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T-Series 53 TD - round rear lights

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NutmegCT

NutmegCT

Great Pumpkin
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How do I remove the rear light cover, to change the bulb?

The Ops Manual only shows the pre-1953 "rectangle" light fixture, held in by two visible screws.

The later round light is similar to this:

View attachment 49314
Fog lamp.jpg

Gol dern it - how do I open that lamp cover?

Thanks.
Tom M.
 
Last edited:
Carefully pry off the chrome rim with a small screwdiver, then pry the lens out and there ya go!
 
Thanks Mickey. So the chrome ring can be pried off, releasing the red plastic cover? Nothing needed but small screwdriver?

Paranoid Tom
 
Yep, that's it. Clever, that.
 
Use a plastic headed screwdriver. You'll find out why after the other one slips and scratches the paint. The lens is glass.
 
Oddly as it may seem, a paint can opener works also on opening up the rubber to grab the lip on the chrome ring. If the rubber is old, use caution as it could tear. PJ
 
You read my mind. Just used a paint can opener - worked fine.
 
You're learning...remember, don't overtighten LBC lenses - they crack. The '53 TDs have different and better instruments, a 3-bow top replacing the 2-bow, POS Lucas wiper motor moved to the center of the windscreen (possibly due to a navigator being knocked unconscious during a rally), 3/4" reach spark plugs, smaller valve clearances, different tail lights, a water temperature gauge! Remember also to check your oil consumption. You should have at least 55-60 lbs of oil pressure under way.
 
Thanks. Abingdon Spares is an hour away, and they're great guys. After replacing the gasket, engine shows no gasket leaks. Oil pressure 55-60, tho' I only ran it for about ten minutes.

Still no luck on the tach, even after replacing the cable from the generator gearbox to the tach. Must be an internal tach problem, as the needle is free to move.

Tom M.
 
Tom, Might sound crazy but, does the inter cable turn when the engine is running? There is a specific reason for asking. PJ
 
Paul - thanks. The internal cable turns. I feel it turning inside the sheath, and I see the cable itself turn inside the sheath when it's not plugged in to the tach.

TM
 
Well I guess the tach needs attention then. Abingdon should be able to give you a good tip on where to get it fixed, possibly locally. PJ
 
I believe Nisonger Corp. in New Rochelle is still in business. They repair instruments. When I restored my TD, they gave me gratis a couple of thin rubber gaskets that go around the tach and speedo.
 
Thanks gents. Abingdon did recommend Nisonger. If you haven't been to Abingdon in Deep River, Connecticut, it's worth a trip. On Friday I saw 3 TDs, 1 TF, 1 PB, 1 TC, and (I think) a TA.

I don't know how to remove the tach, but I'll figure it out eventually.

T.
 
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