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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 - Underdash Panel

Thanks to Frank Filanger, I now have a very nice used underdash panel to use as a template to make a new one.

The one I go from frank had the brackets and the wood.

Only item is that the one I have has holes in it and I am not exactly sure what ones are original. Would anyone have a picture of a complete under dash panel?

Of note, the material on the panel is black. Were they all black?

I will work on this as a winter project, but once I get it done, may be up to making some additional ones.




Bruce Cunha

Here's the parts package as supplied by Abingdon Spares (about 20 years ago):



Bud Krueger

And the instruction sheet. Bud


Bud Krueger

Mine looks like yours... it was covered in the same vinyl cloth as the rest of the internal upholstery.

It doesn't have the wooden braces or the metal 'tabs' at the leading edge though. Screws through the material itself into the fixing points on the metal frame. My car is a TF 1500 so may be different.

I had to cut off the bottom 'leg' of the panel over the peddles. Kept getting in the way of my feet.

Dave


Dave Moore

And underside


Dave Moore

The two holes on the left of the picture are original. Top one gives access to setting the clock, and the lower one is for the steering column support. Looks like the large hole at the right of the picture was used to mount the radio speaker.
C.R. Tyrell

My original under dash panel was as shown in Bud's sketch and was covered with black vinyl material. The two right angle metal brackets used screws to attach the wooden braces of the panel to the adjacent vertical body timber. The front edge rested on the cockpit side lip of the tool box (or battery box) portion of the firewall.
Jim Merz

Thanks all. That is great. CR, you are correct. It looks like a radio speaker was mounted in the large hole.

The black is of interest since as we know, the interiors were not black. Funny that they would use black vinyl on the underdash board but not on the interior.

Bruce Cunha

The large hole is definitely the speaker I took it out before shipping to you. It goes with the original two piece (separate amp)radio mobile radio. It goes to whoever buys the radio. Good luck with the project.

Frank
F Filangeri

where can i source the fiber board used for these panels? regards, tom
tom peterson

Bruce,

mine looks exactely the same as the one on your pic.
Yes, they were all black.

I'm still wondering if anyone has designed a panel that can be taken out in 3 or 4 pices as it is not that comfortable as a one piece panal. You will have to get out the steering colume to take it out and do some under dash work.

Any ideas from other TD fellow drivers?

Ralph
R.S. Ralph Siebenhaar

Hi Dave,
I think yours is aftermarket or homemade.on the TF it only covers the centre section and curves up to the gloveboxes (as far as I know).
I made one like yours many years ago, when fitted my legs didn't
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

I have the same under dash cover. The larger hole in mine provides access to setting the clock as well as to the connections for the tach and speedometer.

In order to make it easier to remove without having to remove my steering wheel, I am cutting it in half from fore to aft. I'll then join the two halves back together using an "H" molding that is normally used in the building trades to adjoin two thin fiberglass panels in a shower stall.
R C Flowers

Can I assume we are talking about a TD here?

Thanks,

David
David Tinker

Interesting point on making it sectional. Since I have this one as a patter, I will make one to the original pattern and then start working on a good way to section it to get it under and in place easier.
Bruce Cunha

I have made a new under-dash panel, just from pictures and a lot of trial and error fitting. I have yet to finally install it. I made it in 2 pieces with a joint just right of the steering column in line with the left edge of the tool box.

If anyone is interested, I can take some pictures and post them here. I did trace a pattern.
C.R. Tyrell

What you are showing is not like the ones that I got for TFs from B & G years ago. Will take a photo later if possible.
David Werblow

This is the best I can do as the panel is in the TF. The open semi-rectangular opening is for setting the clock (left hand drive car).


David Werblow

C.R. Please post any photos you can of your design. I like the idea of not having to undo the steering column. Is your car a TD?
Bruce, I am looking forward to your design. We all know there has to be an easier way but no one has really gotten serious about a redesign.
I am too lazy, old and stiff to tackle the trial and error method on my TD.
Jim Merz

Jim; My car is a 1950 TD. The TF underdash is completely different. I did make a full-size tracing which I will try and take a picture of as well because it has the measurements on it. I will try and post it later today.
C.R. Tyrell

Well. I have the TD and the BGT all tucked in for the Winter, so should be able to start on this shortly.

