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MG TD TF 1500 - TD Tank Straps

When I bought my TD the petrol tank was secured with two pieces of old seatbelt webbing. I have now bought the correct rubber padding and made two straps out of brass. Chris Couper's web pages show the straps to be body colour but in the "Original T Series" it looks as though they are plated and the shiny surface is reflecting the body colour.

I am pretty certain Chris's photos are the ones to go by but can someone give me a definitive answer.

Also do you think it worthwhile to get the spare wheel cradle powder coated - along with the head lamp brackets? Would be more durable than paint.


Jan T
Jan Targosz

My early 1950TD, purchased in 1959, had the straps painted body color.
Ernest Betts

Jan,
I'm sure "body coloure" is correct...I have seen a number of TD's / TF's that have the straps chromed..but not orginial to the car. The side pannels on my TF are chromed, but the "inserts" were painted body coloure leaving just the outer "strip" showing as chromed. I have seen a number of cars that this has been left all chrome on as well, but again not orginial to the car.
As far as "spare wheel cradle powder coated - along with the head lamp brackets" ...I went with regular paint on the "spare cradle" on the TF (but different set-up than TD) and of course my headlamps are different as well....so I'll let someoneelse advise on that.
Cheers,
David 55 TF1500 #7427
David Sheward

Jan, all the TDs left the factory with painted tank straps. Chrome was scarce in England back in those days and very expensive.
On another note, don't take Clausager's book as being "the Bible". In the TD photos he published, there are some very obvious violations which are not pointed out in the text. On page 67, the license plate wire should have a dip in it before entering the tubular frame. Water will drain into the pipe if routed as shown.
On pages 68 and 69, the fuel line is totally misrouted. Although not perfectly clear, the Shop Manual on page B.8 shows the line a bit better.
Jim Merz

Jan - If you can get the color to match, I would recommend powder coating everything that can be. Powder coating is much more durable than paint wil ever be.
Good luck - Dave
David DuBois

This thread was discussed on 01/01/2004

MG TD TF 1500 index

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