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MG TD TF 1500 - TF Fascia/instument panel removal

Newby here. I have just started the restoration of a '54 TF and I am seeking advice on just were to start, and what should be the sequence in the dismantling/removal of the fascia/instrument panel (dash board). Any suggestion would be much appreciated. I have a website to document this restoration project, which can be found at:
www.mgtf54.jeepaw.com, TIA -- John Brickell
John Brickell

As I mentioned in my initial post, I am a "newby" at this. Just to clarify, I am a member, but simply didn't sign on correctly.
JL Brickell

Hello John - Are you going to restore the entire car at this time? That info would help in responses on sequence.

Welcome to the group,

Jeff

Jeff

Jeff -- thanks for your reply. Yes, I am in the process of a complete, frame-up, restoration. I have now removed almost all of the main "body parts" and so far all has gone fairly well. However, now that I am at the removal of the "dash board" instrument panel, fascia, I am perplexed as to where to begin. As I look this section over, I'm just not sure where to begin, and what sequence to follow. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Note: I have worked on the restoration of two other cars, '54 chevy, and 55 olds. But this is my first attempt with the MG TF. This is my prized project car, for myself, and I want to do it right...from the beginning.
JL Brickell

John,

Take more pictures of every nook and cranny you can before any further dissassembly. You will use them later. Car looked pretty good in the pictures unlike mine which was in boxes.
Remove the battery cables if you haven't already done so. Remove the wiper knobs from the shafts. Remove the choke cable and starter cabble from the dash. Drop the steering colum. Remove the under dash bracket to fire wall. Remove the center dash to fire wall bolt. Remove the four bolts on each side , dash to side panel bolts. Pull the dash towards you and down. Rotating the dash where it is face down. If the wiring is to be reused then make sure you take a couple of pictures at that point and that you you can recognize the color coding. If not mark each wire as you remove them. Remove the tach cable, speedo cable and now you can remove the entire dash with the instruments. Nothing to it. It will look something like this.

LaVerne



LED DOWNEY

before


LED DOWNEY

LaVerne -- Much thanks for your response and suggested sequence of disassembly/removal. I will proceed as you have suggested. This is very helpful and I will post when and if this particular section is completed...removed.

John
JL Brickell

and after


LED DOWNEY

Another shot of what I brought home


LED DOWNEY

And the wheel I used


LED DOWNEY

Hope your wiring doesn't look like this


LED DOWNEY

LeVerne or LED DOWNEY (not sure which you prefer)

Great photos, and nice job/choice on the stearing wheel. Yes, I believe that I was a bit lucky with the purchase of this TF. Although I bought it "sight unseen". What really attracted me to this TF was the fact that it was a one-owner for 54 years (except for its first 6 months). All numbers match and vertually all parts are original.
JL Brickell

John, Take a lot of pictures during your breakdown.
You can't take too many. If you have an original car with no mods the pictures you take are priceless.

Dan H.
Dan Hanson

Right Dan, and I have taken many photos as I have moved along on this project. The only mods that I have encountered have been the roll-bar base (that I comment on in my website), and a manifold to accomodate twin pipes and mufflers. All the rest appear to be original. The seats have been upholstered over the original red leather, in white non-leather material.

John
JL Brickell

Do you have a photo of the manifold.... that will be something to keep, even if you bring them both into one pipe...!!!
gblawson(gordon)

gordon -- intersting that you should suggest that I keep these manifolds, as I was thinking to change them out. I will be out of town for the weekend returning early Sunday afternoon. I will take photo of manifolds on my return on Sunday and post on my web-site:
www.mgtf54.jeepaw.com

So, you think I should keep the twin manifolds, eh?
interesting consideration. More later -- John
JL Brickell

John.... 'What was I thinking... of course you shouldn't keep them... I mean they are not really stock....mmmmm...... in fact you should get them right out of your garage.... mmmmm... as far away as you can....like, maybe send them to me.......and I will dispose of the silly things"
gblawson(gordon)

Gordon -- Hmmm...I think you've convinced me to keep them. In all seriousness, the whole issue of "keeping the car original" or whatever that means could be the start of another thread. Maybe I'll do that.

Got home late on Sunday and didn't get a picture of the manifolds. I'll try to do that this evening after work.
JL Brickell

J. Brickell Contact Hank Rippert (fairwind@carolina.rr.com) He has one of those exhaust manifolds like the one you are describing. Ask him how he likes it etc. And maybe he even has some pictures of it on the car (TD 8888). I saw it at the GOF in Strasburg Pa.(Stroudsburg??)

I think one of the Gordons has a neighbor with a TF and one of those manifolds also.

Good Luck with it.

Bob
bobj50

This thread was discussed between 25/09/2008 and 29/09/2008

MG TD TF 1500 index

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