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MG TD TF 1500 - How fast.

So if we had a TD that was not in terrible body shape, if the members of this site could get together, how long do you think it would take us to do a nice restoration on a TD?

My guess would be three weeks if we had fast parts delivery.
Bruce Cunha

Good idea. When they finish your three-week restoration, send them down here to Florida to finish my five-year restoration that started as a quick respray.

Seriously, I’ve often pondered the same question as you.

Lonnie
TF7211
LM Cook

That is a good question, took me 9 years to do my TF, but there was a move in that period.
PJ Jennings

It took me 9 months for this but the engine and gearbox were already done. If you had a large group of people and each assigned to an individual task then ya 3 weeks to a month is possible ...IF.... the machine work is done ... AND.. the chrome is done.

I guessed 3 months to assemble a car by myself that was supposedly ready to assemble.

Since I refuse to do anymore body and paint those are the things we have no control of for the time frame so get them off to the
shops asap. A factor I hadn't figured into was the time it would take for the owner to rebuild some of the pieces himself. Like a year to do a steering rack or 18 months for a gearbox.





L E D LaVerne

Depends on who it is, how many people there are, and how much of the work will be farmed out. And that's assuming the farmed out work would be done in a timely manner! The more money you throw at a project, the faster it can be done. And the higher quality the work is, the longer it takes. I can rebuild a whole rear axle in a day. But to properly restore it can take a week. Things like polishing brass connectors and restoring original hardware instead of replacing it can add a LOT of time. And of course the condition of the car can make a huge difference. A body full of rust holes will take a month longer than one that is solid.
Steve Simmons

With a well set up garage, I think we probably have all the expertise to do the whole job.
Yea, I am on year 3 or 4 of my restoration, but I don't work on it full time or even every day.
Bruce Cunha

When I did TD-4834 it took me 15 months worth of 10-14 hour days from start to finish but is was delayed about three months waiting for a billet crank and rods, custom spec’d Arias pistons, roller valve-train, extractor exhaust, machine work from Del’s, plating, powdercoating and upholstery. I had figured it would take 9 months sans the delays.

TD/c-8151 has been quite another storied effort. Figuring on 15 months based on the previous restoration, it has taken nearly 6 years. Delays caused by three years and 3 attempts to completely retimber the tub (which was a huge learning curve), stripping & powder coating by American Stripping in Sacramento, machine work from Del’s in Sacramento, chrome work, paintwork by Eddie’s in Lincoln, interior by Jim Silva in San Leandro. Other delays due to regional air quality from major wildfire conflagrations that kept me indoors and health issues also factored into the total time. I’m still working on the car trying to finish the nitty details. I’m still waiting for a gauge restoration from Don Paradowski that has been a complete and total long winded disaster up to this point.

I would say that if not having to wait for outside services a completely retimbered, nut and bolt restoration would take 15 months of effort based on 10 hour days and 7 days a week. Of course that is dependent upon the bones you have to work with at the start. Timber replacement, bodywork, paint and upholstery and the attention to details consuming most of those hours.

Bill Chasser
TD-4834
TD/c-8151
W A Chasser

Guys, why do you rush your restorations? Mine took 30 years! Today it gives so much pleasure just to tinker with and local tripping. All it needs is the 5 speed conversion kit I'm waiting for to arrive. Something called covid delaying things.

Kev S
TF6288
K Simonsen

I try to never restore anything, but when I do I try to move quickly because I can't drive it until it's done. No reason I can find to own a car I can't drive, since that's what it was designed for! Put me behind the wheel on a twisty canyon road any day, instead of under the bonnet. :)

I save my "tinkering" for old machines, tools, antiques, etc. Just today I was cleaning and hanging an old chain hoist from the 30's. But the cars must always be ready to drive reliably, whether for a short trip or a long tour. I do my maintenance and repair as needed, but if it ain't broke, I don't try to fix it. The most unreliable cars I've ever seen were the ones constantly messed with. And the most reliable cars I've ever owned are the ones that are driven the most. In fact my MGB and my TC have been as reliable as any modern car I've ever owned. Just my own opinion of course...
Steve Simmons

I don’t have thirty years to spend on a car. Plus, I want to enjoy the fruits of my labors before I’m too damn old, infirmed or I assume room temperature.
W A Chasser

Building them is my enjoyment. Yes, they are fun to drive, but my love is working in the shop.
Bruce Cunha

To me the obvious answer is -have more than one. One to tinker and one to drive. So wife happy, children independent, bills all paid and enough time in your life and money to achieve this. Which is probably why most of us in this position are of a certain age- old!!!
JK Mazgaj

Age is a number ,how come I have such a big number?

Old is a feeling. I feel like a teenager with aches and pains.

Peter

PS. When I had a TD my wife was younger.
P G Gilvarry

Careful what you wish for. I have three TCs, two of them in pieces. It isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Steve Simmons

This thread was discussed between 11/09/2021 and 15/09/2021

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