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MG TD TF 1500 - Ant builds a MGTD Alfa Formula car

If you have not seen this, it is worth looking at
Ant Anstead takes time away from Wheeler Dealer to build a replica formula race car. He uses a TD as the base. Keeps the TD front end and then modifies the rear to accommodate an Alfa Romeo Spyder engine, transmission, and differential.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFI3JHWfeII
Bruce Cunha

Thanks Bruce. I'm laid up at home with a bad back and I'm hooked. But where is episode 6? Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Don’t think it’s available yet Peter...I’ve searched and can’t find it.

Gene
Gene Gillam

While Ant said it was beyond restoration, the body was in better shape than mine, when I started.

Also he states its a 52' but it has 53 taillights.

Jim B.
JA Benjamin

I've been waiting for it too, but I think they're still working on future episodes.

The car was far from unrestorable, but I think what he means by "not viable" is that the cost to restore that TD would have been too expensive. I seem to remember it was missing engine, gearbox, wings, etc so he's probably right. Better to chop up the frame and build a hot rod than to scrap it I guess. Someone will surely be able to use the remaining body parts.
Steve Simmons

I watched the first 5 episodes with interest. I hope he is planning to add some reinforcement to the chassis, having cut away so much of the original metal work.
Dave H
Dave Hill

I hope he gets out the 3” hole saw and Swiss cheeses the rails! Lol
W A Chasser

I'm getting "unavailable" some Discovery Channel problem?
Peter Dahlquist

Me too Peter. Something about a "copyright problem"?
efh Haskell

That’s the YouTube search window.

Jim B
JA Benjamin

Next episode is posted.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gI3WLGzEtzQ

Jim B
JA Benjamin

Hmmmm ... interesting. This is going to be a major challenge. The original Alfa 158/159, had a transaxle (like the Ferrari 275 GTB) so the gear lever was easily positioned to the driver's left hand (see attached pic) and changing gears was quite straight forward (except for the crash box and straight cut gears).

However in this hybrid with a chopped-up TD frame with the gearbox from a type 750 Alfa (Giuletta and later). And they were direct connected. No remote like we have in our Ts.

This means the gear knob will fall right between his knees and probably closer to his crotch, and under the big (probably 19" or more) steering wheel.

My take on this is, that this guy's spending a small fortune on this hybrid (dry sump too?) and its going to be like driving a TD with the gear change in your crotch.

Bona Fortuna !

Gord Clark
Rockburn, Qué.



Gord Clark

I just tried to go to the new YouTube link and I get. A black screen with “This video is private”
W A Chasser

If you go directly to YouTube.com
and enter in the search box

ant master mechanic

Up wil come a list of episodes. I checked to see of the latest is still working.

Yes.

Jim B.
JA Benjamin

I got to drive an older fordson backhoe that the neighbor has with the shift lever right in your crotch. No fun shifting. Can't imagine doing it in a car you shift frequently.

It will be interesting to see his work around
Bruce Cunha

He has moved the rear driveline to one side by about 6”.
This will move gearbox over to make room.
But this means that either the engine must also move or a lateral gear/chain drive is installed OR the engine is TILTED.

Since he is going with a dry sump he can tilt the motor.

Jim B.
JA Benjamin

In an earlier episode he said the engine is shifted as far to the right as possible and he sits on the left. The idea being his weight counterbalances the engine to some degree. The gear shift I believe was going to be on his right hand. Keen to see episode 7. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

He's cut that TD frame up so much I would think it would have been easier to build a frame from scratch! But I guess this makes better TV?
efh Haskell

Episode 7 is Now available.

Ant works on the space Frame and makes a shifting linkage.
This link may or may not work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRd1PK36BTk

Go to YouTube.com
In the search box enter:

Ant Master Mechanic.

You will see episode 7 about 4 or 5 entries down.

Jim B.
JA Benjamin

Thanks Jim B - the link works for me. I've been waiting for the next episode.

BobbyG
Bobby Galvez

The link worked for me. At 19:58 is a racing picture showing (I think) a TD racing with the Alfa and (I think) a BMW. Don't know where the race may have been but the picture is pretty good. Jud
J. K. Chapin

I stumbled across another "Ant" video yesterday. It seems he is also involved in a small company producing "new" 50's and 60's type "bespoke" British sports cars! The buyer can order whatever he wants for the interior. The exterior looks sort of like an XKE mixed with a Cobra. Here is a link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-EoUzrh4cw

Ed

efh Haskell

Wow! My back woke me at 3:15 am and as usual I check the BBS. Ep 7 is just magic!! Thanks Jim. Gear linkage is great and Ant's doing an astonishing job. The teaser for the next ep is awesome. Because of the original chassis and front end, albeit with some mods, this is a genuine TD special. Sure the running gear and instrumentation is Alfa but boy what a hybrid. I reckon there's enough info in this incredible series to build one of these dream cars. I just might even swap my TD for one! It'd do me for my daily drive. If you haven't been following this series then you're really missing something. What a fantastic car!!! Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

