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MG TD TF 1500 - Greetings

I'm new here, but I've owned my MG TD since July of 1987. I've considered for years restoring it, but I prefered to keep it a 'driver' because my teenaged sons enjoyed using it so much. They've moved upward and onward, and having finished rebuilding and refitting my small jet boat, I decided I needed something new to do.

Here in Minnesota, we store our MGs from late October to early April. As I looked the car over, I noticed the bias plied tires on my little MG are quite worn, and as I was thinking about replacing them, I realized that what I really wanted to do was attack the wood rot in the otherwise sound metal of my MG's body. Which, like the cookie that leads the Mouse to milk, made me realize that I was actually embarking on rebuilding the entire car, running gear, body and interior.

While I enjoy most aspects of originality (I've always disliked the black top and interior which a previous owner had installed) I will probably keep the slightly over chromed appearance which that owner also created, go as stock as possible on the interior, and paint the car two toned in colors that I like but are currently undecided. (sorry about that). I also plan to lower the rear end ratio, and upgrade to radial tires.

My search for good web information lead me to you...

warm regards,
Dave
D. A. Braun

Welcome Dave

You have found the place you need for whatever you want to do to your TD. I am sure there are some here who have cars that were just as they came from the factory, but most of us have made the changes that we like in our little British cars.

Besides, What else do we have to do with our midwestern winters.
Bruce Cunha

Hi Dave (my we have a lot of Dave's on the forum)...
Sounds like mine... just made it roadworthy after 24 years in a barn...
If you search the archives you will find tons and tons of info... as well as a great group to help with some of those "what the X()*&^" type of questions....
Remember... a total tear down and rebuild will take you off the road for a year or two.... Would like to do it (although i sort of love the "patina" of the old thing as it is) but like driving it more....

http://www3.sympatico.ca/gordonblawson/td/td.html
gordon lawson - TD 27667

Like many types of rebuilds it's done for the experience, not for the economics. Realistically you could probably sell yours and find another that has had a ton of money and time put into it for less than you will have in materials to do yours. And has been mentioned your car will be down longer than you might think. I've restored many cars and airplanes in my lifetime, beginning with a TF in 1966, and my TF that I purchased two years ago was the first thing I've bought all restored. I wanted to drive it.
D Clark

Dave,

I think nostalgia is a strong motivation for T series ownership. When I was at the MG Silverstone Weekend last year I found I could relate far easier to the scruffy cars rather than the pristine ones. I am now a pauper after restoring my TD and am jealous of the owners who have really useable cars and can place spanners on the tool box lid without fear of scratching the paint (or in my case powder coating). Why don't you leave her as she is with just enough restoration to make her reliable.


Cheers

Jan T
Jan Targosz

Thanks so much for the kind welcome. Since I've done several large projects in the past, I am really understanding of the time committment and cost involved. I really, really have enjoyed this car over the years, and if it is to survive me, it needs new wood, an engine rebuild (there is oil in the coolant, and low compression in number one) and a new rear end ratio. The tranny is pretty good, but I figure, "In for a penny, in for a pound". The jet boat I just rebuilt is worth about what I have into it, but it was a lot of fun to work on. I totally expect that I'll enjoy this project as well. I got a little sick last February (although I'm only 48 and am in great shape), and my flight surgeon says it will be six months to a year before I get my pilot license reinstated, and I'll go nuts without something to do!

Since I HAVE to do the tub, doing the rest of the car makes sense. I don't intend to make it a trailer queen, or show it. I want it to leak a bit less oil, and be a bit more 'solid' feeling on the road. I got sick of the black interior! I'll probably paint it in a makeshift paint booth in my garage, and some of it will probably be painted outside. I want to be able to give the keys to one of my sons, and worry neither that the car will let them down, or that if they 'break' it, I would feel crushed. It is just a car, a very fun, very interesting anachronism, one that has woven itself into our lives since before the boys started school. It won 'most loved' at the GOF Central Mk XIII, and has taken me to Duluth several times, Iowa, and chunks of Wisconsin. Because of the straightness of the metal, this should be an 'easy' restore. (lol)

Believe me, I've thought about this for a long time! Even to the point of considering selling it and buying a more refined example. But it wouldn't be the same, KWIM?

