MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

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 TD TF 1500 - MG TF Workshop manual

I'm new to the T series cars and picked up my first MG TF 1500 yesterday that needs some pretty serious work. It hasn't been on the road since 1991 so will lots of work prior to being driveable again. I'm not new to MGs having already restored a 1960 MGA Coupe and several MGBs.

I'm looking for recommendations on Workshop manuals and other publications that would help me restore this beautiful car to previous glory.

The car was converted to Volvo 1800 powertrain in 1978 after the original XPEG caught fire. I'm also seeking advice on the Volvo conversion and thoughts on buying an original XPEG engine and returning the car to original condition.

Thanks

Andy

MG TF 1500 (Volvo conversion) 1955
MGA Coupe 1960
mgb roadster 1967
MGB GT 1974
Andy Preston

Amongst other books, I bought the MG midget (series TD & TF) workshop manual from Moss. It's a reprint of the original factory manual. 75 bucks and well worth it. I haven't a clue what other information anyone would need beyond what's in this book, but for some reason should you need more clarification on a repair or subject, just jump on this forum and ask. There's so much knowledge right here at your finger tips on all of these cars, it boggles the mind. I've been around LBCs for over 35 years, but never owned a "T" series until recently and with that, I've found out that they are definitely different animals than the later editions. The fellas on this forum have given me a ton of information in a very short time. Buy all the books you want, their fun and informing to read, but if you get stumped, ask the guys here and you'll get a proper answer. JMHO. PJ
Paul Jennings

Welcome aboard Andy. It would be nice if there was one source for all the info you need. Unfortunatley thats not the case. The reprint of the work shop manual should be your first purchase for referencing all things mechanical. The "MG T Restoration Guide" by Malcom Green and the "MG T Restoration Handbook" from the New England MG T Register both provide some usefull information and I believe both are still in print. Many people swear by the "Complete MG TD Restoration Manual" by Horst Schach. Much of what applies to the TD also applies to the TF. If you want colored picture refference then I would suggest the " Original MG T" by Anders Claussinger (sp). The last two are out of print but come up on ebay from time to time.

This site is an excellent source for information.
Others you should put on your list are " The Original MG TF" , Bud Krugers "T Talk", Dave Braun's TD restoration site and others.

Returning the car to the XPEG will not be an easy task. Due to the fact that the 1500 was produced in very limited numbers the blocks are very difficult to find in usable condition. I would suggest you put a large sum of cash away and jump on the first one you come across as it won't last long and will most likely be very expensive. In addition you will need a T tranny, drive shaft, carbs etc. May be more than you want to take on.

Pictures are good and were always willing to help those in need. Most of us have already been in your shoes. Good luck

LaVerne
LaVerne Downey

Andy,
Welcome aboard!
The workshop manual is a great referance, however one thing I learned in the last 10 years of owning a TF is to check the archives on this BB first. The knowledge of the folks on this board is sometimes better than the manual. This is the place for "been there / done" that advise!
If you haven't been here yet this site is an excellent source also:
http://www.mgcars.org/mgtf/index.html
Like Paul said if in doubt just ask on here and you will get the answer to most any question.
Keep us posted on your progress.
David Sheward

Andy, Welcome to the klan! Undoing the Volvo conversion with any origional type drive train will probably require some very advanced scavenging and big bucks, and, of course, you'd be very unlikely to recover even a portion of the investment with an eventual sale. Since the numbers won't match anyway, an XPAG would be much more available (and affordable) then an XPEG. Even that, I'm sure, could easily set you back to the tune of 10 grand or more (just for the tranny and engine) with rebuilding.
As far as reference materials, I would add a book by Horst Schach, titled: The Complete M.G. TD Restoration Manual. It is available from The New England MGT Register (http://nemgtr.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=159&Itemid=226). It goes way beyond the mechanical stuff in the TD/TF repair manual. Also, A very generous contributor to this BBS, Dave Braun, has a website with a terrific photo documentation of his restoration. I don't have the URL saved on this computer, but I'm sure that Dave or someone else will jump in and give it to you. No kidding-it is a must-see and addresses almost every aspect of the car. It has unravelled many mysteries for myself and many others!
Good luck with the car, and please try to keep us posted. I'm sure that this BBS will be a huge help. The depth of available knowledge and experience is amazing!
Steven Tobias

Andy: Original manuals appear on eBay fairly frequently, and generally sell for less than the re-prints. I would then double-sided photocopy the manual into a notebook, so you can get the pages grubby and just re-copy them when they need it.

