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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 - Rear Shocks

I know it's been covered before but I can't find the thread and I need some info on the rear shocks for my TD.
What is the best way to test them for functionality?
Any advise on removal?
Who is the guy to send them to for refurbishment/replacement?
TIA,
Mort
Mort TD 1851

Mort,

World Wide Auto Parts (Lever Shocks) Peter Caldwell
http://www.nosimport.com


Regards,
Jim
James Neel TD28423

No other comments needed, that IS the answer. Take them off, send them to Peter, You will never have a shock issue again (and if you do, peter will fix it)
Bruce Cunha

To test, remove the link from one end. The arm should move smoothly up and down, with a lot of resistance. If is free and loose or jerky, time to rebuild as above. George
George Butz

Thank you gentlemen, I will test and have them rebuilt by Peter if necessary.

One link keeps slipping out of the bushing. I assume it is time to re-bush and I am thinking about putting a washer and cotter pin on the end.

Best source of bushings?

Any advise?

Thanks again,
Mort
Mort TD 1851

Mort, Not sure your TD shock link is the same as on my TF, which has Armstrong shocks, but I had to replace mine with new from Moss. The non replaceable rubber bushings were shot in mine, so I had to buy the whole link. Not overly expensive. PJ
Paul J

Mort,
IMHO, I don't think using a "bandade fix" with a washer and cotter pin is a wise idea,, I agree with PJ, get new ones.

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SPW
STEVE WINCZE

The Girling are totally different from the Armstrongs- the links are only held in by bushings- World Wide can also replace just the bushings for much less cost than new links. For years many Girling links have been held in by a cotter pin and washer- if the bushings are otherwise tight this is a good cheap fix. Won't work on the totally different Armstrong links. George
George Butz

This is likely to cause some discussion, but unless you are going for total originality; I would recommend tube shocks. I have them on both my MGA and my TF and have found they greatly improved the ride.


David Werblow

mort, send the WHOLE assembly, including the link, to peter. he does the bushings too! regards, tom
tom peterson

The cool thing about going to the tube shock conversion is that you can use ADJUSTABLE shocks to tune your ride!!!

SPW
STEVE WINCZE

Imagine a TD with adjustable Koni's, MGB sway bar, supercharged, 5-speed, 4.3 diff - an English Miata!

Tom
t lange

Tom,
I'm on my way there!!!
I finished the 5 speed you suggested and I have a Judson supercharger. Next project is the sway bar. I think my rear shocks are ok but if they need work I will look into tube shocks. Now I have to think about the differential.
Mort
Mort TD 1851

Mort & Tom

You mean like this Gold Coast Queensland TD, which is now on the road? http://www.cmemories.com.au/MGTD.htm

I have been corresponding with Chris due to the instalation of my 5 speed Celica box and I hope to see the car in July when I am down there.

Stuart


Stuart Duncan

Stewart,

That's one really sweet TD. However, its got to be really expensive. Certainly beyond my retirement budget (I'm putting any extra bucks into restoring my 1934 PA). And I'll bet it flies like the wind!

I'm curious however, how the MC for the MGB brakes, was dealt with. I couldn't see any MC in the pix.

I find the seats very tacky (probably heavy too) and much too non-original for my taste. Also, grinding away the flame arrestor is not recommended; but perhaps its has to be in a s/c engine..

We have a regular contributor to this board Dave Jorgensen who lives in Northern Alberta who has done nearly identical modifications to his TD, but he has given his the appearance of an MMM MG.

Good luck with yours. If you get tired of your T50, let me know!

Gord Clark
Rockburn, Qué.
Gordon A Clark

Tom,

Skyhook 5 speed, 4.3 diff, tube shocks, dizzy by Jeff S., SWEEEET. What's not to like, the car drives like I think the original designers meant it to with very little vibration and the RPM's come up really fast. Who needs a blower? Also 3,000 RPM = 60 MPH in 5th

Regards,
Jim
James Neel TD28423

Gord,

The following is a comment from Chris, the owner of the Gold Coast MG TD.

"The master cylinder has been left in the same place, as the MGB MC is also single line. I fitted a VH44 Power booster behind the seats in the diff well. The brakes work really well being boosted.

We went to the MG National Meeting (annual Australian MG get together) over Easter in Newcastle and entered the car in the specials section & WON our class I was very pleased with my effort. The car performed really well"

Yes I know about limited funds. I am only now (that I have started retirement) do I have time to work on my TD (after purchasing it in parts in 1974).

Stuart
Stuart Duncan

When you get ready to send your shocks to Peter Caldwell be sure to email him. He will give you very specific directions on how to pack and label them for shipping to ensure they actually arrive and get back to you. He is a very pleasant guy to deal with and does excellecnt work.
P.W. Lester

I had my front shocks rebuilt by Peter and their better than new. He'll even paint them as you wish. A very nice guy. I had them back on the car in two weeks. PJ
Paul J

This thread was discussed between 03/05/2011 and 07/05/2011

MG TD TF 1500 index

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