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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 - running boards

Im in final assembly and installing the running boards. The aluminium runners will be riveted to the boards but it looks very dificult to fasten the rubber treads into them after their installed. Any tricks or suggestions? I check this thread daily, its my inspiration to finish. Thanks, Gary
Gary Emes

Cut the rubber a little longer than the slot. Then take a knife and cut a V shape on both ends. Then take to a grinder and round over the V's. After that spray with Armoral or some other rubber lube. Push one end into slot and start working with a slotted device to push the other edge into the groove. A piece of wood or plastic would be best. Make sure that it has rounded edges just in case you slip so it won't tear up the paint.
Chris Couper

Many years ago while redoing a TD I think I remember the running board trim aluminum being bolted thru the running boards with trim fasteners which is nothing more than a stud attached to flat metal rather than riveted. This allows you to insert the trim fastener and the rubber insert while off the car and eliminating the possibility of damaging the running board while trimming and shaping the rubber. Fasteners are available at many automotive stores.
Dan Hanson


I agree with the last comment, I am in the final stages of complete rebuild and installed new running board strips- unless you want a perfect concourse finish I suggest using stainless steel countersunk bolts, washers, spring washers and nuts. They are far more functional, will not rust up and allow you to prepare the rubber first.

Align and drill your holes. Place bolts in holes and drill slightly oversize holes on a block of old wood to work strips on. I inserted one edge under the aluminum and then, with a broad screw driver, slowly worked my way along the other gently pushing the edge under the aluminum lip. With a little care you get a perfect job. If you wet the rubber in any way take great care as the tools can slip easily with nasty results, especially if working on the boards - I would avoid if possible. When finished tap lightly with a rubber hammer to ensure smooth finish or rub down with your palm and a little Amoral at this stage. To tighten nuts, put hand pressure on rubber from above, this should be enough to allow you to tighten the nuts from below. It is possible that the rubber will stretch and that the final cut will need to be made once the rubbers have been inserted. Rounding of the tops can be done last either with grinder or by hand with course sand paper or a file, more control of the finish.
Darcy Geale

A related question to the wisdom of this group: does anyone know where to buy only the replacement rubber strips rather than the more expensive combination aluminum strips with rubber insert sets? My aluminum is fine but the rubber shows the toll of the years.
Jim Merz

The rubber can be bought in bulk in Australia from:

Bruce Smith
Sportsparts Pty Ltd
8 Myrtle Street
Normanhurst, NSW, Australia 2076
Phone 61 2 9875 1144

Bruce is an mg specialist.

He also sells the aluminium in 1 metre lengths - you cut to size and mitre ends (not difficult as you follow same pattern as original - I am certain all could be shipped overseas in a tube. I forget the cost, but was not great.
Darcy Geale

This thread was discussed between 06/02/2000 and 09/02/2000

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG TD TF 1500 BBS is active now.