MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

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 - Front Bumper Spacer

I have a question for my 51TD, does the front bumper spacer go against the frame or fender? The front of the fender has a cutout like it should go around the spacer but not quiet big enough. Before I start grinding I wanted to know fore sure, none of the pictures I have found show that detail.
Thanks,
Rich




rich40701

The spacer should clear the wing
W A Chasser

Over 70 years these cars have been bumped and bashed. I have not seen 2 cars where bits would interchange directly. It also seems that every time I take T apart it does not always want to go back together without a fight.
Did a friends car last year and frightened onlookers by adjusting with a lump hammer.
Check the bolt centres, should be 19.5625" (19 9/16")
Ray TF2884
Ray Lee

While technically the spacer should clear the wing fixing that may not be worth the damage you would do.

I think Ray is right. There is a high probability that something has tweaked the car at this point even though it is minor and expecting it to be perfect here after finishing etc. may be too high of an expectation.

You could try loosening the fender bolts a bit with the spacer and bolt in place to see if you can move the fender just slightly.

So if it does not clear easily I would just get a thin, narrow washer that would sit underneath the spacer to keep it from crushing the wing.

Christopher Couper

Thanks for the replies, Chris, your solution would work easily on the left side as the wing fits snug to the front of the frame but not as tight on the right and not sure if I have enough play to slide everything back. For whatever reason the openings on the front of wing are a tad too small for the spacers on both sides.
I think I will put painters tape on front of wing, put the bolt in, slide the spacer against it and Mark how much has to come off. If it's not too much maybe I can use a small dremel cutoff wheel to open it up without destroying the paint.
Thanks again,
Rich
rich40701

You could also chuck them on a lathe or drill press and file lot cut down the spacers a bit to clear the wings.
W A Chasser

Nice elegant solution, lateral thinking wins again.
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

Really check the bolt center distance- mine is a bit over 1/8" narrower than Ray's. I would strongly suggest mocking up the entire front end before grinding on anything. The splash apron has to fit between the wings at the side edge, as well as the mounting tabs. I used a different radiator shell for my mock up in primer. After paint and using my rechromed shell, the apron was too wide, which involved grinding on freshly pained metal.... George
George Butz III

George,
The measurement is from the WSM but there would be quite a lot o laxity in the welding jig.
I went with my mate to pick up his new Morgan in 1968 at the factory. We had a tour and watched them and their tolerances were massive, a similar build method to our cars.
Ray Lee

This thread was discussed between 11/03/2021 and 14/03/2021

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG TD TF 1500 BBS now