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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 - Rallye to Reno on New Restoration?

I am finishing up a 5 year restoration on my 1954 MG TF to a very high quality level. I anticipate I will have maybe 500 miles on the rebuild when I drive MD to Reno to San Fran. Have about 250 miles on now.
Question - Is this foolish to do this drive without many miles on it?
I would like to put it in a few shows in the like new condition. Do you think that a 3,000 mile drive would compromise the car for shows? I do plan on putting on Invisible Mask on lower part of front fenders and inside front fender wells, and the beginning of the rear fenders above the running boards, to avoid the chip areas.
Just looking for opinions from the sages. I was raising a family when they did the Circuit of Britain and the T Ocean to Ocean. This may be my last chance - On the other hand I have about 3 to 4 times the money that the car is worth in it - owned since 73 and daughters grew up in it on the back ledge, something for which I would probably literally be arrested for today in the land of the free!

Keith NJ
K E MURPHY

I think it's a once in a lifetime opportunity. If it's a trailer queen only, then your not going to be happy. I'm getting all kinds of chips and bruises on mine. So what? I drive it. Shows get boring to me after a while. Nice to have your work recognized but getting some patina is alright by me. I'd want some more miles on the clock just to feel comfortable, but thats me. I am a little concerned about the rallye to Reno. It's not just a group of slow moving old fart T drivers. B's, A's, C's, B V8s. Wonder how they are gonna tolerate the slow moving T's? Been giving thought to driving to the east coast just to make the entire drive myself.

I'd suggest you take a weekend drive to someplace about 300 miles away packed up with your stuff. You will get a good idea if you really want to spend that much butt time in a TF. I get cramps in my right leg after a period of time. I'm thinking a hand throttle might be in my future.
LED DOWNEY

Keith,

Long distance runs in a T-Series is a much different horse today, than it was 50 years ago.

If you've just restored your TF, its likely that you've used modern materials. And modern lubricants are another vast improvement, too.

I went to MG International in Gatlinburg in 2006 and made quite a few mods on my TF, mostly dealing with anticipated high heat and running for hours at highway speeds, and as it turned out, these were good choices. I was hoping to take my recently-acquired '34 PA, to Reno, but health issues have noticably slowed progress on a rebuild and I'm having to pass on this one.

For your run, I might suggest the following:-
~ I removed the original fan and replaced it with a 12" electrical one behind the radiator, a thermostat in the bottom of the rad, and a Manual-Off-Auto switch. An MGB 7-bladed one is also a good choice.
~ I replaced the antifreeze with Water Wetter
~ I installed a pertronix ignition system
~ I re-torqued the rods and mains, and set the valve clearances to .014"
~ I replaced the gearbox lubricant with Redline MT90
~ Finally and MOST importantly, I installed a 4.3 CWP. As they, "don't leave home without it".

For spares, take a spare fuel pump - a Facet solid state and fittings, a segmented fan belt (they run much cooler than a solid one), and a set of brushes and springs for the generator.

In your case with a new and tight engine, get at least 1,000 miles on it, then re-torque the rods and mains. And be sure to put in fresh oil with ZDDP or an equal additive (STP for example), and a new filter.

One other mod I made was to the top. I removed it and took it to a local upholsterer and had him install a plastic zipper around the rear window so I could run with the top up, but with the rear window open, and that turned out to be a blessing.

I also took some Rainx and NEVER turned on the wipers, even in heavy rain.

Hope this helps.

Gord Clark
Rockburn, Qué.
Gordon A Clark

I LOVE to hear about folks going out and driving their Ts. Mine belonged to my grandpa since 74 and though it was not a trailer queen, he rarely drove it. I do my best to get it out as much as I can. A group drive like this one you are talking about sounds grand. I say DO IT!! Not likely to get the chance again. These cars were made to be driven. This will help you get the "new" out of the restoration quickly and allow you to reduce the stress level when taking it out. GO FOR IT!

Alex
ABW Waugh

Couple comments:

In the 'old' days we used break in oil for the first 1000 miles, then you went back in and changed it out 'and' had the head re torqued....you might think of doing at least this before heading out! Also, you will be HOT!

