Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing High-output LED Brake light bulbs

Years ago, when they first became available, I switched to LED stop/tail bulbs in my car, mainly to preserve the brake light switch which is known to fail, especially with the additional current of a 3rd bulb.

They've been fine, but recently I was alerted to the availability of high-output versions by a fellow Morgan owner and lurker on TM. They are available from www.bettercarlighting.co.uk and I fitted a set today. They really are significantly brighter than the original ones I was using, it's quite impressive how the technology has advanced so fast in a few years.

Here they are half-way through fitting, so you can see the difference.

What I would really like would be complete LED replacements for all the brake, position and indicator lights. Not just replacements for the bulbs but for the complete units. The originals are really quite crappy.

Yes, I replaced mine years ago. Chromed brass mounting tubes with decent quality bulb holders, I also drilled out the original threaded holes and replaced them with M3 rivnuts and stainless hex bolts rather than those rubbish cross-headed fasteners.

Tim H, There has been a lot of chat about LED lamps on other classic car sites with warnings that in some circumstances, they are deemed to be illegal due to the lack of an "E" rating and therefore one could fall foul of the MOT. I haven't found a definitive answer yet and I keep on trying, any ideas please?

As far as I'm aware the level of illumination from a bulb is left to the tester's discretion as to whether it is adequate or not. If anyone has got documented evidence of an MOT tester removing E-marked light lenses in order to check that the bulbs are also so marked, and failing the car as a result I would be very interested to see it. The internet is full of people who love to pontificate endlessly over issues that which for any normal human being would be considered completely irrelevant.

The only comment I have ever received from a tester (and I always make sure I am present during the testing process) was a couple of years ago when he looked at my wing sidelights and said "They are a bit bluish, have you put LEDs in there?"

When I replied yes, he said "Very sensible. Anything that helps visibility in these cars is good".

I am with Tim here , our cars are low and in these days of the ubiquitous SUV our rear lights are difficult to see, especially in conditions of reduced visibility.

Anything that improves this is a good thing, and I have taken the same route , also with Better Car Lighting. The guy who runs it is very helpful and a real source of knowledge about almost all forms of vehicle lighting.

I thought it was only headlamp buldbs thatwere E marked. Never checked any non H type bulbs.

From memory, Authorised Testers are not permitted to undertake any dismantling work during the test.. Hence 'advisories' regarding engine covers, uundertrays and body kits being fitted often appear on MoT certificates.

Arwyn

Well that seems to be good news. I am in total agreement that LED's provide a greater level of safety but have always been worried about the "legality" of them as retro fits.

A large garage might be the ultimate luxury and this is a fine one.
Kevin