I have a different view. In no way would I consider this a TD special. There has to be something recognizable of the original car. A couple chopped down frame rails and some front suspension parts aren't enough to identify it as anything in my view. To me It's far more an Alfa Spider special, considering the largest percentage of parts from any one source came from one. But then I also don't believe in the guys who call their car a 1923 Ford when then only part not either Corvette or custom fabricated is the front (modified) axle. Just my opinion of course.
Steve Simmons

Its what I would call a "Bitsa" - bits of this and bits of that. Not enough TD to be a TD special. Nevertheless an interesting project for sure. The story line is a bit disingenuous I think, as it must have been far more planned and spec'd out than he would have us believe.
Dave H
Dave Hill

Episode 8 is available.

Jim B
JA Benjamin

What's the link Jim? I googled it but got a bunch of sites that told me it exists but no show... Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ll9HPIRGS20

I checked it using both Safari and Firefox on a Mac.

Jim B.
JA Benjamin

I find the angled engine and driveline a bit weird, is it just me?
Dave H
Dave Hill

Maybe it's just me but I found the video that followed to be a bit disappointing. The Dowsetts (sp?) is supposed to be the reincarnation of the 1950-1960s British sports car but to me it's more of a reincarnation of that era's luxury touring car ala the Aston Martin and the like. To me the true British sports car is a low priced, small engine displacement, quick and maneuverable roadster (sorry MGB GT owners but that's how I feel) that the average Joe can own and maintain. Ah well, even so I'm glad they are doing it and, perhaps, they'll later produce something more to my taste without simply reincarnating a Miata. I can only hope. Jud
J. K. Chapin

I think it's just you Dave:-) I love his approach to the issues the build throws up and his logical approach to finding a solution. The retention of the TD front end, the steering rack, the almost complete TD chassis (OK he's angled the rear rails but they're still there) and he's just added a TD steering wheel. I'm a fan. It does it for me. Sure it looks nothing like a TD but it isn't supposed to. I enjoyed Ep 8 just as much as all of the others. His musings are a bit overlong but I love the work, especially when he admits up front that he's NOT a mechanic. I'd like to see a whole lot more of the detail as he progresses, such as his explanation of the front/rear braking mod which he can control remotely He's an inspiration to TD/TF owners and the rest of the car nuts out there to have a go; as he's just a self taught, multi skilled, really likeable guy and he's going to produce one hell of a car, and it is going to go like a bat out of hell. Taking that for a spin around the track would be right up there on my bucket list. Thanks Bruce for the original post. He'll paint it red surely? Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Fair enough. I've seen in-line engines offset from the centreline (Audi Quattro) but can't think of another car with that kind of horizontally angled set-up though. Apart from looking wacky, will it have any weird torque reaction effect?
Agreed, enjoyable none the less (apart from the boring musings).
The brake front/rear adjustment looks like a commercial product. The cable, I assume, moves the fulcrum point from the pedal along the balancer bar between the cylinders changing front/ rear balance.
Dave H
Dave Hill

Episode 9 is now available

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fhy82ltxjmU

Jim B.
JA Benjamin

Peter,

If he is not a mechanic, why does he describe himself as a Master Mechanic in the titles.
B W Wood

It would be good to see a bit more of how he fitted the disc brakes. For us enthusiasts there is a lot of detail which would be good to see in more detail.

Interesting that he states he is using the TD front end as that defines how the car will drive/feel, and the front end will also be on show.

Stuart
Stuart Duncan

Strange also that he wants to build an Alfa Formula car tribute but wants it to handle "exactly like a TD". Lots of things on his build that I would never do, like modern disc brakes. That's a huge eyesore for a car like that. It should have giant drum brakes. And the fake 8-cylinder header is extremely poser. I don't believe in trying to fool people into thinking a car is something it isn't. Still a fun build, just not what I would have done.
Steve Simmons

Dave Hill- There have been several specials built with off set drive lines including some special MGs
As long as both tailshaft universals go through the same angle there's not an issue

Found this pic of the EX135- record breaker--------


William Revit

That's interesting. Thank you. It still looks weird though.
Agree about the brakes, they should be large drums.
Dave H
Dave Hill

Dave ,You'd get a laugh out of what I did to mine, I used MGB spindles to get not so old metal and have converted them to drum brakes so it looks right--in my eyes anyway-?
William Revit

I just asked Ant 2 questions via Youtube comment.
1) What's going to happen the the TD body?
2) Are you using MGB anti sway bar on the front suspension?
Haven't received a replay. Probably won't happen but you never know?
Ed
efh Haskell

Good question BW from new Zealand. That's a question that only Ant could answer. If you access the series, (which is well worth watching), he goes out if his way to state that he's NOT a mechanic on a number of occasions and that he's self taught. Just got out of hospital after a 5 day stay and this is the first place I headed to, hence the delay in responding. Jim I'm about to get comfy and watch Ep 9. Thanks mate. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Is Ep 10 available Jim? Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

I don’t see it there yet.

