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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 TD TF 1500 - Luggage Rack

My friend Bob Figenskau found a TD Luggage Rack several years ago at a swap, and promised it to me when I finished my car. It looks like it was installed for one trip somewhere and then removed, so it is in incredible shape. (Thanks Bob!!)

Today, I picked it up while attending our noon luncheon. The pictures are on my photosite under:
mg td15470 Restoration » On Going Maintenance » Luggage Rack, you can go to http://www.dbraun99.com/ to find the site.

It isn't the 'Runyon Rack' that Moss sells, you have to undo a couple of side extensions to move it up or down. Several members of our club have the same rack (well different racks, but the same style) and I'm unsure of the name or type. Any one know? I've attached an image in the 'up' position as that is how it is mostly seen.

warmly,
dave

Dave Braun

Dave

It looks like an AMCO rack. I ran one for a couple of years until I broke it carrying too much weight.

Mike Francks
M FRANCKS

We have the same rack,,, got it from Moss back in '87,,, I saw one on a TF fail going over a speed bump on the "Lap Of New England" so I devised this extra support... two pictures ,,
Steve Wincze

First one,,, the straps are velcro,, the cut outs fit the two rear side to side bars, and the other fits around the bumper and bumper bolt.

Steve Wincze

Second one with the support in place,, The weight from the rack is transferred into the bumper..

Steve Wincze

Support in use,,, ready for a long trip...

Steve Wincze

Mike, thanks for the info. Guess it matches my official 'Amco' wind wings!

Steve, great support idea! Could you trace it and make the tracing available? I would love to build a pair.

warmly,
dave
Dave Braun

That is indeed an AMCO rack. I have one on my TF-1500 and it works well and has been very useful. That support looks like a good idea if you plan to carry a lot of weight.




D L Rainey

Hi Dave, I am 90 percent sure that it is an AMCO rack. I have the same one that I bought a while back at a GOF for $25. One of the threaded studs that supports it when unfolded, was broken off. I believe that this is the main weakness. It doesn't go all of the way through the width of the rack. It's just welded into the wall of the tubing. I carefully cut and drilled the good stud out and inserted a long stainless threaded rod all of the way across and locked it in place with a couple of thin nuts. I was able to get a very similar knurled knob from Grainger's.
When I first got it, it looked pretty sad. In the fifties, they really knew how to chrome plate. A good hand rub with chrome cleaner and polish had it looking like new!
Steven Tobias

Thank you Dennis and Steve. AMCO, it must be by consensus! The lesson here is to treat it gently and support it when loaded (the rack, not the operator)

warmly,
dave
Dave Braun

David,

Definitely AMCO. I have one on my TD and I bought it new in 1969 when I was restoring the car. I got it at the time from WILCO a business run by a friend of mine here in Rochester NY. I've used it a few times and never had any trouble with it.
I have on my TF the Moss rack that mounts over the top of the spare tire. Looks pretty there with a picnic basket attached but really cuts down on the rear vision.

George Herschell
George R Herschell

While we are on this subject. Is there a need for a copy of the AMCO style rack? While doing a repair on another broken rack, we are looking into making a few from stainless steel thick wall tubing. You can polish or plate, your option. Let me know.
Bob Wrenn

Bob,

What is the projected cost of a stainless reproduction?

Thanks,
Evan
Evan Ford TD27621 EXL/NA

Bob,
I would also be interested in a stainless version,,,, our present rack isn't going to last forever!! The Amco design is the most usefull of all that I have seen,, the new fold down racks limit the side to side capacity,and the high racks limit the visability. I was thinking of approaching a local marina and talking to a "tower" fabricator about making racks,,,,

SPW
Steve Wincze

Steve, I think that you'll find that most of the tuna tower makers work in brushed aluminum. If you could find a guy that makes bowrails or stern pulpits, you would find 7/8 or 1 inch welded stainless. I have seen a couple of these people advertised in "Good Old Boat" magazine.
Steven Tobias

Bob:

I too would be interested in a stainless version for my TF. I've been looking for one of the AMCO versions for a few years now (Ebay, etc.) but no luck so far. As long as what you're considering fabricating is as faithful to the original AMCO design as possible and the cost is reasonable....count me in.

Cheers,

Jim
Jim Rice

We are still trying to arrive at a sell price. Right now the price of the 6 knurled knobs required are a problem in S/S. Anyone have a source or a option? Is plastic w a S/S insert an option?
Bob Wrenn

John, as I said earlier, I purchased the smaller of the 2 different sizes (1/4-20) from Grainger's. It is very close. The difference is the knurl pattern around the knob. Try graingers.com. http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/4X034
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/4X039
They are very nice indeed!
Steven Tobias

I would be interested in a stainless steel version, contingent on price and fidelity to the AMCO rack. RUSS YOUNG
D R Young

Bob Wrenn
One sorce of stainless knurled Knobs is Morton Machine Works in PA.
Barc Cunningham

Dave,
It is indeed an AMCO rack. I have the same rack on my '53.

Robert Agar

Thanks Robert and George, for chiming in... Nice Photo Too Robert!
warmly,
dave
Dave Braun

I have the same too.
Cheers,
Guenter

Guenter

This thread was discussed between 20/05/2009 and 05/06/2009

MG TD TF 1500 index

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