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MG TD TF 1500 - TF 2071 on the road again

Three years into my custodianship, and 40 years since it was last on the road, TF 2071 has had its first road run. For most of those 40 years it sat totally dismantled in a shed so it’s a complete nut and bolt restoration. It was booked in for a Safety Inspection/MOT/RWC. It was legal to drive the none registered vehicle the 6km to the test station but, when we got there, a sign on the door said “closed due to unforeseen circumstances”. Well it had arrived in one piece so I took a chance and (probably not legally) drove it back home. It’s been assembled partially painted as I intend to run it for some weeks to confirm full functionality before stripping down to complete the painting. It certainly wouldn’t have got to this stage without the generous help provided by everyone on the forums so heartfelt thanks for that.

Some obvious tweaks will be needed:

Ran quite well and stopped ok in a straight line:

Speedo needs a correction gearbox (due to change in diff ratio);

Seat may need a rethink. I could remove some padding or look for a replacement seat that sits lower. Atm I have a choice of looking under or over the windscreen top rail. This may not be an option when I get a soft top installed!

Steering rack may be a bit tight (inner ball joints suspected, will they wear in?) otherwise cornering very precise but a slight tendency towards an over correction wobble in a straight line. Wheel alignment only done by tape measure at this stage;

Tuning will need refining, slight tendency for gear lever to rattle which may be an indication of being too advanced. Wouldn’t restart when I got home although I have a heat shield between inlet manifold and head. Need to have a look at the plug colours;

Dash mirror close to useless and ex Harley motorbike screen mounted mirror would be better if convex;

It’s not looking particularly photogenic in a mixture of Almond green, British Racing green and black primer so photos will have to wait.

I’m still smiling!

Chris
C I Twidle

Well done!
Albury-Woodonga National Meeting maybe?
M Magilton

Congratulations Chris on your efforts with your TF. Our T types with regard to rebuild and restoration certainly do put owners to the test.

Cheers
Rob Grantham
Rob Grantham

Inner ball joints need to have shims added to the point that they do not bind, but are free without being loose.
Lew Palmer

Use gear oil not grease in the steering rack

Jim
James Neel

It is great to hear of another TF saved, especially after so many years. Well done!
Jack Long

Super cool. Any T Series that makes it back on the road under its own power is a win.

Just remember it's a hobby and something to tinker with as you go along. The car will remind you of that periodically by just breaking something or wanting to be adjusted. I swear these cars are a bit like a dog or a cat. :-)
Christopher Couper

Thanks guys, it’s been a lot of fun so far.

Chris, I have been married to a vet for longer than the car has been off the road and agree with the analogy!

Lew and James, I tried my amateur best at the shimming and did use oil not grease. It promptly deposited itself on the floor as the brand new gaiter was perished! The next run will be with slightly higher ti/yer pressures before trying anything more complicated.

Matthew, that would be a round trip of nearly 2000 miles, even if the car were up for it, I doubt I would be!

Chris
C I Twidle

Come on Chris, be game. I am looking at taking (not sure if driving or towing as yet) my Y Tourer down to Albury.
My Gold Coast club has planned a 4 day trip down and 10 days back via Victoria's east coast & the Snowy Mtns.

The furthest I have driven the YT so far is to Gympie & back (500km all up).

Then there is TYme 2020 in Canberra in September / October.
cheers
Stuart
Stuart Duncan

Good job!! George
George Butz III

"Chris, I have been married to a vet for longer than the car has been off the road and agree with the analogy!"

Go figure. Two T Series Chris's, both with Veterinarian spouses. :-)

Notice the cat on her 50's skirt.



Christopher Couper

Congrats on your first drive experience in your TF Chris! Look forward to the pictures once it's painted!


Frank

TF 1414
Frank Cronin

This thread was discussed between 01/11/2019 and 04/11/2019

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