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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 - TF battery size

What is the best size (class) of modern, off-the-shelf battery to put into the TF battery shelf, considering the wooden tray and securing bar and the after-market, plastic battery tray liner? If I fit the plastic tray liner, would the wooden tray be omited? thanks, Tyler
C.T. Irwin

Tyler,

I use the wooden tray (slightly modified) and the plastic liner. The toolbox behind my battery had suffered some corrosion from the battery terminals and degassing, so it seemed prudent. Picture 66 in the electrical restoration section of my website shows there is even room for a quart of oil.

The size I use is MAXX-34N from Walmart.

Warmly,
Dave
Dave Braun

Tyler,

One thing fer sure ... ya don't need a honkin' big battery unless you plan to drive at night without a generator!

A Red Optima would great, but its overkill.

72 AH from WallMart should be adequate.

The battery on a T-Series, is really only need to crank the engine. Once running, a generator in good shape, should be able to meet most of your demands; except for leaning permanantly on the horn while the heater is on high, the wipers running, and lights on high beam!

Gord Clark
Rockburn, Qué.
Gordon A Clark

I run a small Interstate Battery. Was going to get the number for you ...but I covered it up with a Lucas sticker! Have had 2 of these in 12+ years. The smaller size leaves me room down the side for:
Can of brake fluid (small old Lockheed Tin).
Can of Marvel Mystery oil (re-filled from supply of 20/50...I just like the "can").
Emergency bottle of OSH.


David Sheward

I run quite a few "extras" from re-wire and have never had a problem with not enough "juice".
Fog & driving lamps
Tea Kettle
Hunting Lamp
Reversing Lamp
Map Lamp
Footwell lights
Under bonnet lights
Cigarette lighter
Even a 12vdc to 120ac convertor for powered speakers and Ipod at times.
Of course I don't have "all" this on at same time as that might tax the stock dynamo a bit.

View from other side.


David Sheward

The wooden tray will absorb a little of the bounce when you are going over gutters and speed bumps which will help protect the 60y.o. metal from cracking.

Matthew.
M Magilton

Ooops forgot something:
1/4" Nitrile NBR Rubber under the plastic tray liner.
David Sheward

When everything comes back together, I was going to use the original style push on terminal connectors, but I notice you fellas use the more modern standard type. Any specific reason for this? If so, I won't use the original helmet type. PJ
Paul sr

I used to get crud building up inside the helmet type connectors which could not be seen or noticed until one day the car does not start. OK if you are after car show points.

Matthew.
M Magilton

I had same problem as Matt. The bat I'm using has top & side post. I run my clock off the side post so it stays on even when top post switch is off.
David Sheward

Matthew, I used to get crud building up inside the helmet type connectors which could not be seen or noticed until one day the car does not start. OK if you are after car show points.

David, The bat I'm using has top & side post. I run my clock off the side post so it stays on even when top post switch is off.

I like the look of originality, but because it will be a driver, I'm leaning more towards the practical side. Never thought of corrosion forming under the helmet type and the duel post battery David uses is a unique idea. Thanks fellas for your input. Makes a lot of sense.

I also like using the smaller battery, easier to handle and gives a little space for a quart of oil and whatever. This post has changed my train of thought on the battery issue.PJ
Paul sr

Another good use for dual post might be to install a trickle charger. Thought about doing that but the car gets driven / started enough I have never needed one so I never tried it.
David Sheward

David,

Love the sticker under the bonnet. Do you have a source.

Regards,
Jim
Jim Neel 53TD28423

Jim,
That was a gift from Grace (Drive away Cancer) when they were here I notice one on the Austin and John gave me one.
Google search turned up one here:
http://www.cafepress.com/mf/20197017/british-car_bumper-sticker
Cheers,
David
David Sheward

I like the gell type ones myself. I don't recall the group size but I have one in all three MG's. Small enough to swap out without removing the bonnet. Something you can't do with a stock sized monster. In addition the don't spill or gas off so you don't have to worry about paint or corrosion. Down side is the cost.


L E D LaVerne

This thread was discussed between 27/07/2013 and 30/07/2013

MG TD TF 1500 index

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