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MG TD TF 1500 - rocker/valve cover

Does anyone know the correct color for the rocker/valve cover on the 1955 mgtf? Is it flat, semi gloss or gloss? is there an American color that is similar? Thanks
Andre de la Chevrotiere

See Chris's 'Original MG TD" site. To quote "The color of the valve cover is controversial. Generally it is most widely accepted to be the same as the wheels, a metallic gray. Other evidence suggests that it is a pale green/gray non metallic as shown. This is the same color that early TC engines and firewalls were painted. I like to use a metallic soft green/gray paint which is a good compromise and believed by some to be correct also. There was a tendency to coat the valve color with clear paint, after repainting it silver, that often turned greenish. For this reason many feel that it was never greenish to begin with, but just silver. Al Moss (who serviced TD's when new) reports that the valve cover and wheels were originally painted with plain silver paint, non glossy. Similar to the finish you would get out of a spray can today." Moss silver wheel paint looks great and holds up very well. George
George Butz

I'm always tempted to have my 51 TD rocker cover chromed... it would look so nice... and hey, I'm never going to have a concourse car anyway...
Geoffrey M Baker

Geoff mine was & I hated it! The hoon who owned the car just before me (NOT the owner before that) also had the tappet cover chromed. I hated that as well. I just love the way the cars looked originally. I was surprised at the cost to get them dechromed! The metallic grey seems to be the colour most often used here & is the colour of choice of the M.G. Restorer's Association here in Sydney. Cheers.
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Peter

Simple process how to dechrome items is available on the web. Plastic container, copper electrodes(I used copper pipe), weak solution of hydrochloric acid and a battery charger.

Worked fine when I dechromed my TF door hinges.

Graeme
G Evans

Thanks Graeme. Duly noted for next time. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

The larger the surface area, the greater the current required... just saying...
Dave Braun

How bout an off the shelf rattle can suggestion that is close for us non concours guys that want a fresh looking cover.

Alex
Alex Waugh

Alex: Silver.
Chris Couper

Rustoleum #72778 Metallic Matte Nickel Bud


Bud Krueger

Thanks Bud and Chris ;-)

Alex
Alex Waugh

And if you want concours quality just apply the clear over it and you are good to go.
Chris Couper

I'm with Bud,,,,Rustoleum #72778 Metallic Matte Nickel
I did my wheels with it and they look great,,,,

SPW

STEVE WINCZE

Ford Argent for wheels & rocker cover as per Dave Raymond, NEMGTR # 96. He built 813 T & pre T series engines.
RIP my friend Dave
Len
Len Fanelli

Thanks to all of you! I will go with the Rustoleum.
Andre de la Chevrotiere

Ford Argent for wheels & rocker cover as per Dave Raymond, NEMGTR # 96. He built 813 T & pre T series engines.
RIP my friend Dave
Len
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The wheels and valve cover will probably be painted with Ford Argent acrylic enamel on the TF. PJ
Paul S Jennings

This thread was discussed between 09/03/2014 and 11/03/2014

MG TD TF 1500 index

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