Location: Coventry

Re: MGF Headlights

Post by Keith Williams » Fri Aug 18, 2017 10:49 am

Could be worth checking with Martin Smith http://www.usedmgtfspares.co.uk/ as he carries both good quality 2nd hand parts and new items

If you wish to go down the brand new route, Rimmer Brothers, are showing some in stock https://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-GRID018948
1998 MGF VVC, 2001 Trophy 160 & 2013 MG6 GT TSE

campbosshassi
Posts: 33
Joined: Mon Jun 24, 2013 10:08 pm
MGF Register Region: Europe

Re: MGF Headlights

Post by campbosshassi » Fri Aug 18, 2017 1:36 pm

As a start new bulbs, Phillips extreme or the osram night breaker you will see a big improvement

ZSx
Posts: 97
Joined: Tue Apr 18, 2017 12:23 pm
MGF Register Region: South Coast
Model of Car: MGF VVC & MG ZS T16
Location: South East

Re: MGF Headlights

Post by ZSx » Fri Aug 18, 2017 1:55 pm

They are Osram Night Breakers in there at the moment, the problem is that the bowls are cloudy and yellow and obviously the chrome will fall off if you try to clean them...

jaapaap1111
Posts: 56
Joined: Tue Jun 14, 2016 9:26 pm
MGF Register Region: Europe

Re: MGF Headlights

Post by jaapaap1111 » Fri Aug 18, 2017 4:27 pm

For option 1 i remember there was a trade in service so you only are of the road for a couple of days. I dunno if the service still exists... i have gone for option 2 but Dutch legislation is quite tolerant on this. As long as your beam pattern is ok you're good.

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Geoff.F
Posts: 2376
Joined: Wed Oct 10, 2007 8:39 am
MGF Register Region: Midlands

Re: MGF Headlights

Post by Geoff.F » Fri Aug 18, 2017 8:20 pm

We had this problem last year when my MOT Man told me not to bring those headlights back next time.
New lights were NLA with availability from X-Part in August, December and then they failed their March delivery. I gave up and bought a good useable pair from College Motors and fitted them over the May holiday. 3 days later X-Part Certified Taiwanese lights became available. I elected to again remove the bumper and fit the new lights.
I have pairs of repairable and "Good for a few MOTs" in the garage for which I may accept offers.
Geoff.F

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RobboMC
Posts: 1058
Joined: Wed May 09, 2012 1:36 am
MGF Register Region: Eastern Australia
Model of Car: 1999 Mpi

Re: MGF Headlights

Post by RobboMC » Mon Aug 21, 2017 3:41 am

Hi Geoff,

I feel your pain as I have the same problem but only in one side.

Option 4 is to source suitable replacements 2nd hand. These may keep you going for a few MOT's until you get a
more permanent solution, or get your current ones rechromed, then do a one weekend swapover.

Whatever you choose, you will get good at the replacement procedure.

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Neil Rushton
Posts: 1235
Joined: Mon Oct 08, 2007 6:37 pm
MGF Register Region: Lancashire
Model of Car: TF135
Location: East Lancs,border with Yorkshire

Re: MGF Headlights

Post by Neil Rushton » Tue Aug 22, 2017 10:51 am

I'm sure Martin Smith had some new F headlights on his stall at Pateley Bridge the other week around £100 new??
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