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MG TD TF 1500 - Felt

There have been several mentions of felt as a cushion between various body parts lately on the forum. Can anyone recommend a source for the proper type of felt? Is there a specific autobody type felt? The hobbyshop type I’ve seen seems pretty insubstantial.

Thanks, Bill
Bill Reid TD4618

The thin stuff (1/8") available from haberdashery stores is the way to go Bill, especially as the vinyl that is available today is significantly thicker than the Rexine or Vinyde that was used originally and provides more of a cushioning effect. I've discovered on my rear wheel arches that depending on the quantity of PVA glue that is used, the felt will either have a firmer or softer feel as it absorbs more or less of the PVA. I've tried to match the original feel of the original TF rear wheel arch covers that I have. These had a black felt type material beneath the Rexine/Vinyde cover, although I don't think that the colour is important. I've used a red felt under my beige trim (only because I bought the last of their black which I've saved for the visible areas) and it isn't visible under the trim. I also have a pair of the original door cards from a TF, which have proven really helpful in terms of stitch length, overall construction etc. See close up pic of the original TF rear wheel arch covers. Cheers
Peter TD 5801


P Hehir

It is generally not recommended to use felt unless your looking to build a 100 point restoration. I chose to use rubber strips of similar thicknesses. On the driveshaft tunnel supports and the wheel arch to mainframes. The reason for switching to rubber is felt will retain moisture leading to eventual damage to surrounding materials. If your heart is set on using a felt product check out local fabric stores or upholstery shops. They usually carry various felt thicknesses.

Bill Chasser
TD-4834
W A Chasser

I am not in agreement with Bill in regards to his opinion of the use of felt. It is easy to suggest that the factory only used certain materials because that is as far as technology had advanced or it was completely driven by cost. In this instance rubber was available to the factory. At the time of production MG was not far removed from the hundreds of years of producing wooden bodied coaches. Perhaps they chose felt because it breathes and will dry, where as rubber can trap water that has moved into crevices by capillary action and would be less likely to dry out.

Perhaps when these open roadsters were produced felt would allow any water within the tub to drain out and there might be few squeaks.

My 2 cents.

Regards, Tom
tm peterson

I've obviously misunderstood your original post Bill. I thought you were referring to the upholstered body parts. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Tom, I think the answer to the felt/rubber issue would be to see what Morgan uses on their vehicles today.

Tim
Timothy Burchfield

Taking Tim’s que, I decided to email “From The Frame Up”, the TC guys. They told me that the TC factory had also used felt, but that it held water and caused rust.. FTFU uses thin rubber strips in place of the felt..

Where to get it? I went to my source of choice, Amazon. Unbelievably they have a wide selection of neoprene sheets and strips in different thicknesses and widths. I’ll have what I think I need on Monday.....pretty cool!
Bill Reid TD4618

I bought a sheet of rubberized cork and used that. I believe it was either 3/16" or 1/8" in thickness. Seems okay.

A seals expert later told me I should have used a heavy paper gasket material. I don't know what is right. At least rubber or rubberized material won't wick the moisture.

Jim

http://sandiegoseal.com/
J Barry

There are different types of foam rubber. Open Cell and Closed Cell. I would probably go with closed if you use a foam rubber.
Bruce Cunha

Sorry, I should have passed on a better link:

http://sandiegoseal.com/pdf/corkrubber.pdf
J Barry

My problem with rubber strips is that pockets can form between the rubber strips and metal parts. These will be pools for moisture with no way for the water to escape. Where felt might wick the water more than the rubber, it also allows for the water to drain or evaporate away too.

So I guess it's 6 of one or a 1/2 dozen of the other.
Christopher Couper

Chris, if the water can get in it can get out. I don't picture rubber strips as being one way check valves. :-)

Tim
Timothy Burchfield

This thread was discussed between 09/01/2020 and 12/01/2020

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