Recently, I have been making props for a local Ghostbuster Troop. They put on performances for hospitals and at libraries.

I have made a number of Proton Pack, and other equipment. Here is one of my favorites. This is made from automobile electric car lock solenoids.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQp5yOR9_KU

Bruce Cunha

Some pictures of the underdash I made. Still needs finishing and re-glueing. Grey was my choice for Ivory car with red interior.


C.R. Tyrell

Back side...


C.R. Tyrell

Cleat for 2 piece separation...


C.R. Tyrell

two piece attachment (seam)..


C.R. Tyrell

Tracing.... ( Is in pencil so does not show up too well. If their is interest I will do it over in marker)


C.R. Tyrell

Material list that I used. I did not use cardboard. I think it is too flimsy.


C.R. Tyrell

The underdash still needs some fitting and vinyl needs to be re-glued, and the angle brackets for the attachment by the scuttle hoop. But it will allow me to remove the passenger side to access wiring, etc.
C.R. Tyrell

Tom asked, "where can i source the fiber board used for these panels? regards, tom"

I am curious as well. If anyone can reply would be greatly appreciated.

Frank
Frank Cronin

Tom I recently made new interior panels for my TD. I bought the panel material from Perfect Fit http://www.perfectfit.com/ . four 32" x 48" waterproof panels cost $40.

Can someone post a picture of the underdash panel installed? My car doesn't have one. Is this an original part or an add-on item?
Corey Pedersen

Wonder if anyone has a drawing with measures for this cover?
It looks as a fairly simple thing to do yourself without buying the stuff from one of the ordinary suppliers?
rgds

Torben
Torben Olesen

Apparently it is an original part, to have an underdash panel. Most are missing as the card stock did not hold up and they are a pain to remove.

I have heard that they are usually a brown colour as well. Hope some of this helps.
C.R. Tyrell

C.R. you have a very nice approach to resolving a problem for us TD owners. Black vinyl is the proper covering to use and I think using the thin plywood is a great idea.
Now to see what Bruce comes up with by comparison.
Jim Merz

The material in the original under panel I have is a pressed fiber material. Not a cardboard or a plywood. I would describe it as similar material to what you get for most pegboard products. Less dense than mansonite. I could see that it would not hold up to any leakage from the scuttle area. That side is unprotected.

1/8 plywood may hold up a bit better. I will experiment with a few products and let you know how they differ.
Bruce Cunha

Their is nothing wrong with either material, even though i used an 1/8" Baltic Birch Plywood. I did not mention that I sealed both sides and the edges with a clear acrylic wood finish. Make sure you do both sides and it will help keep the panel from warping or twisting under damp weather conditions. You should do the same with any fiberboard or masonite as well.
C.R. Tyrell

To Bruce Cunha, did you ever get a chance to work on the two piece under dash shield? I am finally getting in the mood to experiment with mine.
Jim Merz

Hi Jim

Not Yet. Reproduced the original. I will take this and make a second with some modifications to allow it to fold and be put in and out easier.

That will probably be a winter project.
Bruce Cunha

Bruce, is it possible to have that original underdash measured and made into a CAD drawing. I am still trying to fit mine. I have never seen a real one and made mine by the guess and by god method. Sure would like to see one with measurements, to see how close I got.
C.R. Tyrell

OK Bruce, thanks for the feedback. I will sit quiet for a while to see what you might devise. I am lazy anyway and this is a good excuse to play wait and see.
Jim Merz

Hi C.R. I made brown paper templates of the original. May have one left. If not, I can make another. I put on the paper template drawings of the wood with the measurements and also drawings of the brackets.

There is a picture of the original I used for the pattern on the first thread.
Bruce Cunha

This thread was discussed between 28/10/2012 and 12/09/2013

MG TD TF 1500 index

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