The lighting system is one of the most visually distinctive differences between TD and TF. The TD's free-standing headlamps on brackets between the grille and the wings are a hallmark of the traditional T-series, whilst the TF's headlamps faired into the front wings defined the restyle. The rear lamps also changed during TD production from triangular to round, creating a further identification point.
Section Layout
The Lighting section is divided into Headlamps (bowls, rims, light units, mounting brackets, looms, halogen conversions, stoneguards, beam deflectors); Rear Lamps (both triangular and round stop/tail assemblies, lenses, plinths, gaskets, reflectors, number plate lamp); and Side Lamps, Fog and Driving Lights (single- and dual-filament side lamps, the SFT462 fog lamp for the TD, and the SLR576 driving and SFT576 fog lamps for the TF). Bulbs for all lighting are catalogued within their respective sub-sections.
TD Headlamps Overview
The TD used Lucas S.700 headlamps in chrome or painted bowls on brackets between the radiator shell and front wing. From chassis TD/7624 (May 1951) home market cars had dip-left headlamps. Bowls are available in chrome (with "King of the Road" medallion) or painted (without medallion). The headlamp loom comes in BPF and sealed beam/P45T specifications, with a plug adaptor available for conversion.
Some US-market TDs were supplied with empty shells for local fitment of sealed beam units, then a legal requirement in many states.
TF Headlamps Overview
The TF used Lucas F.700 headlamps faired into the front wings. Two TF bowl designs were used: an earlier three-adjuster type and a later two-adjuster type. Bowls are available in metal or plastic with inner bowl, dust excluder, and chrome outer rim. Both BPF and sealed beam/P45T light units are catalogued for RHD and LHD, with halogen conversion kits and Osram Silverstar bulbs available.
Headlamp Dip Variations by Market
Original headlamps were supplied in different dip configurations by market: RHD home and export dipped left; RHD for right-driving countries dipped vertically; LHD (except North America and France) dipped vertically; LHD North America dipped right; LHD France used yellow glass with a vertical or right dip. The dip pattern is determined by the light unit, so confirming the original dip is part of identifying the correct replacement.
Rear Lamps Overview
The rear lamp design changed during TD production. Early TDs to chassis TD/21302 used triangular Lucas 471 assemblies with glass lenses, chrome rims, gaskets, and rubber bodies. From chassis TD/21303 (October 1952), round assemblies replaced them and the rear wings were modified to suit. All TFs use the round type, with chrome plinths bolted to the wings and rubber gaskets between.
Rear reflectors were a TD Mark II option and TF standard. The number plate lamp mounts above the plate, with chrome cover, glass lens, rubber gasket, and chrome screws available individually.
Side Lamps, Fog and Driving Lamps Overview
Front side lamps mount on the front wings, common to TD and TF, with single-filament and dual-filament assemblies catalogued. The dual-filament type combines sidelight and direction indicator functions in a single lamp. The Lucas SFT462 fog lamp was an optional extra on the TD, fitted on a wire clip mounting from the headlamp bowl. On the TF, the larger Lucas SLR576 driving lamp and SFT576 fog lamp were period accessories, and both authentic and replica versions are available.
Period Lucas-style covers (with the "Q" or Lion motifs) finish the appearance of the lamps when not in use.
Halogen and LED Upgrades
Halogen conversion kits replace the original tungsten units with modern halogen units producing substantially more light, retaining the original bowls and outer appearance. Kits are available for RHD and LHD in standard and Lucas-branded versions, with H4 bulbs in 60/55W and 100/80W and Osram Silverstar alternatives.
When fitting 100/80W bulbs, relays should be fitted to protect the original light switch contacts. Chrome-wire stoneguards protect the headlamp glass; a continental beam deflector kit is available for RHD cars abroad.
Ordering Considerations
The chassis number determines triangular (early TD, to 21302) or round (TD from 21303 and all TFs) rear lamp. Drive side determines headlamp loom routing and dip direction. Many cars have been converted to negative earth, LED bulbs are polarity-sensitive, so current polarity must be confirmed before ordering LED replacements. Bulbs, mounting hardware, brackets, and complete assemblies are catalogued within the three sub-sections.