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MG TD TF 1500 - Question on MKII restoration and whats worth doing

I'll be working on a 53 TD MKII shortly. I've done a ton of research and know the car for sure is a MKII as it has a TD/C prefix. However it does not have the original engine block. My uncle does say however that it does still have the original MKII head, carbs, manifold, air cleaner, dual fuel pumps, badging. What it doesn't have is the Andrex dampers. I'm wondering if it's worth it to spend money to try and obtain said dampers to make the car original again if it doesn't have a proper TD3 block. I realize it will not be fit for concours work nor do I want to do that kind of thing. I just want a real good runner. I realize the Andrex dampers really won't provide any benefit on real world use but just thinking since the car is so close to original it would be nice to add those as well. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
l rutt

Although it would be nice to have the original block, I don't believe there was a difference. If you have the head, carbs, etc you still have a TD MK II and should have a great little driver. My one drive in a II was amazing as far as added power was concerned!
gblawson (gordon)- TD#27667

Irutt,

The important thing on a Mark II TD engine is the air cleaner ass'y. It is similar to the standard TD air cleaner, except that it has been opened up for the 1½" SU carbs. Original 1½" intakes and air cleaner ass'y are neigh impossible to find. Count yourself lucky! Also rare, is the Mark II badge fitted to the rear bumper face.

The block really doesn't matter as a standard TF block will do the job, and you can "re-badge" it using a new octagon plate stamped with whatever you want and no one will be the wiser.

Not all Mark IIs wereshipped with Andrex friction dampers. For originality, I think a concours judge would be hard-pressed to prove or disprove whether your car was or wasn't shipped with them.

I was never sure whether the factory fitted them only to the front, or at the rear, as well.

If you're really determined to fit Andrex dampers (front, that is), let me know off-line. I used to know where a pair were available (last = late November).

Gord Clark
Rockburn, Qué.

Gordon A. Clark

If the car was originally equipped with the Andrex shocks,most likely the welded-on mounting brackets will remain. If that be the case-I would make the effort to replace them. If you need pics of brackets,let me know and I'll post some. Could be a tough search for these pieces.Call Gord first.
Hang in there Dan Craig TD/C21793
D.R. Craig

Yes, if you could please post some detail pics of the front and rear mounts I'd appreciate it. I've seen pics of the arms and links. They are different front to rear but not sure the exact method of attachement on the front and have no idea where they go in the rear.

Thanks
l rutt

l rutt, Florida, USA

My 1952 Mark II has all 4 Andrex shocks installed. E-mail me off line and I can send pictures of the installation - front and rear.

The MG Car Club T-Register on-line magazine has articles on the Andrex shocks in issue 3 and 4. See www.tregister.org and check out "Totally T Type".

I have never heard of a factory equipped Mark II that did not have all 4 Andrex shocks. They were part of the power, performance and handling package that makes a Mark II what it is.

John
John Masters

This pic shows front Andrex-lower mounting point is simply 2 extra holes in lower control arm and a steel block to fill channel in the arm. Upper attach point for the link is welded to the front of the spring pocket-1/4 inch plate with 4 bolt holes at the frame end and 1 hole for the link. Have never seen 4 bolt holes used-all Mark II's I've seen have been welded in place. Haven't found a good pic of the rears-roughly diamond shaped bracket with gussets welded on the bottom of the frame aft of the rear axle. Link fastens to the lower spring bracket same as original shock-just 3-4 inches rearward. I'll try to come up with a good picture of these if you still need one. Dan


D.R. Craig

This thread was discussed on 27/01/2008

MG TD TF 1500 index

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