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MG TD TF 1500 - Looking for First T Series : Advice?

Okay, that magic moment in life is about to happen. I turn 50 in 2002.
I look at my 71 B, 73 midget and 80 TR8 and realize that they are considered antiques. Now, how in the work can I have cars YOUNGER than me which are ANTIQUES!
In order to solve my dilemna, I have decided to get a car at least made in the same decade as myself. The TF attracts me. Where do I start? I really don't want to go through an extended restoration (again), but, as my Dad said " I'm not made of money". Suggestions?

Thanks!
Bart
bartTS

If you want to embark on a restoration project and are not made of money, rob a bank.

On the other hand, you could drive a tatty TF for a few years and then sell it.

If you are possibly interested in a TD, I have a partly restored one together with a very large quantity of parts collected over years of restoring these gems and which are available as a complete package for $8000.

If you are interested, let me know and I'll e-mail you the complete list

Geoff Love
Geoff Love

Bart:

This same question came up several months ago. If you look in the archives under thread: Looking to get first TF (posted Sept. 2, 2001), you'll get several opinions listed, but given your desire not to spend all your time in the garage, would suggest getting a TF in some semblance of restored condition.

Sure, a restored TF will cost more to begin with, but TRUST ME....you will end-up spending as much or more in the long run not to mention a lot of time and effort anticipating the finished product. Since these cars only appreciate in value, taking out a loan (home equity?) to buy one is not a big risk and may the way to get your cake and eat it too !!

There are a number of websites that offer restored cars for sale. Just a matter of looking. From what I've seen, an average restored TF goes for between $15 -19K, more if restored to concours quality.

Good luck, Jim

Jim Rice

Geoff, hmm, rob a bank.. great, now I have to decide between commercial or S&L! {Smile}

Jim, I'm in Loxahatchee... just down the road from you.. are you a member of the Gold Coast Club? I think you're correct, having restored two already and in process on the TR8, I see where the cost is higher than the eventual value. My only concern is that I want one done "just so", as my grandmother used to say. I guess my best bet is to just keep checking around at the GOFs and shows for higher quality TFs.

Any thoughts on TD vs TF?

Thanks,

Bart
BartTS

Jim,

Thank you for bringing my attention to the Archived Bulletin. I had completely forgotten that it was "I" who had initiated in in September! With what happened on the 11th, I had not followed up on my own posting! My apologies to the BBS users!

Bart
BartTS

TD vs TF- 1250 cars drive the same. TF 1500s have moderately more power (and cost more), however many 1250s have by now been bored, head/block skimmed, cams, etc., so there may not be a terrific difference in performance. The TF motor is much more difficult to work on- virtually no clearance anywhere- whereas the TD is entirely accesible. TF's generally are a bit higher $ (rarer- about 9600 TF's vs. 29,000 plus TD's )Bottom line- the appearance/style is the main difference.
George Butz

Bart, I was 47 when I purchased my restorable TF. I am now 54. I have restored or replaced everything on the car. I have spent 15 grand of carefully documented expenses and about a billion hours (undocumented) of my time. It finally looks like it will be finished this spring. I have to admit there is a great deal of enjoyment for me and my hobby. These cars although small are pretty complicated especially trying to redo the tub and wood work. If you have plenty of time, money, and love the work, restore one. If I were looking right now, I'd by a driver if I could find one for the right price.

P.S. This may be taboo here, but I also have an MGA.
F.W.I.W. I think this is an easier restore. And they were made in '55.
Dan Hanson

Bart....It pays to look around, I happened to find my mgtf 1250 advertised in the local paper and went to take a look on a lark as I already was driving a restored 76 MGB that I had spent 6 grand putting right. The TF was advertised at 9 thousand...I expected a bucket of bolts but was pleasantly surprised to find the car was clean with no rust or rotten wood and had a documented 58 K miles on the odometer. Aside from having to replace the floorboards, interior panels and carpeting the car was drivable from day one. The owner had replaced the brakes and put new rubber all around before I bought it. The only major work was dismantling the car this past summer to have it stripped to bare metal and returned to the original MG red from grey. The car is the 584th built and runs like the proverbial top. Ive been in TCs and TDs and personally find the TFs bucket seats more comfortable. To date I would estimate my total expenditure at 13 thousand, I was able to talk the owner down to 8thousand when purchased. There may well be a restorable TF out there with your name on it worth looking..in any event I dont think you will lose on your investment good hunting Jeff
jeff payne

Thank you for your comments. It seems that the majority of people favor buying a restored TF over a project car.

