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MG TD TF 1500 - TF-1500 Original hood?

Regarding my 1955 TF, I was wondering how to tell if the convertible hood (top) is original. I know it has been on the car since 1970 and it would have been only 15 years old then (if original) so it is quite possible. The rear plastic window, although only slightly yellowed, has the following writing stamped (etched?) in to the plastic:
Genuine Crystal clear
Made of Vinaion (Vinalon????)
AS-6 tested and approved
Important do not rub with dry cloth
Wash with soap and water
Wipe and rinse off with a clean water soaked cloth
* (star) 6 H4

To the right of this is a ribbon emblem with the words
"Laboratory tested and approved"

All of the above is located in the left rear corner (above gas filler).

Perhaps H4 is a manufacturing code for 1954? That would be appropriate as the hood may have been made in '54 as the car was built in early '55.
Thoughts?

Rick Walsh
R.T. Walsh

Color? Picture?
David Sheward

Very few of the original tan hoods were still around in 1970. They were thin and weathered badly. Photos would be helpfull.

Matthew.
Matthew Magilton

A product called 'Plexus' does amazing things to the plastic windows... it is used to clean and polish aircraft windows.... took the yellow out of mine and made like new....
gblawson(gordon- TD27667)

I took some pictures of the hood (below). Note that the rear of the hood is not attached to the rear top tub rail. The material is quite thin. One of the photos shoes a strap with "ATLAS 4 STAR" imprinted.
Another shows the writing I quoted on the plastic window.

The hood has been off the car for 30 years and has a few wrinkles and holes!


R.T. Walsh

Another view


R.T. Walsh

Plastic window writing


R.T. Walsh

Interior strap "Atlas 4 Star"

Original UK hood? US replacement?




R.T. Walsh

The original top had a distinct pink-ish cast. When I replaced mine a few years ago, I saved the strip that was under the front hood rail as it had never been exposed.

I don't trust digital reproductions, but if its important, I'll do my best to reproduce it upon request. But what I see, may not be what you get.

Gord Clark
Rockburn, Qué.
Gordon A Clark

Hi Rick,

The hood you have phtographed sure does'nt
have the original shape/sizing of an mgtf!

Gordon is correct re the 'pinkish cast'to the original hood material.Would be good to see a sample.

Cheers
Rob Grantham
TF3719("Aramis"),TF9177("Athos").
Rob Grantham

Hi again Rick,

Just to clarify the previous comment,the window shape/size is not original.

Cheers
Rob.
Rob Grantham

Yes, a replacement hood. Also missing the weather flap from above the rear window. I have attached a detail pic of my replacement hood.

Matthew.


Matthew Magilton

The rear window is identical to the one in the hood of my 1954 TF 1500.

Mine is a repro hood, from the late seventies.
I will check the rear window for any engraved text.

regards,

Jan
Jan Kristoffersen

My window is marked "DUCOLITE"
Jan Kristoffersen

This thread was discussed between 22/08/2011 and 25/08/2011

MG TD TF 1500 index

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