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TR6 TR6 UK Spec lights

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ajmac

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As you all know the UK spec cars had orange rear indicator lenses (the back and side face) while at the front the front facing indicators were approximatly half orange and half clear ( See my TR6 ), the clear part being the side lights, the side facing orange light also being is parallel with that sides indicator circuit.

I've two questions:
On US cars (pre raised bumper model) would it be possible to change out for UK Spec lights or would that be against the law?
On US cars do the side facing lights have a direction indication function like UK cars? I am curious as the rear lense is still orange (UK style) while the side facing one is red... I've never understood that.

PS. My old TR6 was a 'reimport' back in the 90's, as you can see it was rebuilt to UK spec.
 
Alastair-

I can't tell you the fine points of Texas Law, but I can tell you that on my TR4 I changed out the US regulation clear plastic signal lights in front for amber glass ones, and in the rear I changed out the all red brake/signal lenses for amber/red versions. And no tickets yet.

With these age cars, I don't think you would have anyone ever stop you and definitively be able to say that you are running with improper lighting - probably the biggest risk there is if your headlights were too bright or misaligned.

Randy
 
They'd have to prove what it was actually imported with.
My Jag is RHD, and was accepted for importation in 1982 by the USGummint as is.
So, you can always point to mine and say, "See? They came that way!"

Amber back light lenses, amber front T/S lenses (altho the park lamps on top of the wing are clear), RHD Lucas headlamps (still), and original windscreen.
 
As an ex-UK person myself; I would say you should Google it and check the regulations. . Here in Canada I wouldn't worry about it, however, the traffic laws are a lot more strictly enforced in the UK than over here in North America!
Having said that, my sister lives in Lincoln and it seems very agricultural and laid back there.
 
Graham,
I was asking as a move to Tx is in the pipline...

Your right about Lincoln though :smile: I think the same could be said for most of the UK, if you take your car for an MOT (Anual Goverment test) at a big nationwide chain they all employ young guys who didn't know they built cars before 1985! I've had some great times telling them what to check and that NO they only need to do a visual emmissions test. One garage phoned me up to ask how to start it, the guy couldn't find where to put the key and after I went over and showed him he didn't know how to use the choke correctly.
 
Triumph. Who makes that ? is what you'll hear a lot over here.
 
ajmac said:
I've two questions:
On US cars (pre raised bumper model) would it be possible to change out for UK Spec lights or would that be against the law?
On US cars do the side facing lights have a direction indication function like UK cars? I am curious as the rear lense is still orange (UK style) while the side facing one is red... I've never understood that.
Click to expand...

US Federal regulations required the amber front, red rear side reflectors. I believe that was around 1967/68. On the US TR6s, the side lights do not flash for turn indication. You can wire them to do so though.

I changed my front indicator lights to the home market, amber/white, version. Doubtful that anybody will look specifically at it or even care. I even used a custom European style license plate (it matches the Colorado issued plate) for a 'Home Market' look for my '72 TR6 and have never had even a question about it.
P3100005.jpg


You could probably change the rear lights out and never be questioned. However, having amber rear side reflectors could get you stopped by an astute traffic officer with nothing else to do. Most police officers though tend to leave older cars alone. Mostly because they are never sure of the year of the car and might not be quite up to speed on exactly when some of the Federal regulations changed.
 
TOC said:
They'd have to prove what it was actually imported with.
Click to expand...

If they questioned it, it would be up to you to prove it to them. Its a privelege to register a car, not a constitutional right. There is no innocent until proven guilty. They can simply refuse to register the vehicle. Since you have to register it locally, they might not care if the Federal government accepted it for importation. They can point at state and federal regs and not even apologize for denying registration. Which is why its advisable to smile and provide all the documentation you can when they ask. Showing books with photos of period correct cars, and some wording on light/reflector changes will often provide all the evidence that you need to convince them.

