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 - Radiator Mounting

I'm installing the radiator on the TD. The mounting studs are hitting the steering rack. The cross member is on correctly - holes offset to the rear. The mounting pads are new. Is this a typical problem? Anything I might be missing before I put a couple thin spacers under it, and/or grind the threads down a little? I hate to do either.

Followup question, is the cross member completely flat on top, or does it dip down toward the middle? If mine is bent then that could explain the issue.
Steve Simmons

Is the small hole facing the front on the cross member? Do you have the spacers one on the top and the other on the bottom? The cross member is flat.
Christopher Couper

Not a typical problem.
Regards, Tom
tm peterson

If by spacers you mean the rubber mounting pieces, yes they are one per side on top and bottom. The cross member is installed the right way around, two holes offset to the rear. If the cross member is supposed to be dead flat spanning the frame irons then that's my issue. It dips down a bit toward the middle. I'll pull it and straighten it out. Thanks.
Steve Simmons

Steve, Dead flat, no curve. Time for a press or blocks and a BFH! George
George Butz III

It was bent mostly on one side when I first removed it, so I straightened it in a press (and finished it off with a hammer) to give the current slight dip because it was bent so perfectly that it looked factory. I'll pull it off again this weekend. The TD should be on the road for the first time in 40 years within a couple weeks.
Steve Simmons

Those radiators are often difficult. Even if studs have passive clearance, you may need to slightly raise the radiator to start the nuts. There are a lot of TDs and especially TFs (with the horns in the way) with no nuts at all, with just weight holding everything down. Exciting to recommission a TD! George
George Butz III

Yeah, the TC and other pre-war chassis have some major advantages when it comes to maintenance. Things are easier to get to.
Steve Simmons

This thread was discussed between 03/09/2024 and 05/09/2024

MG TD TF 1500 index

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