Does anyone besides me love the way their garage smells when their MG is parked inside, ticking down the heat of a hard run, the combinatioin of hot oil, tires, brake dust and hypoid gear oil combining to remind you how much fun you just had?

That all said, I'm counting on you guys to guide me, and if I can be of help to you, well cool!

Dave
D. A. Braun

Dave, I am the past president of the Minnesota MGTR and if you have any questions do not hesitate to call me or e-mail me. Im in the book. We have a large active club with many memebers all over the state. Let us know where you are located. We have memebers that restore cars for a hobby and are willing to help out with advice and or labor or they will do it all. Let us know if we can help. The Club meets regularly for lunch and you are welcome. Tuesdays at the MPLS/RIchfield American Legion 11:00 Come on in and introduce yourself.
Tom Maine

Dave, I agree completly. My basement holds 6 LBC's with room to work on one. To me , it's the most wonderful place on earth. Welcome! bill.
w.g cook

Dave, welcome to the BBS. You may already know of it or own it but if not I suggest the MG TD Restoration Manual by Horst Schach.
Good luck,
Dennis
D F Sexton

Welcome Dave,
Never ever think of selling your obviously very trusty TD !!! I did this ten years ago with the MGA I once owned and restored, and I regret doing this ever since...8^(
Apparently both you and your car share many happy moments so give her (?) the treatment she deserves. Go for the full restoration so you can enjoy this TD for years to come ! Just make it the car you always promised yourself (wasn't this the old Packard sales slogan ???) There are always a bunch of "piston heads" here on this BBS available to help you.
Good luck ! Nick 52TD/63midget.
D.G.J. Herwegh

Dave,
You've come to the right place. You must have gotten the same warm fuzzies that I did when I bought my TF a year ago.... and was welcomed into this most wonderful fraternity by all of these guys here. Enjoy your little gem whichever way you choose to go!
Gene
Gene Burgess

"Believe me, I've thought about this for a long time! Even to the point of considering selling it and buying a more refined example. But it wouldn't be the same, KWIM?"

Well now that you bring up the emotional side I retract my advice about selling it!

"Does anyone besides me love the way their garage smells when their MG is parked inside, ticking down the heat of a hard run, the combinatioin of hot oil, tires, brake dust and hypoid gear oil combining to remind you how much fun you just had?"

Since I brought home the TF two years ago I smile every time I enter the garage to see it sitting next to my wife's 1994 XJ6VDP (40,000 miles and pristine). I'm loving it!!!!

D Clark

Thanks to all, I was honestly worried if I wasn't intending to go 'concourse original' I would be evangelized to the point of missing the individual aspects of these little cars!

Tom Maine, (embarrassingly looking down at my shoes...) I'm a member of the Minnesota MGTR, and have been for quite some time. I'll try to be more active about attending events!

Dennis, I have that manual by Schach... and several others which I've collected over the years, including the University Motors compilation, and, the T Register handbook, a factory manual and the manual from 'down under'. I have a shelf full of books which I need to go through and figure out which sections will add confusion to my restoration process! I consider myself lucky because in this age of the internet, all sorts of advice is available with only a few key strokes.

Mr. Clark, it is about the journey, isn't it? My garage isn't quite as exotically filled as yours... although my Wife will cheerfully give up her stall as the MG starts to spill over onto the shelving I'm installing on her side to keep all the parts organized. Her pristine 1998 Lumina with only 68K on it (ok, tongue firmly in cheek here) will have to sit outside next to my favorite Trailblazer, and the boats.

I'll try to post some pictures soon to my photog website.

Warmly,
dave
D. A. Braun

Dave,

In speaking to Mark Brandow this past Monday, I understand you need some wood pieces for the TD.

I have been actively cutting new timbers for my Airline Coupe and have a source for the proper ash and a band saw in the garage.

Let me know if you need pieces made. You supply the ash and I'll supply the help.