As for the engine issue, it's complicated... If you want to drive and enjoy the car right now, then leave the Volvo where it is for the time being. The Volvo in many ways is a better and less-stressed engine, and there's nothing wrong with a good conversion. Used but running complete XPAG 1250 engines are regularly available for about $2,000 (I bought one on eBay last year, complete with starter, carbs, generator, etc. for less than that), and you might want to think about one of them as a stop-gap. You would still need a trans and driveshaft (assuming nothing was cut to install the Volvo), both of which are out there (don't jump on the first one you see - people set their prices all over the place).

As LaVerne wisely points out, XPEG 1500 engines are scarce and expensive, perhaps even twice the 1250 cost. If you then found one of them and truly wanted to go back to original, the trans and driveshaft you put in with the 1250 will be re-used.

But don't lose sight of the fact that the engine numbers of a replacement 1500 engine will NEVER match your car, and that the value of the car is definitely diminished because of it. My guess is that a car with a non-matching 1250 would be worth a little more than a Volvo conversion.

A strong 1250 from a late TD or TF will be enough oomph, especially if you install one of the 5-speed conversions, and is much more available.

DO ASK QUESTIONS!

Best, Tom
TA, TB, TD, Mark II, TF, TF1500
t lange

Andy, Personally I would work on restoring the car, but keep the Volvo conversion. Do it up as a nice showable and drivable car and then after that, keep your eyes open for a correct TF with matching numbers. You could always sell the volvo converted car later. A lot of people out there would love to have a car like that and do not care about how correct it is, just as long as it looks nice and drives well. Even though "WE" don't like them, just look at how many plastic TD-VWs are out there! JMHO. PJ
Paul Jennings

Wasn't the "1500" used in other cars as well?
Seems to me there was some discussion on here years ago about a TF with a (Wosley?)1500 engine in it. I would think that would be a more "acceptable" replacement if one could be found.
Andy,
Just curious ...is your car Black w/bisquite interior & front disc brakes? If so I think I "know" the car.
David Sheward

Hi guys you are a very friendly bunch. Many thanks for the tips and advice and I'll go ahead and get the Moss manual and others and I'm sure I'll be back here real soon with more questions.

Thanks again

Andy
Andy Preston

David, the 1500 XPAG wasn't used in anything else than the TF. The Wolseley 4/44 used the 1250 cc XPAW engine that is very closely related to the XPAG.

The discussed prefviously discussed TF was fitted with a 1500 Triumph Spitfire(?) engine. I'd much prefer a 1800 Volvo over a 1500 Tr**mph engine.
Willem vd Veer

Wolseley 4/44 XPAW was what I was thinking of,but I was thinking that was a 1500. Haven't been thinking real clear this last week or so. Messed up my back monday before last and been pumped full of meds since. Fell backwards on a cinder block, cracked two ribs,compressed T10 disc, and brused my spleen. Was there such an animal as a"XPEW" ?
Volvo 1800 over a Triumph 1500 would be better for sure.
David Sheward

Damn Dave, You didn't hurt your beer hand did you?
LaVerne Downey

Sorry to hear about that Dave; fell and broke my arm a couple winters ago so know where your coming from.

Hope ya feel better soon,

Rich
Richard Taylor

Going on 2 weeks without a beer.
(percocet & flexeril)
I fear there is too much blood in my alchol system.
David Sheward

Sucks being on the DL Dave. Pecocet makes me hurl, too bad as I like a good buzz as much as anyone. Coughing or laughing hurts like hell don't it? Was this a shop incedent? Might have to turn you into OSHA. Can you sue yourself for negligence? Let me know if ya can cause I could make a lotta money.
LaVerne Downey

This thread was discussed between 13/04/2010 and 16/04/2010

MG TD TF 1500 index

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