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MG TD TF 1500 - Radio Original

Does anyone know what radio might have been supplied by the dealer for a 54 TF? I misplaced the info, but in UK it was either a Smiths or Radiomobile, but it probably would not have been used in US due to different wave length. I find it unusual that I have never seen anything printed about this, and never saw one in any of the cars. I do believe mine was equipped, but not 100% sure. Any knowledge out there?
Keith
Keith Murphy

Maybe a Blaupunkt Frankfurt would be nice. I have been tempted to try one, but haven't yet. They have positive ground capability, and I assume they work better than most from other manufacturers. Radiomobile may be more acccurate, and I don't know about their quality or reception. There are places that put modern innards in old boxes, if you want the old look with better function. This would make them negative ground, though, if that makes a difference to you.

I would have to have good FM in any radio I put in, or else why even bother? If you find something you like that works well, please post it for us here. Thanks.
Tom

You can always hide one....

http://www3.sympatico.ca/gordonblawson/td/rest/rest.html
gordon lawson - TD 27667

I have installed a Blaupunkt Frankfort AM/FM radio in my TD. It is in the glove box similar to that which is shown in the Owners Manual. I recessed mine a bit more to save space for sunglasses, etc. The problem is that it is difficult to hear unless you are parked. Gordon, is your speaker location satisfactory? I have not mounted mine yet due to a search for the optimum location, if there is one!
Jim Merz

Keith,

The original dealer-supplied radios were a Pye. Positive ground of course. they were 3 pieces - a box with the valves (tubes to most Yanks) that was mounted remotly; typically somewehere under the scuttle, a tuner mounted in the glove box, and a speaker; also lots of heavy, clumsy wires!

I have a complete radio for a Jaguar Mk VII that's a Pye, as well.

If you're going to install a radio, make sure it will work with a positive ground.

On the TF, the fibre undertray had a cut-out for a speaker, and the radio was usually installed in one of the glove boxes.

Gord Clark
Rockburn, Qué.
Gordon A. Clark

The speakers I started with were 3" and are ok at idle, but become background noise unless turned up pretty loud at speed... Didn't want anything in the rear boot (?) space. Have a couple of other ideas, but that seems to be as good a spot as any. (Wouldn't want anything larger under there however).
gordon lawson - TD 27667

Thanks for all the comments - and Gordon I see you are at it again with your woodwork - pretty neat!
Would that armrest work in a TF? Don't want one for radio, but for storage and arm. If you wouldn't mine sharing the dimensions? Keith, proud owner of steering wheel # 0251!
Keith Murphy

I sketched out the dimensions quickly and built from that...will measure it up and send you the dimensions...Its a bit higher then the old aftermarket one.
gordon lawson - TD 27667

What kind of antenna do you folks use? Where have you mounted it?
J FLESHMAN

I found a real compact GE portable in black which runs forever(almost) on 4 AA batteries and fits neatly in the glove box behind the grab handle. I use a copper wire running around the inside of the windscreen for antenna. Not stereo but adequate for news & background music,
SEAMUS
F. HEALY

I have recently purchased an original TD radio including the original replacement glove box that it fit into. I can't speak for the TF, as the glove box arrangement is totally different, but the one I have is a Motorola 401A.

Cheers,
Lew Palmer
Lew Palmer

Keith...sorry, haven't measured it up yet... I picked up a powered antenna from an audio shop...little black plastic box powered from your blue wire...It sticks to the side panel just behind the passenger seat and does an 'ok' job at bringing in channels...and doesn't show at all.
gordon lawson - TD 27667

This thread was discussed between 23/03/2006 and 13/04/2006

MG TD TF 1500 index

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