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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 - Steering Wheel choice

The plastic covering on the steering wheel on my 53 TD has totally disintergrated. Infact, all I am now left with is the steel band.

I find the original type rather large and the plastic colour pretty ugly. What I would really like is a wooden wheel but with the original MG centre piece and chrome spokes. The only ones I have found are the Mota Lita models, but from what I can see the centre boss is not really in keeping with the era.

Any suggestions ?
Paul Spelman

When I purchased my TD, It had, installed, a MotaLita with wood rim and polished spokes. It was 14". To my mind, it did not fit the period and was too small. I also had an origional with a rotten rim and found that I could get a new rim cast onto it for around $400. I ended up buying a repro origional type wheel from Moss with a new center piece. I have been happy with it...it is not perfect, but is close. It does not, however, have the origional type mottled rim. It is tan-close match to the center, but not metallic. I prefer the large diameter rim; I think that it gives mechanical advantage and oes not block the instruments.
Steve Tobias

Check out some of the UK catalogs as they have some more period styled woodrim wheels. Woodrims to suit the early model side valve morris minor have the same taper and key as the TD and some of these are more correctly styled for the period than motolita as the centre bosses are smaller. I used a woodrim wheel manufactured locally in Australia by Griplite with drilled chromed spokes ad fitted it up to a morris minor boss and it suits the TD very nicely. The 15 inch rim provided the right period look as well as a bit more thigh room under the rim.
Phil Stafford

Hi, why not do the obvious and attach a wood rim to your old TD wheel? Since the plastic has completely fallen off and you are left with spokes and a wire rim this would be an ideal candidate for a wood rim replacement. Some time ago a fellow lister, Michael Derrick, gave detailed instructions on the process. I have a copy of his instructions if you are interested.
Best Regards, Hugh Pite in sunny B.C.
Hugh Pite

This thread was discussed between 08/05/2001 and 11/05/2001

MG TD TF 1500 index

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