MGB GT Episode 19 Chrome Bumper Conversion Part 1

We start with some repairs to the bumpers and test fitting the rear bumper
#MGB

[@carstenmoore5760]

Hi Henry, From bitter exprience I can tell you that most electrical problems on the MGB can be tracked down to bad or non existant earth connections. Not flashing or slow indicators can usually be cured by cleaning up existing or installing additional earths. After doing the chrome conversion on my vehicle the indicators didnt flash. By adding an earth to the front lights (which arent suppied with one, same as yours) the problem was instantly cured. The front indicators/side light is obviously made for chrome bumper cars so the earth is provided by the fixing bolt direct through the wing. During the chrome conversion the rubber bumper front wings undergo a lot cutting and carving, body filler and anti corrosion products with probably arent that conductive! ...hence the problem. Your dimming rear nr plate lamps when the earth is removed is because the return path is having to take a longer route back through the loom to the least resistive path (probably an earth point at the front of the car or secondary earth through other electrical equipment). Both number plates remaining on when one earth is removed is because the lamps are riveted onto the backing plate which is also metal so the return path to earth is maintained. The main earthing nodes [other than battery, engine and gearbox straps] are loctated in the bootspace for the rear equipment, high up in the dash on the drivers side above the windsreen motor for internal equipment/guages and on the drivers side inner front wing just below the brake master cylinder for front lights/equipment. The latter can cause problems when overspill of brake fluid causes corrosion in this area leading to high resistance values. I sense your frustation over these electrical problems and it is very easy to chase yourself aroung in tight circles curing problems but creating another in the process........ I know..I have been there!...but earthing is the main culprit in my experience. Hope this helps.

[@HenrysGarage]

Thank you Carsten. I'm still having some problems with the right indicator not flashing (despite changing the flasher unit). I think I got everything else working and, as you say, grounding issues. I'll work through your comments in detail and hopefully that'll sort the rest

[@carstenmoore5760]

@@HenrysGarage Henry, Fairly certain earthing is your problem as both LH & RH indicators share the same power supply, flasher unit and stalk. Failing that, I have had issues with the Lucas bullet connectors. These can create a high resistance if they are corroded internally. I ended up replacing some of mine as it was easier than trying to clean them up. These connectors are all still available (and cheap) from various suppliers.

[@paultubby6878]

Just started watching your videos. Yes May not be perfect but you having ago and another classic saved.

[@HenrysGarage]

Thanks - yeah. Since I've never really done more than an oil change I'm really quite pleased with how things are going. Great fun and learning all the time

[@MrCrazypb]

Good stuff Henry!

[@HenrysGarage]

Thanks Rafael

[@stevo6900]

Lucas the prince of darkness

[@HenrysGarage]

Perfected the short circuit

[@mgbroadsterJ]

Make a new earth .

[@HenrysGarage]

Thanks. It was a few years ago when this video came out but the car has had a new earth

[@floodwaterfarmer]

Enough about the bumpers....!!!!!!!!!!!! Get on with it.. 😂

[@HenrysGarage]

Got it