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MG TD TF 1500 - Cellulose body and Synthetic wings

Hi Guys, this is my first post since I bought a TF to sit alongside my MGC, being delivered in the next few days. This is an import from Montana. The paper work from the MGCC to register indicates by the numeral 6 that it has Cellulose body and Synthetic wings! I assume this refers to the paint finish.
Questions, probably the first of many.
1) Why were different materials used?
2) I know nothing of the history of the car but it has been resprayed in the States. 75% of the paint on the tub has flaked off down to the bare metal.the wings, bonnet, tank etc with a small odd exeption are perfectly ok. is this due to bad prep on the tub or down to the Cellulose body? Remedy
3) Modern colour code for steel wheels?
Eddie
Tewkesbury
UK

E I Buckley

Welcome aboard EI. Re the wheel colour, there is a spray can available in England called "Enamel Silver Wheels T Type" which you should be able to find through any of the major MG suppliers there. Either use that to paint the wheels or to colour match it in a more durable finish e.g. two pack. I'll let others take a crack at your remaining queries. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Hi Eddie,

Only way is to remove all the paint and derust with chemicals, abrasives or blasting. My recently painted body was under coated with polyester primer. It's expensive but sticks like **** to a blanket. I had my wheels powder coated by a firm who repair wheels from modern cars. They have done them in a gunmetal colour which you will see on current cars with steel wheels. Unfortunately they are too dull and I will be respraying with an aerosol of brighter silver. I think the differing paint materials is due to the body and wings being made, and finished, at different sites. If you don't have the book "Original MG T Series" by Anders Clausager put it on your Christmas list. Also if you haven't done so already Google "Original MG TF". You will be mesmerised for hours.


Cheers

Jan T
J Targosz

The tubs arrived at the factory painted. The fenders were painted with a paint that dried quickly for production.
On original survivor cars you can see the paint on the wings has a slightly difrent pitina than the paint on the tub. They age differently.
The metal on your car was not properally prepped for paint. There was an adhesion problem.
David
D. Sander

It has been suggested that the wings / fenders were painted with oil based enamel (slow drying) because it was more resistant to chips and flex than cellulose. This seems as good a reason as any.
Dave H
Dave Hill

I posted about this a few years ago. I have an unrestored 52 TD with original paint. Body is lacquer (glossy) and wings are enamel (slightly dull)
Vincent Piña

This has been mentioned in past threads- the exception were the green TF's they had nitrocellulose lacquer on both the body and wings.
JK Barter

Eddie,

First order of business, is to get rid of those tacky rear tail lamp lenses; unless of course, you're planning to install a set of those oversize LED tail lamps.

Otherwise, looks like a nice solid TF.

Gord Clark
Rockburn, Qué.
Gord Clark

Gord,
When the UK rear reflector rules came out it was common to fit those "tacky lenses" as they have reflectors built in. This was an alternative to buying the correct ones to fit on the rear quarters. When I bought my TF in 1973 it had these lenses. They are Lucas and period. Another advantage is I can look over my shoulder and check without getting out of my seat, an advantage as you get older, ;-)
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

I found these unusual lamps on a TD in a museum near Athens:

JE Carroll

Thanks for the responses so far. Its not my intention to convert to RHD..at least not for some time. That said I 've not driven LHD in UK so it was my plan to add some chrome/amber flashers located as per the attached pic. These seem quite discrete and popular.Anybody with wiring diag and suggestions for the front side-lights would be welcome. I think safety has precedent over originality.
EDDIE (WHO NEEDS TO UPDATE MY ADDRESS)

E I Buckley

Lots of people have added indicators like those and in that position, but in my opinion they are too low down.
Dave H
Dave Hill

Eddie,
Use the kit from SVC which makes the sidelights useable as both indicators and sidelights. Their products are really very good.
http://www.s-v-c.co.uk/
Their website is down at the moment so I cannot post a direct link.
Regards
Declan
D Burns

Eddie,
fasten your rear indicator lamps to the top tank sideplate bolts, tuck the wiring down by the rear wing piping. They are much more visible there.
See mine on the T Register site.
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

PS. makes the lamps more visible not wires !
Ray Lee

Declan, I 've been in touch with SVC. Hopefully they can supply all the bits I need in a kit
Ray, you're car is the same build date as mine and only one car away from the chassis Number!

I 'm struggling to enlarge the rear pic of your car on the register site.from what you say it must be feasible, from the top? to tuck the wires in where you suggest
EDDIE
TF2886
E I Buckley

TF2885 also posted here in 2006, "Lileasy" from UK.

Matthew.
M Magilton

Hi Eddie,
I hope this pic helps, indicators are Motorcycle,the additional centre brake light is my wifes modified cold cream jar and the ones on the carrier are hazard lights c/o poundland.
Pic also shows first time on a trailer in 42 years when the gear fell off the dizzy, Oh the shame! Don't use roll pins on dizzies.
As you are repainting will you go back to the original Birch Grey? as there are not many about.
Ray TF 2884

Ray Lee

My TF was factory delivered birch grey with red interior and a 1500 engine. When I looked up the car count delivered as such, the number was pretty small. Though mine was painted a very non factory color in the 60s (i call it pistachio), I doubt I will change mine back. It was the color it was when my grandfather owned it and thus has special meaning to me.

Alex
Alex Waugh

Hi Eddie,
sorry I was so long getting the indicator wiring diagrams in. Tried to find an easy way to convert PDF to jpeg decided to photo and send that way.
This wiring change is non permanent and virtually invisible. It takes the brake lights out of the indicator system
Dia 1 is as fitted, Dia 2 converted.

Don't forget if you have amber rear then the front must also be amber. If red rear then white front.

Ray Lee

Dia 2

Ray Lee

This thread was discussed between 24/06/2015 and 28/06/2015

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