Jim B
JA Benjamin

Episode 10 is available.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqjlRXVTV_M

I checked the link.

Jim B.
JA Benjamin

Thanks Jim. Loved it. The bit about the TD rego was really interesting. It is, according to Californian road rules actually a TD special. It uses the original TD body and chassis plate on the original chassis and will therefore be registered as a TD special because you can modify the body as much as you like it seems. Can't wait for the next ep. The grille looked great except for a wider bit on the left front that looked a bit strange but maybe it was just the camera angle. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

California is perhaps the easiest place in the world to own a classic car. They really don't care what you do to it. There are hundreds of 1920s Model T's running around that have nothing left of the original part except a small piece of frame rail. You can essentially build a brand new car from all modern parts so long as you use one little piece of the original car, and still register it as a 1915 vehicle and receive all the benefits of antique registration and insurance. There are no safety inspections of any kind required, and no emissions testing for vehicles over 25 years old. And getting a title for a barn find is no problem at all. Honestly I'm not sure why Ant had to hire anyone to get a title since it already has one. The DMV doesn't care that it's modified. All he has to do is renew the registration in his name as an MGTD.

I'll add a couple things I don't like to is build. The giant silver modern aluminum radiator showing through the grill, along with the electric fan. He needs to cord wrap the steering wheel as well. I thought it was going to hate the gauges but even though they're modern magnetic instruments, they do have a vintage look so I give them a pass. ;)
Steve Simmons

I agree Steve, the grille needs to stand out against the black radiator. The teaser looks like he's headed towards Chip Foose from Overhaulin days and I fear we ain't gunner see the red original F1 looking car that inspired Ant in the first place. Foose just loves two or even three tone cars, usually pinstriped. Just paint it that original red Ant! Don't let Foose talk you out of it. Go with the red buddy! I recon it'd look magic. Would I swap my original looking TD that I've been in love with and determined to finish since 1970 for it? Absolutely!! In a heartbeat! The boss reckons she's not getting in the TD anyway cause it'd mess up her hair, so the fact that it's a single seater just ain't a problem. That's one cool car. TD or no. I just love it. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Is the next ep up yet? Help! Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

not yet but should be soon.
Said it needed 100 likes to post and they have 112.
Jim B.
JA Benjamin

That's just a childish ploy to get more upvotes. When people do things like that, I make it a point to not give it to them.
Steve Simmons

Please post link to Ep 11. I'm hanging out... Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Episode 11 is on youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmlutXUhQPQ
J Cosin

Petrol in a BLUE can?

Jim B.

JA Benjamin

Thanks JC. You have to admit it is one hell of a car! Foose's moustache (I'm ignoring spell check cause apart from driving on the wrong side of the road AND that the steering wheel is in the wrong place, you guys just can't spell English!), may or may not be a bad thing. The guy does have a really creative flair though and I admire his suggestion of a 'stamp' of the current builder and not just a copy of what's gone before. Been a great series. If you haven't seen it, sit down with a few T Type mates and large quantities of beer, someone to cook the BBQ and have a great time. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Makes you forget that other tall guy that was on Wheeler Dealers! What was his name again? So much for the Ant naysayers. Imo, Ant is the new star!
Ed
efh Haskell

Yes I agree it is one hell of a car. I also have a special appreciation as my two classic cars are a 51 TD/C and a 67 Duetto. I guess If I ever need more room in my garage I could always make two into one. :^)


J Cosin

Well episode 12 is available BUT NOT on YOUTUBE.
In fact all the previous episodes have disappeared.

You can see it here IF you have a membership.

https://www.motortrendondemand.com/detail/episode-12/0_ecryvfro/?_branch_match_id=734864294527576653

Fortunately Hagerty gave me a free membership, at least for a year.

The chassis is power coated, White.
The body is painted with a yellow nose and a thin blue collar.
He goes to the Formula 1 and shows it off, (not shown).
He takes it to a track and runs it.
He says his next project is a Lotus.

You can sign up for a 14 day free trial and then cancel.

Jim B.



JA Benjamin

Forget

The baby’s name is Hudson!
JA Benjamin

This thread was discussed between 26/10/2019 and 15/12/2019

MG TD TF 1500 index

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