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MG TD TF 1500 - Restoration Info

I am about to begin the restoration of my '51 TD, and am considering the rebuild of the tub, engine, transmission and differential myself.....I have reasonable mechanical skills developed during restoration of a '74 Commando and '60 Sprite (although I didn't do the engine/trans work)...of course, cost is an issue, but it is more about continuing to learn and develop my skills.......and I really enjoy the process. I am looking for references which address the rebuild of these components in a systematic way (there are lots of odds and ends and antidotal stuff out there, I have already run across). Would the group have recommendations?

PS: I have already sent the dash and instruments to Craig Seabrook and he tells me he doesn't do tubs anymore....


Bill Reid

Bill, I truly do understand "cost is an issue" and please don't take me wrong, but after going through this process and counting the cost, a car such as MG LaVerne has for sale on this site is really a bargain.

Bill
TD24570
Bill Brown

Bill, what's the condition of the wood? Bud
Bud Krueger

Get "The Complete MG TD Restoration Manual" by Horst Schach. "The T-series Handbook" by the New England MG-T register is a wealth of info on originality, theory (ie how SU's work), etc. Britbooks.com has both. George
George Butz

At least some of the wood is bad......along the sills under the doors....not sure about the rest......thought I might replace all of it..
Bill Reid

Uh Oh. That 'all of it' is a frightening thought. I'm still recovering from having done that on a '53. You are in luck in obtaining pre-shaped wood. NC seems to be the center of tub wood suppliers. You might want to look at http://www.ttalk.info/KelleyTub.htm and see how Hiram Kelley went about it. Bud
Bud Krueger

Thanks for the info, Bud.....anyone have any thoughts on the engine rebuilding process?
Bill Reid

Horst's tome is essential. I also recommend Malcolm Green's book as they complement one another. Before pulling the engine down I'd research suppliers of the components you're likely to need. Abingdon Spares, Brown & Gammons & From the Frame Up all sell components of good quality. Quite a few restorers in both the Sydney MG Car Club & the Restorer's Association here in Oz are finding problems with a number of Moss products, although it should be said they are willing to replace defective items. Rings, bearings, timing chain, (maybe a performance cam with roller lifters), & hardened exhaust valve seats would be the minimum. Recommend a 4.3 ratio CW & P & those items identified by Horst in his gearbox rebuilding section. Also download the 24? issues of Totally T Type 2. This is a great resource with many superb articles written by hands on restorers. Worth its weight in gold! I've done everything on my car myself except for the diff upgrade & the plating. This is the best way to learn about your car & to keep costs down. What's your chassis No.? One of the regular contributors here can provide your build date. Good luck. You've a big job ahead of you as I'm sure you know. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

I spent the winter rebuilding my TF engine. Before making any plans, make sure the block, rods and especially the crankshaft are not cracked. TD/TF cranks are prone to cracking and a new replacement is in the $2500-$3000 range.
X2 on the Horst Schach book plus a shop manual reprint and lots of reading of archives on specific problem areas. The engine has a number of weak points that should be considered before starting on any real work.
If I can be of any help drop me a line: thomasw.moore@yahoo.ca
T W Moore

If you are keen to do as much research as possible prior to commencing the mechanical s there is a valuable resource at this link.

http://geomatique-liege.be/MGJP/DocumentsPDF/MG_Engine_History.

The content of this document is invaluable in identifying original component part numbers and how to modify an XPAG to all stages of tune.

I would also suggest that for the expenditure equating to $A1000 dont contemplate rebuilding your carburetors, purchase a brand new set. That solution saved myself from the issues you see posted in mass on this forum.

Regardless of what approach you take towards restoring a T Series MG never contemplate that it will be a cheap exercise, the LaVerne MG would be a more viable option if you want to be driving a MG in the short term future because you will expend that purchase price to bring your own vehicle to that standard of presentation.
G Evans

Hi Bill
I have quite a few new, used and restored parts for sale. Please contact me direct if there are items you need for your project.

Gary
763-226-5789
gary krukoski at yahoo dot com
gl krukoski

Thanks, Gary.....plan to get started this Fall...
Bill Reid

Hi Bill:
WOW! It is so exciting and a privilage to be in on the beginning of your restoration. You are off to a perfect start by being part of this group. You will find that it is your greatest resource. You will also find that the MG owners here will be most generous with thier time, help and will all lend you thier shoulder to cry on from time to time and give lots of encouragement. Just remember that there is no question that is too trivial to ask nor is there any question that is dumb. Good luck at it and keep us posted every step of the way - lots of descriptions and pictures.
Now for my 2 cents worth. When I restored my TC, as I disasembled it I restored each piece one at a time. Every nut bolt (save them all, they are witworth), washer and bit was glass beaded, fixed or replaced, primed, painted and baked. I then bagged, wrapped and labled each part and put only newly restored components on the shelf. The last part off was the tub. The final thing that I restored was the frame. When it was finished I put it up on 3 foot, custom built, steel stands and began to take "new" components off the shelf and bolt them to the frame. Building the car this way was so much fun that I can highly recomend it.
Godspeed in Safety Fast
Jc
John Crawley

Thanks for all the good info......I'm looking forward to getting started!

Bill
Bill Reid

Document...document...document

I bought a dedicated digital camera for my TF project and shot over 1300 pictures that served me in good stead. Amazing how some silly shot will pay off later. John Crawley is right - overhauling components, storing them away, then assembling clean ready to go parts on a bare chassis is great fun and satisfying.


R Lambert

Bill; Where about in North Carolina are you? I'm down in Wilmington. There are a few TDs here.
Bob McLeod TD 5618

Hi Bill,
We've met at at least one of Charlie's LBC get-togethers. I know your car, looked at it 3-4 yrs ago. Like RL says, get lotsa pix, I did, and referred to them often. You may have seen my page on the job on our TF, <http://www.boatanchors.org/mgtf.htm>
I rebuilt 2 XPAG engines, but that was 50 +- yrs ago. Just inspect/test everything very closely, as you know. If I can help in any way, let me know.
Al
New Bern
54 TF "Emma"
A W Parker

Hi Bob, I am originally from Wilmington, but currently live in Oriental, about two hours north....

Al, thanks for the offer.....I am planning on using Craven Automotive Machine Service on Old Cherry Point Rd....any opinions?
Bill Reid

Neil Cairn's diary of his XPAG engine rebuild is worth a read -
http://www.mgccyregister.co.uk/technical-information/the-xpag-files/xpag-rebuilds/xpag-engine-rebuild/

David
David Wardell

Thanks, David.....i've had a quick look.....i'm sure it will be helpful..
Bill Reid

Bill, please call or E mail me.
And please join the NEMGTR if you have not done so already!
Len Fanelli
Abingdon Performance
914 420 8699
laf48@aol.com
Len Fanelli

This thread was discussed between 19/08/2014 and 26/08/2014

MG TD TF 1500 index

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