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MG TD TF 1500 - New owner - tool suggestion

Hi. New member and this is my first post on the site. Please excuse any newbie errors in posting and asking questions. I am aware of the archives and will use them first before posting a question. I just purchased a 1951 MG TD. I have rebuilt a couple of muscle cars and an MGB but this is my first TD.

I have garage full of just about every automotive tool you can imagine. But what I don't have are Whitworth tools. I wonder if someone could suggest what wrenches and sockets I should buy at a minimum to restore my TD? If anyone has tools for sale please let me know.
Thanks
Tim

TW Burchfield

Whitworth tool sets are available and are not too expensive. I would suggest the normal range of wrenches and also a set of BA/BSF/metric taps and dies, as you will find it handy to make your own threads from time to time...
Geoffrey M Baker

Welcome, Tim -

IMHO - this forum is the best source on the internet for answers to all of your questions.

Sounds like you probably have a good selection of SAE and Metric automotive tools.

I've only owned my TF for about a year and a half, so other BBS members can give better info than I.

You can buy Whitworth tools and BSF fasteners from a number of sources. I bought a (Rolson) 8-piece 12-point Whitworth wrench set and a (Ko-Ken) 8-piece 3/8" drive 6-point Whitworth socket set. Both from British Tool and Fastener. They have an ebay store that may be a little cheaper than the on-line store. Also bought a 1/4" BSF and 5/16" BSF tap and die from the same company. You probably need a 1X8 metric tap and die. Possibly a 2BA tap and die. Not saying that this seller or these tools are better than others, they're just what I bought.

BSF fasteners, Mad-metric fasteners, British square lock washers, etc., are available from British Tool & Fastener, From the Frame Up, Abingdon Spares, etc.

Read Chris Couper's MGTD site for answers to a lot of your questions as you start working on your TD.
http://www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgtd/

Lonnie
TF7211
LM Cook

Check eBay frequently, and avoid Whitworth taps and dies, as that is the coarse version of BSF.

The engine and gearbox are French metric fine thread with Whitworth heads so the mechanic's wrenches would still fit. Mostly 8x1 thread. Modern fine thread metric taps and dies will help.

Warmly,
Dave
Dave Braun

Tim - E-mail me at: SUfuelpumps@donobi.net and I'll send you information on the tools you will be needing and places to obtain them (other than Moss and E-bay).
Cheers,
D.W. DuBois

Looks like an interesting car. Can you tell us a bit more about it like when it was last on the road, what chassis number it is (found on the front left frame stamped into the metal), has it been restored before and did someone start a restoration but gave up etc.
Christopher Couper

TW,
You have found the best T series site on the web. It is populated by truly civil gentlemen who will take a REAL interest in your problems and progress. As you can see above plenty of advice is forthcoming but do not be surprised when I little humor is injected from time to time. Questions are generously accepted and photos are a BIG plus. You will be right at home. Welcome aboard!

Best regards,

Jim Haskins 1953 TD
J. M. Haskins

One of my daughters and her family kindly bought me a 100 and something piece spanner set for my birthday when I was sixty. I have now completed a full nut and bolt restoration of my TF and have basically used three spanner sizes 1/4, 3/16, and 5/16 whitworth oh and also 2 and 4 BA. I would suggest you buy what you need, as and when you need them and don't waste your money on obscure sizes that you will never use.

Jan T
J Targosz

TW. I've found over 40 years and a dozen restorations and hot rod builds the #1 shop tool, bar none, is superior shop lighting.

Now that you can see what you're doing, you can reach for that wrench.

A little tip from your uncle Mitch.

.....
MAndrus

>>>A little tip from your uncle Mitch.<<<<
aRE YOU GUYS RELATED ?????

STEVE
Steve Wincze

Thank you everyone for the advice and positive comments. A special thanks to Dave DuBois for the extensive fastener and engine info. As my father always said, nothing beats experience.

As far as the car goes: I pick it up this week. It is supposed to be a numbers matching car. I don't know anything about it's history but I will try and find out as much as possible. The chassis number is TD12524, original engine XPAG/TD2/LHX1294, build date 19 DEC 1951 (according to tregister.org.)

I look forward to the rebuild and I appreciate the benefit of having so much information and experience on this site.
Tim
TW Burchfield

Tim, if you send me your email I would be happy to send you my browser favorites file which includes links to pretty much everything people have mentioned here and more...

I can't paste it as the bbs doesn't like raw html...
Geoffrey M Baker

Sorry, my email is geoffreybaker@cox.net
Geoffrey M Baker

Thank you Geoffery. Email sent. The helpfulness of the members on this bbs is remarkable.
Thanks everyone.
TW Burchfield

Hi Tim and welcome to your best resource and help as move forward on your new TD. What part of Ohio are you at? I'm in Ludlow Falls, just north of Dayton.

Bill
TD24570
Bill Brown

Hi Bill, I'm in Columbus. If you are aware of any swap meets in our general area please let me know. Although I'm picking the car up this week so I really don't know what I need yet.
TW Burchfield

You can buy almost everything from British Tools here is the website http://britishfasteners.com/ I have bought a lot of stuff from them. check out there bargain bin. lots of stuff there. I have at least 4 sockets sets from GB tools, Snap on. Craftsman, Blue point and others. I also have wrenchs, pickup stuff on E bay and other sites also. Good luck and keep us posted on the site.
TRM Maine

Tim, if you have a chance, you need to hook up with David Sheward who has a very neat and fast TF. i believe he is also from Columbus.

Bill
TD24570
Bill Brown

Thanks Bill. I'll see if he is a member of our MG Club here.
TW Burchfield

This thread was discussed between 05/05/2015 and 06/05/2015

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