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MG TD TF 1500 - Panel behind crank - TF interior

What is the panel made of that is behind the crank and crank brackets in the interior of a TF? Is mine original?

My panel (without covering) is about 3/32 inch thick, black, flexible, and seems to be a tar-fiber type material. I can see the holes for the crank brackets in the back - previous owner didn't mount the brackets when she covered the panel with vinyl. The vinyl is good, but has separated from the panel. Contact cement should fix the problem.

If my panel is original, I assume that the screws for the crank brackets go through the panel and into the plywood behind. Do the brackets into the plywood keep the flexible panel flat?

I'd like to rehab my old pitted crank and mount it. When the hop (hood) is lowered, does the window rest against the crank? Seems that it would be scratched by the crank.

Thanks,

Lonnie
TF7211

Image of the panel in TF9052

LM Cook

Its a type of heavy duty cardboard, coloured very dark grey. Probably has some moisture resistant properties, so if you replace it with anything else I would paint it back and front before covering.
Dave H
Dave Hill

Lonnie,

I don't know the history of your car but if it has the original holes, it could be the original panel. Be the way you describe, I think you do.

< I assume that the screws for the crank brackets go through the panel and into the plywood behind. Do the brackets into the plywood keep the flexible panel flat?> Yes



When you took it off, did you have these vinyl pieces?

If so, your panel must be factory. These pieces are just glued on in place where the cut outs are. The glue dries out and fall behind the board.



Frank Cronin

2

Frank Cronin

The window will hang slightly forwards and should not contact the crank. I like to put some soft cloth inside the fold of the window to prevent chafing of the outer surface.

Pic of my factory upholstery.

Matthew.

M Magilton

Dave, Frank, and Matthew -

Thanks for your info and photos.

> Dave - I don't believe that the panel needs replacing.

> Frank - The two round-top pieces are not on the car. The interior was replaced about 20 years ago.

> Matthew - Thanks, the window was my primary concern.

I kinda feel that the panel is original. (new vinyl on the panel and interior) This little car surprises me with its originality every time that I dig into it. Paint looks bad. Gearbox is questionable. And a few other 60-year-old problems, but its details haven't been changed very much.

My panel has two screw holes for each bracket. I can see matching holes in the plywood.

I'll order three clips, clean up my crank, and mount it.

I have attached photos to this post and to the two after this one.

Lonnie
TF7211

image - Panel removed. Appears to have been cemented to the plywood panel behind the gas tank with contact cement, plus screws in each corner.

LM Cook

2nd image - Panel material. Approx 3/32 inch thick

Lonnie
TF7211

LM Cook

Lonnie,
On My TF 1500, I fastened the rear of the top to the rail with snaps instead of tacking it to the strip. This allows top folding it no part of the top cought within the frame amd the windo is not folded but lies flat an top of the top over the frame.
Unsnapping the rear makes it much easier to fold the top!
Don H
Don Harmer

3rd image - Mounting holes for bracket. Two for each bracket spaced 1/2 inch apart. Matching holes in plywood behind gas tank.

Lonnie
TF7211

LM Cook

Don -
That seems like a logical solution that the factory probably should have done. My top is screwed to the rail. However, the edge at the rear side curtain has a snap. I'll see if I can reduce the pinching by the bows by unsnapping it. I still have a lot to learn.

I enjoyed seeing you and your TF at GOF-South.

Lonnie
TF7211
LM Cook

This thread was discussed between 23/04/2015 and 24/04/2015

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