What is the group feelings on a TF vs an earlier model? TC, TD. I found a TD MkII in running order, but rough, up in Maine... should I consider it? They are a bit high.. asking 10,500.

BTW, thank you Jim for letting me drive your TF... it was a pleasure!

Bart

BartTS

Genuine MKII's are pretty rare, hence the higher price. You would probably want to check that it has all the additional MKII bits though (e.g additional Andrex shocks, dual fuel pumps, larger SU's, etc. These things plus the head with larger valves is what makes a MKII more desireable - and quicker.
Bob Simpson

TO buy a tf or a td based on which looks better is like blonds and redheads, which do YOU think is prettier. Dave.
capdave

I believe the MKII you are refering to was at the British Invasion at Stowe, VT. I have a MKII, but I was there with my Y, and recall it being sort of complete. Wouldn't give you 10+ for the car, but the Scot in me recalls when we would walk away from the 'drive-away' TDs saying $500. was too much. As with any vintage car, if you are going to 'restore it', only do it to a car you love and are going to keep, since you will neer get your money back. The pay-off is in the enjoyment.

Paul
Paul Gaynor

Paul,
As a matter of fact they did buy it st Stowe... Bob and Jack from MGGuys in Maine. They're good people, experts on restorations and V8 conversions, but do not give anything away on the cheap. I know as I've bought from them in the past.

I also feel that it's a bit high, but not having seen it yet cannot be certain. "Sorta Complete" sounds like it's definitely not worth 10k+. Everytime I call them, I offer him 5k... who knows, maybe they'll want to get rid of it.

Bart

PS CapDave, I like blonds and redheads.. but love a brunnette! Whom I married 28 years ago...
BartTS

Bart,
I also turn 50 soon, (2003) and have just bought a TD so I know the feeling. The answer to your problem seems simple, sell the TR8 and use the money to retore a TD! Who wants a TR anyway!! If you really want to come out ahead, put the TR engine in the B and sell the TR 8 with the B engine, it will improve the TR to have a good MG engine installed, and the B would just love V8 power!
I looked for a long time for my TD, the main points to look for to avoid major expence are the wood (think rusty metel in the B) and the engine. The rest of the car is pretty staightforward for the back yard mechanic.
Robert Dougherty

Hey all you guys who are about to turn 50! The best thing you can do is to BOTH restore a TD, AND vintage race a TD!!!

To whit: my dad died in 1997; my brother and I decided to split the cost of restoration--which was much more than we ever imagined it would cost--but when either of us drives it, we feel re-connected to our Dad!! Plus, MG owners are the best people in the world!!!

Based upon how the restoration turned out, a close friend who knew I wanted to go vintage racing offered me his TD vintage racer when he first saw the restored car! I bought it! So, when I go vintage racing, if there's a car show at the same venue, my brother takes my Dad's car, and we all enjoy the weekend together. Plus, MG vintage racers are the best racers in the world!!

Do you think my Dad is looking down from somewhere...and smiling? I certainly feel like he is!!! And, you cannot have more fun than driving or racing an MG--that's what these cars were made for!

Jeff
Jeff Brown

Bart-
At 56 I was jolted when my wife confessed that her dream car was an MG TD. Found a TD (in Salt Lake City, no less), got it to B'ham, and drove it 35 feet to the garage. Thanks to Moss Motors diagrams I am almost finished with a complete brake job (master cylinder and all). My comment to my wife (since we have had the car 2 months and haven't driven it yet) was "You don't think I bought this to drive, did you?"
Buy a T series. You will find that a "square-rigger" is therapy, fun, and most of all well worth whatever you pay for it.
Ken
Ken Martin

Only way to go is get a 'passable' TF for about 12-15k, then rebuild everything and have it painted. Think how proud you will be of your nice $35k car in about 3 years. Dave.
capdave

Very interested in learning what sites and resources are available to determine the value of a TD. For example, is there a list that tells you the going price for MG models? Is there a scoring list to determine purchase price?

Ed Madden
Ed Madden

Here's a good place to start your reasearch from: http://www.hemmings.com/
I checked the other night and there were 17 TF's listed for sale there. Some good links also that should give you a good idea of the going price. The thing is...when you find the right one...you will feel it in you heart....then you will begin to feel it in your check-book!
Happy Hunting!
David #A1 55 TF 1500
David Sheward

This thread was discussed between 30/12/2001 and 20/01/2002

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG TD TF 1500 BBS is active now.