Will 3000 miles drop the 'concours' level finish - um, yeah! You will hear every stone hit the underside of your fenders....you will be paranoid most of the trip. Also, you will be HOT!

The last part of the trip is on a very, very, very, very, long desert stretch (loneliest highway in America), this will probably be hotter then the week in Gatlinburg (although it was pretty damned hot)...Also you will be HOT!

I got my TD back on the road after 26 years in a barn on August 8th, on Sept. 11th I drove to Watkins Glen for the MG meet there...had tons of fun, and was able to get home by following my trail of oil back....think perhaps it was a little soon! Also, you will be HOT!

My preparations for Gatlinburg: I put my luggage on the rear rack, I clipped a map to my rear view mirror, I put the key in the ignition!

Oh....did I mention your going to be really, really HOT!


gblawson(gordon- TD27667)

...but its been done before....

June 1906. "REO Mountaineer -- New York to San Francisco and back." Percy Megargel and David Fassett at the conclusion of their 10-month round trip.


gblawson(gordon- TD27667)

Keith,

I'm afraid that things will happen to your car that will degrade its perfection; but all of them are repairable. Stone chips, oil stains, scratches will happen. My car was finished after the yearly GOF. The first car show Tommy was a finalist (with 300 miles of driving) and had problems with oil making its way into my re-bushed distributor. A few weeks later, I lost the clutch pin, and a floor board screw that was loose in the pedal box fouled the clutch pedal (Simultaneously!)

By the next GOF, which was by the quirk of the calendar almost 15 months later, I had the side curtains in place, a few paint scratches and stains, and drove it to Sheboygan, Wi and took third place with 7,000 miles on it. Went home by way of the Upper Penisula, something I would not have done without the experience and the teething pains the first 1000 miles revealed. This year, with 10,000 miles on him I drove to Sandusky, OH for the GOF (which by another quirk in scheduling was only 10 months later) took third, and drove to Niagara Falls, visited Gordon Lawson, and then home around the north side of the Great Lakes. My fuel pump fought me all the way, but it was a blast. It took me six hours to clean him up after the trip.

Both long journeys home were AFTER the shows, and were solo. I would still be trying to get in Canada (eh?) if it wasn't for Gordon's generousity and time... so regardless of how good a person is at repairing the car by all means...

Bring a Mutual Aid Directory from a National Club and If Possible, Go in a Group!!!

This weekend I greased Tommy, noted the places on the finish where I need to airbrush out some problems, found some bubbling on my fuel tank finish (underneath), rotated the wheels and found more scratches and finish blems on the wheels than I anticipated. Tommy has now gone 12,500 miles in two years. He will no longer take top honors at a show, in fact he never did, the two thirds at the GOF were the best we ever did. There was a 'just out of restoration' car finished just like Tommy (ivoryover green) that beat him this year... but I know NO ONE in our class drives their TD like we do... I may go all out and really detail him one last time, but I think I have showing him out of my system. Like LaVerne, it is way more fun to drive him long and hard.

I'm not sure if we can justify the Reno trip but we are considering it. We may make the trip in Maggie, the '70 B, instead, if I get a bunch of things done to her. I did no prep for the trips other than top off the fluids and put in a 4.3:1 rear end when I restored him. Although if I were paying attention I would have fixed his fuel pump before we left, instead of just giving it a cursory go-through.

So I guess it is up to you, and what you want from your car.

hope this helps,
dave
Dave Braun

Kieth,
Have taken my TD cross country 2 times (NJ-Idaho-NJ) in the last 5 years...if the car is set up right it is not a problem. I agree that you should take a 300 mile trip first to see if you will enjoy being shoehorned into a T series...it's not for everyone. A must to install a luggage rack...best to have the one that folds low so you can see behind you. I installed a 5 speed...either that or put in a 4.3 rear...without you will NOT have fun...60MPH at 4200 RPM is horrible. With a 5 speed I'm at 3000RPM at 60...make sure the cooling system is up to snuff...as has already been stated...it will be HOT in the Nevada dessert...but don't let that hold you back...I wouldn't trade the memories of my X-Contry treks in a T-Series...go for it!!!!
Bob Dougherty

