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MG TD TF 1500 - Dash work

First time post. Adopted TD 1463 last month. She is in pretty good shape and a good driver which is what I wanted. Have a problem with the lights. No low beam from main switch but do have side lights. Engage the dip switch and I get high beam. Tried to open the dash to run some checks but can not get it pulled out far enough to even do meter tests. Unable to crawl in and do that from behind at my age and physical issues. I loosened everything I could but it appears the choke and starter cables are the problem. Not sure how to get them loose other than a disconnect in the engine compartment. Anyone have an idea on getting the dash opened up?
A second question, I saw a hood prop on one of the sites that let the hood be open and secure. Any experience on that. Been going through all the pertinent posts since 95. Impressive amount of information and help.
Thanks for any help
Gary in Florida
Gary Fisher

Gary, welcome to most informative site for TDs & true TFs.

I cannot comment on dash removal, but concerning Bonnet / Hood supports, I suggest you have a look at the numerous supports shown on Bud's website www.ttalk.info

Stuart
Stuart Duncan

You're going to have to disconnect the choke and starter cables from under the bonnet to remove the dash. They are easy to put back when wanted. PJ
PJ Jennings

Welcome aboard, Gary. See http://www.ttalk.info/bonnet_props.htm for a look at some bonnet props.
Do you have a wiring diagram? Take a look at http://www.ttalk.info/TDWiringDiagrams.htm . Do the wires up behind the dash look fairly colorful? You might be able to trace down a loose wire without having to pull the complete dash. I'm a rather senior owner (almost87), but I find that if I remove the passenger seat I can see enough of the wiring to solve most problems without having to pull the dash. Bud
Bud Krueger

ThsanK you for the info. Just what I needed. Will be disconnecting the cables. I loved the ingenuity of the different props. Simple solutions for making life easier.
Gary Fisher

Gary, for a quick look such as to just check the oil I use the prop in image 1 but for better access I use the adjustable curtain rod prop in image 2. For serious maintenance I use my electric wench and lift the bonnet completely off the car. It only requires removing two screws at the scuttle end of the bonnet center hinge. I may have a pic and, if so, I'll post it next.

Jud





J K Chapin

This is an old pic before I moved over to my other shop that has an electric wench mounted in the overhead but you can get the idea.

Jud


J K Chapin

Gary, I should have included this. I printed a copy and pinned it to the wall in my shop.

Jud

ps; The dimmer switch on my car (TD25009) is foot operated. Yours may be a switch on the dash so the diagram attached may not be applicable.


J K Chapin

I know a Gary Fisher. What part of Florida are you in?
Sandy Sanders
Sanders

Hi Gary. Welcome. Great to have another early TD. Yours is well towards the first months of production.

As stated, you do need to remove the choke and starter cable from the engine compartment. This should allow you to lean the gauge panel back to get to everything.

Bruce Cunha

Thanks so much for the pics Jud. I will go with something along that line I believe. To Sandy, I am in Palm Coast close to Daytona. I will be removing the cables on the dash. My limited inspection showed the wires for dash lighting is burned and disconnected. I suspect a short issue. Right now I am recovering from cervical fusion surgery so I have been ordered to cease and desist. I know better than argue.
Gary Fisher

Gary, I'd like to add your car info to the TD List on Ttalk, http://www.ttalk.info/car_lists.htm . Is the original engine still in the car? Bud
Bud Krueger

I believe it is but have not verified. I obtained the original manufacturing numbers yesterday and will check them tomorrow. Is there a registry at your site?
Gary Fisher

Gary, there is a TD list on my website, along with a TF list. See http://www.ttalk.info/car_lists.htm.
Your car's birth certificate can be viewed from the Ttype Production Records. Here's a copy. It shows that your car TD/1463 EXLU was built on February 28, 1950 with Engine # XPAG/TD/LHX1817. Is that the number of the engine that's in the car? Bud


Bud Krueger

Bud, I will get that checked out ASAP. It was 36 degrees here today and in Florida you do not go out below 50 unless you have no choice. Warmer tomorrow.
Gary Fisher

I finally was able to take a look at the engine number on my TD, been down from surgery. A brass oval plate on engine below the carbs shows number 28772. Is that the engine number? It does not correspond to the info from Bud.
Gary Fisher

This thread was discussed between 15/01/2022 and 25/01/2022

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