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Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGA - Tap & Die's

Guy’s I am looking to purchase a set of tap 7 Dies as I begin to re-assemble. I not real familiar with the type. Is this the correct type I need to clean up old thread?

Whitworth taps & dies MG TC TD TF:
BSW die nuts: 5/8, 1/2, 7/16, 3/8, 5/16, 1/4, 7/32, 3/16, 5/32 and 1/8

BSW taps: 5/8, 9/16, 1/2, 7/16, 3/8, 5/16, 1/4, 3/16, 5/32 and 1/8
Also what is th "BSF"?
Bill Robinson

Bill,

Even though those taps and dies are being advertised for the TC, TD and TF, they're not correct. Although the heads of the bolts are Whitworth, the threads aren't. Almost all of the bolts used on the T-series are British Standard Fine (BSF) (except the engine bolts which are metric fine) and I'd imagine the MGA uses BSF also. I'm sure that someone here will give you the definitive answer but I wouldn't waste my money bidding on those...
Gene Gillam

Bill, there are very few BSW threads on an MGA, if any, no BSF either, most of the MGA threads are UNF, UNC and BA. Can't comment on T types I'm afraid


Terry
T Drinkwater

All bolts are UNF = AF , studs and ones into aluminium castings are UNC, the ones on the electrics are almost all 2BA.

I use five or six taps and dies, and that covers pretty much everything.

Fuel Pipes use BSP threads

I can't think of a single WW thread on the car.
dominic clancy

Hey thanks for the info, My wife thanks you for saving me from wasting another 50 bucks! :) Any info on were I might be able to aquire a UNF Tap & Die set?
Bill Robinson

Bill, Sears sells tap and die sets of reasonable quality for a reasonable price. The sets contain taps/dies for most common UNF and UNC sizes. You might consider the set of "clean up" taps and dies. These sets are cheaper (about $50) but are not meant to form new threads. They are very good at cleaning up rusty threads (use a lubricant when doing this). You will probably find that you'll have to replace a good number of your nuts & bolts anyway. If you decide you want a set for cutting new threads, you'll also need the corresponding tap drills for each size. Now its getting expensive, but again, you really only need a few of the common sizes.
George
G Goeppner

Bill. There is a tech article on taps and dies on my website, www.custompistols.com/ which may be of use to you. It describes the types of taps and how to determine what size bolt or stud you are working with.

I purchase the taps as necessary. Most hardware stores will have them in stock. You also need a tap handle to turn the tap with. The best ones have a collet inside which tightens down on the tap so it may be turned. You would want one that goes from 1/4" up to about 1/2".

You will need some form of tapping lubricant. You can use motor oil, if that is all you have, but the proper lube is a better idea. A bottle will last for a number of years in hobbyist use.

Les
Les Bengtson

This thread was discussed on 20/03/2007

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