Thanks guys for all the advice. I do have the 4:3 rear and have had for awhile. I have a luggage rack. I have a new original type 4 blade fan. I used to have a plastic 7 blade but it was ugly and I wish to retain the orig look. The car presently runs cool and I have water wetter. It was boiled out and tested and I never have had heating problems in the 40k miles I have driven it 1973-2006. I have a serrated fan belt. I did drive to Indy and back in 96 and all around FL in a 3 week trip a few years ago. But Lawson's comments about being hot has me wondering. I will be holding his wood steering wheel and hope the slightly sticky tung oil finish does not glue my hands to the wheel!

I use Redline synthetic in the gearbox and rear - I have a new Burlen transistorized fuel pump that looks original. I can take a black box fuel pump I used prior to the restoration - maybe that is what you call Facet. Almost all parts have been rebuilt including a generator from Abingdon. I have an original not Petronix distributor. Should I change?

I have driven the TF from Gatlinburg to NJ a 700 mile drive four weeks after wife had a gall bladdr operation. I am not tall and my wife and I have always found the TF comfortable - I think the Reno rallye is not long stretches. I plan to ship it back home.
K E MURPHY

Keith, the Montrose to Ely Nevada stretch is a long leg. I think they would be wise to move the stop to Grand junction and cut off 60 miles for the following day. MapQuest says 493 miles and 7hrs and 40 minutes. That would be if you didn't stop and you could make the posted speed limit (75 mph on I 70). You will stop for petrol if nothing else and you will most definatly not do 75 mph on the grades and probably on the rolling terain in the desert. It's more likely to be a 10 hr leg in a TF. I keep wondering how they plan to keep in a group with the V8 and blown B's waiting for the slow poke T's? Utah yes, desert yes, hot, yes. You will be pulling 8 percent grades about 120 miles west of me. Just a fore warning. Also US 50 from my town west is I-70 for 200 miles. First 100 miles.....no services...none. Next 100 miles no services.... none. Just a fore warning again so you can be prepared.

LED DOWNEY

I have driven both Hwy 50 and 80 between Reno and Salt Lake City in July...This in my TA not nearly as comfortable as the TF...Gordon is right you will be HOT but you will also be COLD! When you start out early in the morning it can be very cold, as the sun comes up it will warm and be pleasant for a couple of hours and then suddenly turn HOT...That's when you get out the water spray bottles. I would strongly recommend installation of a vapor recovery system as you lose a lot of water in the high desert. However both roads are beautiful especially 50, the Loneliest Road in America with its 8 or 9 very high passes...
Do it, it will be the trip of a life time and there will enough MGs on the road to render assistance should any thing happen...
I'll be there with may NA Four seater...
Terry in Oakland, CA


Terry Sanders

With the exception of the trailer queens, you will have a good chance at the show awards at Reno. I can't think of a better award than one you get when competing against the cars at GOF.

If you are going with the Rally group, you will have the help if needed.
Bruce Cunha

Kieth,
You sound like you've dotted the I's & crossed the T's...have fun!!!
Bob Dougherty

Hello:
I'm mostly a lurker, but my interest in doing the Reno rallye has spurred me to type.

I restored my TD in the early 1980's but never touched the motor because it ran so well-- except for oil leaking from every dried out gasket. I took care of all of that and had all of the ancillaries rebuilt: dynamo, starter, water pump, oil pump, transistorized fuel pump, radiator, carbs, rear end with a 4.33. I probably put 25K miles on it but other diversions have resulted in only about 2500 miles in the last 19 years. Lately, it's been more like 300 miles a summer!

So, to celebrate a possible retirement next spring, I figured I'd putter with TD over the winter, do some "invisible" upgrades, and then drive "till the wheels come off." To start off on the right foot, I sent my clock out and now have a working transistorized time piece! Gotta know what time it is--celestial navigation and that sort of thing. ;-)
Also, I re-sealed the carbs with the viton rebuild kit and had Dave Dubois overhaul my fuel pump.

