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MG TD TF 1500 - Mirrors
I’m deep into the final stages of assembling my 12+ year 54 TF project and need some help!
When I dismantled the car I took many many photos that I lost when my hard drive died. The mirror glass in al the unit’s was clouded at the edges so I dismantled the two side Lucas mirrors and the center Desmo mirror and sent out all the external parts and had them re-chromed and now that it is time to reassemble I can’t seem to get the parts sequence right! So! Can someone help me with either an assembly description or photos? Much appreciated! Rod Murray 54 TF Project |
Rodney G Murray |
Hi Rod. Is the Desmo the same as the TD? |
Bruce Cunha |
Hi Bruce: I think that they are the same. I understand from searching the archives that the TF1500’s were the only ones to originally have the “night” mirror. Rod |
Rodney G Murray |
Rod: Can you post a picture of all your parts and we can then tell you the order. I don't remember there being that many parts but it's been awhile. |
Christopher Couper |
Here's what Lazarus' mirror looked like inside when I changed it to a day/night mirror. Bud
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Bud Krueger |
Other parts: Bud ![]() |
Bud Krueger |
Bud: That's what I remember too. BTW you were missing one of the little screws in the picture. :-) |
Christopher Couper |
It turned out that none of the XKE mirror parts were usable in adapting the mirror to the TD mount. BTW, that screw had been missing since I got Lazarus. Bud |
Bud Krueger |
Bud: that is perfect for the interior mirror.... need to make the rubber part. Does anyone have similar photos/description for the fender mirrors? By the way, how did you change it to day/night? Rod |
Rodney G Murray |
Rod, I learned that the interior mirror for XKE Jaguars is virtually identical to the mirror was OEM to the TF 1500s. he big difference is that the rear section on the XKE is painted rather than being chromed. I also had to modify the mounting shaft to use the TD mount. Bud
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Bud Krueger |
Since fender mirrors are not standard you will have to give us a picture. |
Christopher Couper |
I was able to resolve the interior mirror assemble and install it. Thanks for the help! ![]() |
Rodney G Murray |
here are the parts of the fender mirrors and I seem to be missing whatever part tensions the mirror plate to the post ball.
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Rodney G Murray |
I believe it is just friction that the outer plate puts on the ball against the inner plate on the back of the mirror body when the pieces are screwed together. Jim |
James Neel |
Rod, I'm pretty sure that the three screws that center the slotted plate to the ball provide the tension. You can tighten them down to where you can not move the mirror, or something just shy of that. Bud |
Bud Krueger |
Bud and James are correct. Just friction.
I am curious how you are going to get the glass back into the frame and keep it there. When made new they rolled the edges around the glass. If your new glass fits into the opening OK then discard the paper and use some dabs of silicone behind the glass to have it "glue" the mirror to the frame. If your new glass does not easily drop into the frame you have a very good chance of damaging it or breaking the mirror by trying to force it. If anyone else has a better suggestion I would like to know what it is. My mirrors are OK now but I have replaced them multiple times over the years and had to resort to the silicone method. BTW I had a hard time sourcing replacement glass (I like the convex ones) and ended up buying replacement mirrors and tearing them apart just to get the new glass. If anyone needs other parts just let me know. :-) |
Christopher Couper |
Chris:
I missed your interrogative, apropos the mirrors I plan to use. I will be using standard mirror glass cut to fit inside the mirror frame, holding it down with silicone.i will then add smaller “button” convex mirrors on the inside edge. I don’t mind doing this, more for keeping the original mirrors on the car; plus, I will be using a couple of mirrors attached to the sides of the Windshield..... much better for aging eyes! On the assembly, I did find in my disassembly bag, the remnants of some small Tinnerman (speed) Nuts. It looks as if the curve of these were used to tension mirror on its stand allowing the adjustment motion. I’ll be replacing these. They attach to the disc with the 6 holes in a concave fashion with tiny screws ( I found 2 of these in the bottom of the bag as well).... it sucks when you lose all your disassembly photos! Regards Rod |
Rodney G Murray |
Rod: I missed in your image that the screw plate (one that is inside the mirror that those three little screws go into) was removed. Originally that was fastened to the mirror housing with rivets. Fairly flat rivets. Somewhere down the line yours were replaced/removed. If you can you might want to reconsider riveting them back on again. Sorry for the poor quality picture but you get the idea. Inside they were peened over so they have very little height. ![]() |
Christopher Couper |
Chris: many thanks! I’ll try riveting with aluminum AN rivets. Regards Rod |
Rodney G Murray |
This thread was discussed between 18/10/2019 and 30/10/2019
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