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MG TD TF 1500 - original restoration or not?

(Apologies in advance if needed, as I'm a complete newbie here)
Regarding my 1953 MGTD:
I'm trying to decide whether I should sell or restore, and if I restore, if it is important to be as authentic as possible, relative particularly to colors. I assume that a number somewhere should indicate the original paint and upholstery colors. Right?
I suppose aesthetics are up to me, but does it increase the monetary and/or show value if it is authentic right down to exact colors?
Thanks,
Ken
Ken

You might want to check out Chris Couper's excellent site ("The Original MG midget") at:

http://www.mgcars.org.uk/mgtd/index.html

Here's the page with the original finishes:

http://www.mgcars.org.uk/mgtd/mgtd_finishes.htm

From the FAQ:

http://www.mgcars.org.uk/mgtd/mgtd_faq.htm

"Starting with the mgtf in 1953, MG's were coded with the color of the body on the ID plate. Prior to that there was no code on the cars. Also starting at the MGTF model the factory records are available for the history of the cars production and colors. This is not true for the MGTD. Therefore the only way you have a chance to tell what color your car was is to take it apart. ... [much more]"

Luckily, my car is a TF and I was able to look up the original color from the number plate.

Hope this helps, MB
Mark B.

I've read in tech manuals that the pinion on the starter of a TF has 9 teeth and the ring gear has 120.
Recently I purchased a reconditioned starter and was assured by the salesman that the "10" tooth pinion was ok.I asked another retailer and he said that the "9" and the "10" tooth was interchangable.
I'm still uneasy!Will using the 10 tooth cause any problems?
Thanks
steve evans

It can cost a lot of money to buy a really good TD / TF and possibly even more to restore one. I have been restoring my TD for the last six months and have been spending over £500 per month on parts and restoration services. The only way I justify such expenditure is the belief I will get most of it back if I am ever forced to sell the car.

It's a fact that in the UK, cars which deviate from the original are worth substantially less that the real thing. If I was considering buying a car with a 5 speed conversion I would want the original gear box or the cah to buy one and reducion in price.

However to me original means as the cars in total left the factory. I don't think a colour change to an original spec would devalue your car but I think it important to keep the coachwork and upholstery as an original match.

Jan T 51 TD
Jan Targosz

imho On a cold hard cash basis it'll never ever be possible to justify a proper restoration. You'll always be spending more $$$/time/sweat/tears on the job than you'll ever recoup on the finished product's sale.

Only start the job if you've got your heart set on having a nicely completed vehicle. If you don't have the time, $$ & patience to do it properly then perhaps its better off sold to someone else who does.

In the worst event, just remember that uncompleted 'basket' case restorations will always be worth far less than any mangly running example.
Will

I don't think you'd ever regret restoring the car to original appearance in every respect. Some changes like switching the rear end diff ratio to something other than 5.1 are pretty invisible but do help to make the car more friendly to drive so I would more readly consider those types of mods, verses non-original engines / transmissions, vinyl upholestry and top, metallic paints, etc. Just how far you go with the "originality" question is the subject of unending debate, what was "factory" verses dealer installed options etc. so in the end, you have to do what you'll be comfortable with. If you think the car will outlive you..It really doesn't matter...be happy while your here and using it!
Brian

I would be very carefull about "over restoring" the TD if you really want to drive the car. Those T cars that have been rebuilt to better than the factory made them turn in "trailer queens" when the owner considers all of the time, expense and labor that went into restoring them.

However a "rebuild" which consists of replacing all really bad and worn parts, repaint, and maybe a little "tarting up" of the really bad chome areas gives one a very presentable car. This type of "restoration" will probably cost $5000 to $10000 less than a show car. It will still gather look-e-loos due to its uniqueness and because it has a few "imperfections" you will be more willing to drive the car a lot.

Blake
With a rebuilt TD.
Blake J.

Showqueens have their appeal for some, but not all. For the amt spent on the usual over-polished look, it'll never be recuperated on sale - for any perfectionist buyer would prefer to have done it all him/herself.

Don't really see the point in such 'perfection' anyway:
- you can restore it all you want but give it a few years the rubber will all start to deteriorate again and the paint/chromework wears through from all that polishing.
- MGs were made to be enjoyed, they weren't made to look pretty on a trailer. They were designed simply to be repaired easily. (For someone who swore by fuel injection and engine computing, I've just had a crashcourse in contact points and carburettors - priceless!).

Basically figure out how long you want to keep the car, then work around that.
Will

This thread was discussed between 05/10/2002 and 09/10/2002

MG TD TF 1500 index

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