Cheers,
Lew Palmer
Lew Palmer

Dave,
Welcome to the T-BBS!
This site is just too awesome...the way each new member is welcomed and the great help found here (I would have never got my TF on the road without you guys) ...even better is that when I look at the car, (something I still find myself doing is sitting on a stool drinking a cold one just staring & smelling the patina of "old car"..still not believing it's mine), there are little parts I can associate with many of the people here. Never would have figured "that" out without "Dave" or "Bud" ...never would have found "that" if "Larry" wouldn't have sent me one, thank God for "Chris" and all that info he has put in one place and made so easy to use. With the fresh re-build and hi confidence I hope this is the year I get to meet more of you in person, cause you all feel like family!
Welcome to the family Dave!
Cheers,
David 55 TF1500 #7427
David Sheward

Lew!

'Some' would be an understatement. I have most of the timbers exposed, and all of them are pretty wanting (well, except for the side curtain cover stops, but even one of those has a large worn out hole in the top surface). On Mark's advice, I bit the bullit and ordered Craig Seabrook's entire kit. Thanks warmly for your offer. How's Darlene?

dave
D. A. Braun

Dave,

Welcome to the BBS! We need another Dave here... ;^) We are going to have to assign serial numbers to you guys!

It sounds like you are well prepared for your restoration. For such a small car, these T-series cars can become huge projects.

Keep us posted on your progress, and post pictures to the web for everyone to enjoy. You'll find lots of support here and quick solutions to problems with any aspect of the car. I can say for sure, my restoration has been much easier because of the great guys on this BBS.

Are you planning to completely disassemble the entire car, or do it in stages?

If you do the entire car, you might want to consider doing something I wish I had done. If you take every fastener and clean/measure/photograph/catalog them you can take them to a plater and have the whole batch replated for a very reasonable price. It helps if you have access to a sand blasting cabinet to really prepare the metal. Many platers will do these batches for $40-$100. You can get a better deal if you find a guy that will give you a cash price. If you are flexible on time, they can add your small pieces in to batches of big pieces from other customers. Replating original fasteners is much cheaper than buying new hardware.

Good luck with your project!

Evan
Evan Ford - TD 27621

Dear Evan,

Thanks for your advice on plating. Yes, I have a small blasting cabinet, and yes, I have to take large components off the car to get down to the tub. The wood is seriously compromised, but there is little rust. I'm concerned about disassembly of everything, for example, leaving the hood strikers and latches on the hood and wings means I won't lose any thing for now while I work on the wood and start on the mechanicals.

By plating I assume you mean cad plating. Right now, I'm trying to figure out which fastners are correct whitworth, and which are regular US. The wood decay started years before I bought the car, and the PO (catching on to the acronyms) replaced some hardware to 'tighten' things up.

Dave
D. A. Braun

Dave
Welcome to the BBS, there probably isn’t a question that you have, that can’t be answered here. I see from your photos, that you have started to disassemble your car and that you have a copy of Horst Schach book. One of the most important things he says in the part about restoring these cars is “Do not throw anything away”, until after the restoration. I’ve restored three TD’s from the ground up and can tell you that even a rotten piece of the tub will tell you where the screws, bolts go and what size. Another thing you need to do is put all the old hardware, screws, bolts in a separate zip lock bag and label them as to what and where they came out of. You won’t believe the amount of time this will save when you start to reassemble your car. Another thing I found helpful is not to break the lead joint between the front quarter panel on the left and right side of the car as it connects to the cowl. For me this joint was very hard to re do on the last car. On the previous two I merely used this joint as a hinge and raised the cowl portion to repair the windshield holes. Horst Schach talks about this joint on page 28 bottom paragraph. Hope this helps and again welcome to the BBS John
John C. Hambleton III

Thank you John. Ditto on everything you said, right down to the carpeting! I'm using labeled Zip lock sandwich bags, including separate bags for the right and left assemblies (such as wings). As I stated, I'm trying to do things in fairly large chunks, but since the tub has to come off, I'm doing basically a frame up. Conceivably, I could reinstall quite a few things 'as is' but I will instead rebuild or repair each assembly before it goes back on. I intend to celebrate each rebuilt assembly! lol

That is a really cool suggestion about using the joint as a hinge. I'll for sure try that!

Warm regards,
dave
D. A. Braun

This thread was discussed between 06/04/2005 and 11/04/2005

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