In my experience, the lights and reflectors are never even questioned or looked at on older cars though. Some states that still require safety inspections might though.
 
swift6 said:
In my experience, the lights and reflectors are never even questioned or looked at on older cars though. Some states that still require safety inspections might though.
Click to expand...
:iagree: Worst I've ever encountered in New York State was the occasional inspection station looking in vain for the little "nubs" on the headlamp face that locate the headlamp alignment equipment, and that only on the very rare occasion that they were inspired enough to check headlamp alignment. (It's supposedly a requirement in New York, but it's something that's rarely done unless the shop is looking to make a few extra bucks on the safety inspection! :laugh: )
 
I don't have to let anyone touch my car because historical vehicles don't require inspection here in PA.
 
Unfortunately, they do require yearly inspection in NY. However, I do have my local inspection station "trained" NOT to just randomly toss my Herald carelessly onto the lift (floor jack used instead) and, usually, NOT to use air wrenches to R&R wheels for the brake inspection, etc. etc.
 
That is interesting stuff about car inspections in the US. In the UK the inspections are all nationwide and determined by the Government. The stations can bang away at your floor and chassis as much as they want to check for rust BUT they can't remove anything to check something hidden. For instance... if you have a clear brake fluid resevoir they can fail your car if the level is below normal, but if you have a steel one, they are not allowed to open the cap to check the level! Wheels can not be removed and I have never seen them lift carpets either.
 
Alastair,

Here's the Virginia Safety Inspection Checklist. It is supposed to be a safety inspection and is annual in our state so things like the condition of brakes, tires, lights, wipers etc are supposed to be important (and of course possible sources of revenue for the shop doing the inspection!). I think some states like Maryland only do inspections when a used vehicle is sold.

Is the vehicle inspection in the UK for safety as well and how often is it done?

Scott

Virginia Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Program
The Required Official Inspection Procedure, as approved by the Virginia State Police Superintendent, is as follows:

REQUIRED OFFICIAL INSPECTION PROCEDURE

Each inspection consists of the following items – for further details consult the "Official Inspection Manual":

1. - REMOVE OLD INSPECTION STICKER.

2. - DRIVE VEHICLE INTO INSPECTION LANE.

3. - INSPECT BRAKES FOR:

•Worn, damaged or missing parts.
•Worn, contaminated or defective linings or drums.
•Leaks in system, proper fluid level.
•Worn, contaminated or defective disc pads or discs.
(NOTE: A minimum of two wheels and drums must be removed from each vehicle at the time of inspection. Consult the official inspection manual for exceptions.)

4. - INSPECT PARKING BRAKE FOR:

•Broken or missing parts.
•Proper adjustment.
•Standard factory equipment or equivalent.

5. - INSPECT HEADLIGHTS FOR:

•Approved type, aim, and output.
•Condition of lamp, wiring and switch.
•Beam indicator.

6. - INSPECT OTHER LIGHTS FOR:

•Approved type, proper bulbs, condition of lenses, wiring and switch.
•Aim of fog and driving lamps.
•Illumination of all lamps, lens color, and condition of lens.
(NOTE: Every vehicle must have a rear lamp showing a red light to the rear, a white light illuminating the rear license plate; vehicles over 7 feet wide or extending 4 inches or more beyond the front fender extremes must be equipped with approved clearance lamps and reflex reflectors. Count load in measuring.)

7. – INSPECT SIGNAL DEVICE FOR:

•Approved type, proper bulbs, condition of lenses, wiring and switch.
•Correct indications and tell-tale (visual or audible).
•Illumination of all lamps, lens color, and condition of lens.

8. – INSPECT STEERING & SUSPENSION FOR: (Jack up front end as shown in Manual)

•Wear in bushings, kingpins, ball joints, wheel bearings, tie rod ends.
•Looseness of gear box on frame, condition of drag link and steering arm.
•Play in steering wheel.
•Wheel alignment and axle alignment.
•Broken spring leaves, and worn shackles.
•Shock absorbers.
•Broken frame.
•Broken or missing engine mounts.
•Lift blocks.

9. – INSPECT TIRES, WHEELS & RIMS FOR:

•Condition of tires including tread depth.
•Mixing radials and bias ply tires.
•Wheels that are cracked or damaged so as to affect safe operation.
10. – INSPECT MIRROR FOR:

•Rigidity of mounting.
•Condition of reflecting surface.
•View of road to rear (Truck mirrors must extend at least halfway beyond edge of body) – (Visibility 200 feet to rear).

