[TR] TR3 back up light question

[Joe Laurito]

Bob;

The sad truth is that some of us veteran TR3 drivers are older than our cars
and the eyes just don't work as good as they used to (especially at night).
I used to be able to navigate backwards at night using the faint red
glow.....that just don't get the job done anymore. A backup light is being
installed on my TR3 resurrection also.

I am "strictly stock" most of the time, but I believe that safety trumps
tradition. I understand my limitations and don't intend to be a danger to
myself or others on the road, so I make changes when I feel they are
necessary (I learned this from a guy named Bob Schaller).

You are correct when you state that the electrical system may struggle to
support a back up light. In fact, the basic electrical system is so woefully
inadequate that it sometimes cannot even support the standard components. I
changed over to an alternator and now have white headlights instead of
yellow. You are also correct in stating that a whole new wiring circuit must
be added for the light.

Joe Laurito
Central PA Triumph Club

-----Original Message-----
From: triumphs-bounces+trglory=comcast.net at autox.team.net
[mailto:triumphs-bounces+trglory=comcast.net at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of
tr3bob at cox.net
Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2008 7:20 AM
To: Dave Willner
Cc: triumphs at autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [TR] TR3 back up light question

Why would you want a B.U. light on your TR3 Dave? 

I tend to be a "strictly stock" guy to a fault and once had a friend ask me
why the aftermarket electric fuel pump on his TR3 kept  burning up. He had
previously replaced 3 in a year.

I don't consider myself an expert in the TR 3 by any means and will often
look to the list for advice but told him that I thought he might have tapped
into an already overloaded unfused circuit to power up the pump.

I told him that he should go back to the stock mechanical pump and offered
to rebuild it for him......viola!!....success.

I think the electrical system in the TR3 is marginal at best and guess I
would be a little concerned about overloading the lamp circuit in the rear
of the car.

I wouldn't "tap" into any exisiting wires, but run separate 18ga wires
directly from the fuse block. If you use the gearbox switch, just make sure
you don't overload it.

FWIW

Bob Stahlbush, pres British Motorcars of NE (2001-2006)

60 TR3A
66 MGB
70 BSA T-Bolt
70 BSA Lightning
76 Midget
83 XJ-6

   



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