Submitted by alan.barc@veri… on Mon, 03/23/2009 - 06:47

The tail lights on my 1970 Series II FHC are so weak it's almost dangerous to drive in the crazy Dallas traffic. Has anyone found a fix for this Series II (and presumably Series III) problem? Do the current XK's replacements offer any performance upgrade? I've tried cleaning and polishing the insides/reflectors and looked for higher wattage bulbs, to no avail. The only partial help seems to be a Moss third brake light, which could clip to an OTR trunk lid for driving only but is a challenge for the FHC hatch. Any suggestions to protect my rear would be much appreciated.

Thanks, Alan Barclay

Submitted by wcjssj@comcast.net on Tue, 03/24/2009 - 14:18

Hi Alan

I have a Series I and dont know about the lenses, but I do know that every classic car I have owned had bad grounds at the tail lites. Check the resistance between the inside if the bulb holder and ground at the battery. It should be 0.2 ohms or less. This is important because the bulb has a resistance of only a few ohms. If the resistance is too high, run a #12 wire from the socket to where the battery grounds to the firewall. Recheck the resistance. Also, you might check the battery ground at the firewall while you are at it. On my cars the battery grounds were bolted to a painted firewall.

The Series I holders and reflectors are made in pieces that no longer make good contact. I had to use a center punch to renew needed contacts.

Now check the voltage at the bulb. It should be very close to the battery voltage.

I also experimented with halogen bulbs and fancy LED lites. The LEDs were much dimmer on all three cars. The halogen bulbs available from the Little British Car Co (lbcarco.com) were brighter only for the TBird.

Good luck

Curt

Submitted by SC38-21185J on Tue, 03/24/2009 - 08:10

Edited on 2009-03-24 8:12:43

Interesting issue / problem. I rarely drive my E-Type at night, but if I do, I stay off of the busy streets. But if I had this problem, I too would first try 6 volt bulbs, but would also be wary of excess heat. And if that didn't seem to do the trick, I would consider turning the back-up lamp into some sort of "here I am" lamp, perhaps amber. On a convertible, the only other option would be using the rear interior courtesy lampto plug in a free-standing light that can be seen through the rear plastic window.

But if I have to go to that extent to alter my Jag, I might as well buy a used Corvette for night driving. :-(

P

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Tue, 03/24/2009 - 08:09

Alan I posted prior but do not know where it went--just checking if you have the correct lens? If you have an early 69 there will be a problem with the built in reflector. If you have the correct smoothe lens then a bulb boost is the only answer if all the wiring is good. As far as the side marker lamps they were not introduced until MY 70--prior models had the unit but it was a reflector only. There was no bulb or wire. THe only caution with uprating the bulbs is if you go too far you may end up melting the lens. Good luck with your quest!