11. – INSPECT HORN FOR:

•Electrical connections, mounting and horn button.
•Emits sound audible for a minimum of 200 feet.

12. – INSPECT WINDSHIELD AND OTHER GLASS FOR:

•Approved type safety glass.
•Cloudiness, distortion or other obstruction to vision.
•Cracked, scratched or broken glass.
•Stickers. ALL UNAUTHORIZED STICKERS MUST BE REMOVED.
•Sunshading material attached to the windshield to ensure it does not extend more than 3 inches downward from the top of windshield, unless authorized by Medical Waiver Certificate.
•Operation of left front door glass.

13. – INSPECT WINDSHIELD WIPER/DEFROSTER FOR:

•Operating condition.
•Condition of blade.

14. – INSPECT EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR:

•Exhaust line-manifold, gaskets, pipes, mufflers, connections, etc.
•Leakage of gases at any point from motor to point discharged from system.

15. – INSPECT LICENSE TAGS FOR:

•Illumination of rear plate.

16. – INSPECT HOOD AND AREA UNDER THE HOOD FOR:

•Operating condition of hood latch.
•Presence of emissions system -Evidence that any essential parts have been removed, rendered inoperative or disconnected.
•Fluid levels that are below the proper level
1. Brake fluid.
2. Power steering fluid.
•Power steering belt - proper tension, wear, or absence.

17. – INSPECT AIR POLLUTION CONTROL SYSTEM (1973 and Subsequent Models) FOR:

•Installation.
•Operation.
(NOTE: This includes the catalytic converter and the fuel tank filler pipe.)

18. – INSPECT DRIVER’S SEAT FOR:

•Anchorage.
•Location.
•Condition.

19. – INSPECT SEAT BELTS FOR:

•Approved type.
•Installation.

20. – INSPECT AIR BAG AND AIRBAG READINESS LIGHT FOR:

•Any defects in the air bag system noted by the air bag readiness light, or otherwise indicated; or
•The air bag has been deployed and has not been replaced (and is not deactivated because of a medical or other exemption and a notice is posted to indicate that it has been deactivated); or
•Any part of the air bag system has been removed from the vehicle; or
•If the air bag indicator fails to light, or stays on continuously.

21. – INSPECT DOORS AT THE RIGHT & LEFT SIDE OF THE DRIVER’S SEAT FOR:

•Handle or opening device which will permit the opening of the door from the outside and inside of the vehicle.
•Latching system which will hold door in its proper closed position.

22. – INSPECT FUEL SYSTEM FOR:

•Any part that is not securely fastened.
•Liquid fuel leakage.
•Fuel tank filler cap for presence.

23. – INSPECT FLOOR PAN FOR:

(a) Holes which allow exhaust gases to enter occupant compartment.
(b) Conditions which create a hazard to the occupants.

24. – ISSUE STICKER:

(a) If approved, place approval sticker on the vehicle, and give pink copy of certificate to operator.
(b) ALL DEFECTS MUST BE CORRECTED AND THE VEHICLE REINSPECTED WITHIN 15 DAYS.
 
Scott,
The MOT is once every year and every passanger car ever made has to have one, there are exemptions for armoured cars, tanks, and other wartime vehicles. I think the exact year in the 70s has changed in the past few years but around 1975 you have to pass a CO test, pre75 it is a visual smoke test only. The more modern the vehicle the more strict the pass requirements.
The UK doesn't check for any brand or spec of parts fitted as you mention, it is all about function really. An MOT would consist of the same tests as you listed.

PS. There is no sticker or badge issued, just a certificate and the 'big brother' computer knows, so you can't get your road tak sticker without an MOT because the system will not print it! It also checks to see if you are insured before it prints it, no paper proof required.
 
Alastair,

Seems like it would be hard to check the brake linings if they aren't allowed to remove the wheels! :smile:

Scott
 
That's right, they can only look through the cutouts in the rims using a flashlight. However all cars that aren't 4x4 have to go on the brake testing rolling road and get the OK. The law can be a strange thing.

Note: If you a 4x4 then they put an accelerometer in the footwell and take your car for a drive, then slam on the brakes, if the needle passes the required decel mark and the car doesn't pull to one side then you passed the brake test!
 
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