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MG TD TF 1500 - Jaeger 1600 speedometer knob on back

I have a Jaeger 1600 speedometer (see old picture below). It has what looks like an electrical terminal with a threaded knob on the back. You can see it just above the lightbulb in the picture (not the tripometer knob pointing downward). Anybody have any idea what this is for? I wasn't aware of any internal light for this unit but I wish there was one! The light bulb system PO put on is a joke. When did they start putting on internally lighted units like Dave B. seems to have?

Thanks,
Ed


efh Haskell

TA, TB and I think most TCs this was the connection to the internal switch for the 30 MPH light light.
Mike
Mike Hart (52 TD 16378)

Ed,
Mike is right. It was a warning light.

I have the Jaeger spedo and tach also. The light from the dash lights has no path to the face of the instruments. I carved out some of the wood on both sides of both instruments and painted the cut out white. Then I positioned the lights as best I could behind the cut outs. I also added some more lights behind the dash. It's not perfect but I get much more light now.

Mort
Mort TD 1851

Ed,
I also replaced the original acetate with a lighter color green that is much more translucent. If you need some I have plenty of it.
Mort
Mort TD 1851

That's interesting! Was 30 the speed limit in those days? Why the warning?
Mine used the "carving" technique also. Dim but visible.
efh Haskell

Hi Mort,
The UK town speed limit was and still is 30mph in most areas.Until we lost the ability to design and build our own cars, all home market speedos had a white line at 30,even my 1955 BSA motorcycle has it.
Ray
TF2884
Ray Lee

Good day all:

Re the connection on the speedometer. That would be for a 30 MPH warning lamp employed on a home model TC. It is a Lucas Mod.# DF 41 Lamp, Part # 56042 and is fitted with a chromium cover, Part # 545139, having a green bezel on the top. In front of the passenger, there is a same model # lamp but used and termed a Map Reading Lamp. The chromium top, Part # 545146, is solid with a raised KOR impression. There is a window to allow light to be shewn and it is operated by twisting the top.

The export model TC had the 30 MPH top removed and replaced with a solid top cover, therefore sporting two Map Reading Lamps. (photo of Map Reading option)

I am not clear as to whether the 30 MPH lamp was required on a home model TD, by the time of its inception, as I rather think the 1930-40 need for a speed warning lamp had gone by the books by then.

The speedometer shown, from what I understand, is the TD version as the trip recorder is on the right side of the unit. The TC instrument, I believe, has the trip recorder protruding centrally from the casing. Over the years, replacements have made what is correct quite a difficult chore for those who care.

Probably I have digressed quite a bit, but here it is for what it's worth.
Respectfully: Jack Emdall,TD3191, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada



kernow

Thanks guys, very interesting. Oddly, our little ski town has a 15 mph speed limit - fun with a stick shift! Maybe I should get one of those little lights...nah.
Ed
efh Haskell

Good day again all:

I know this is a TD Forum but my wee blurb about the TD/TC Speedometer, of late, was incorrect. So, if I may, I'd like to clear things up.

The information on the trip recorder being in the centre on a TC speedometer was wrong. It is in the same position as that of the TD.

I was mixed up with the Revolution Counter or Tachometer. It is the clock, hand adjuster, that is centralised on the TC instrument case and it also extends below the facia board. (attached picture)

Sorry for the cock up chaps! I find that things tend to get fuzzier as time goes on. Perhaps I should just remain silent, to be thought a fool, rather than print material which removes all doubt !

Cheers then; respectfully:
Jack Emdall

kernow

Jack,

You just keep imparting your accumulated wisdom here as even an old fool knows more than a lot of young fools.

Regards,
Jim (almost old fool)
James Neel TD28423

This thread was discussed between 17/06/2011 and 21/06/2011

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