Besides the usual "due diligence" items: full servicing with tune-up, lube, bearing re-pack, checking the brake shoes and hardware, what would you do to get a "driver T-car" ready for a 7,000-mile round trip?

John
Chelsea, MI, USA
Deikis

Carry an extra fuel pump, fanbelt, and wrenches. some carry an extr rear axle also. kinda heavy but you cant just go to the store and buy one of those. I would also take a lot of ibuprophen for the sore rear that you may run into. Also RainX for the windshield. Wish I could join up for the run but that is not to be at this time.
Tom Maine (TD8105)

I can't add much to what ahs been said so I'll keep it short. Put as many miles on it as possible before the trip, then change the oil and go for it! Yes the car will suffer a few blemishes and show some wear. But look at it this way... would you rather have a 100-point car and a few extra trophies, or memories of the adventure driving a beautiful MG TD across the country and back? Answer that question and you'll know what to do! :)
Steve S

JOHN DIEKIS,
Are you the same John D that did the Lap of New England with us??????

SPW
Steve Wincze

John in Chelsea,

One more thing. Take a container of water - I used a Musselman Apple juice container because it holds neary 4 litres, is heavy plastic and could tolerate some abouse.

Extra water can always be handy, if not for you, perhaps for others making the trip with you. Water in the desert is a must. In 1953, I drove my TD to California (5.125 axle! gas 18¢/US gal), and I took lottsa water and used it.

Unlike the "dry" heat of the desert, the humidity around Tennessee was very uncomfortable at 35°(95f). Read my suggestion about the mods to my top - above. Driving with the top up, makes for reduced sun glare and a needed blast of air, and having the back open made a world of difference.

Gord Clark
Rockburn, Qué.
Gordon A Clark

Hi Steve!
Yes, that would be the same me. Same car too, only a bit more worn. And I still have my home-made copy of the bonnet prop you designed.
Wanna drive to California?!
John
Deikis

Thanks to all of you! Unfortunately (or maybe luckily) the TF did not get the top or curtains on due to an eye issue with my upholstery shop. But at the last minute I said what the heck, and when my wife said I would never do my dream of an ocean to ocean drive if I didn't do this one. So at the last minute I have decided to go.......albeit driving my 2000 Boxster S. But I will have the Rallye plate on the front and will be in fine company. Hope to see some of these familia blog names there. I did hear from Gord Clard and he is flying there - but at least we will be there!

Keith
K E MURPHY

I have to agree with the xtra fuel pump advice if you have the original. Or a point file! My car had an after market pump installed under the car which I left in place( fuel goes right through it) just in case my original SU failed or started acting up. all you have to do is flip a switch to power up the backup which will push fuel through the SU. I hate people behide me shouting obcenities(SP?) when my car starts sputtering!
As far as the pertronix ignition system goes, I have been stranded more often with this than with old fashioned point/condenser setup. I'd leave it stock...
As far as driving cross country I wouldn't do it with my car especially with a group of faster cars. Trailor it to Mid Nevada and drive the last 300 miles to get that "Real Pioneer" feeling and save your beauty.
I'm driving the 300 miles From Santa Cruz to Reno and I'll swap stories with you at the show!!
You do meet some interesting and helpful people on the roadsides of the mid west. Let me tell 'ya about the time...
Good luck You brave ones!
Chuckles
cj schmit

Keith, don't take chances drive a MIATA and leave the TF in your garage, then it's just a trip.
Drive the TF and that will be an ADVENTURE,something to remember while in a rockin'chair on your front porch growing gray hair.
Best regards,Daniel ;>)
D Desmond

Daniel,
Are we going to see you at British By The Sea on Sunday ?????
SPW
STEVE WINCZE

Kieth,
If you just had your engine rebuilt with a new Crane cam, you'd better investigate further.
Jim Northrup

This thread was discussed between 08/09/2010 and 01/06/2011

MG TD TF 1500 index

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