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MG TD TF 1500 - TF bonnet latches metal question

What metal are the bonnet latches made of?

Need to make a repair and finding these are like finding rocking horse manure.

The linkage broke on one side. Pot metal?

Thanks

Frank

Frank Cronin

Frank, I checked mine and it appears to be aluminum. I guess it could be repaired by welding but it's such a simple shape that it could be replicated with hand tools. I think it could be fabricated from brass, steel or aluminum. The need for a couple of thread taps would complicate the repair whether welded or re-made. Incidentally, I'm restoring a "1500", same color inside and out and I'm about the same stage you're at. You've given me confidence to tackle the upholstery part of my project. I hope mine comes out half as good as yours. Ain't it fun? Mike
jm wenzel

Thanks JM. Yeah, it's fun alright! Just another thing to get fixed!

When I bring my hardware to get plated, I'll have the guy look at it and see what he says. I'm sure he'll be able to identify it since that's all they do all day.

I found this so I can do myself. Seems pretty straight forward.

https://www.muggyweld.com/video/soldering-stainless-steel-aluminum/

https://www.muggyweld.com/product/super-alloy-1/


thanks you!

Frank

TF1414
Frank Cronin

I left my bonnet latches soaking in molasses for a couple of weeks and those pieces all but disappeared! I spent half a day fabricating new ones out of aluminium bar. Some variant of pot/Mazak metal would be my guess for the original.
Chris
C I Twidle

Frank, check with Hugh Pite, he just might have some of those latches. PJ
PJ Jennings

Hi Frank,

You are lucky it is only the internals of your catches that are broken, the part you show in your photo is easy to fabricate in brass. I to make the barrels/flanges that fit in the bonnet sides. Originals are monkey metal and mine looked like they had been infested with wood worms.

Jan T
J Targosz

Thank you Paul and Jan for your replies and help!

My plater guy emailed me this morning that he is pretty sure he can fix it. I'll let you know what I find out.

Frank

TF 1414


Frank Cronin

I was surprised the barrels/flanges were monkey metal and originally thought they were brass. It was only after the plating had been stripped that the real horrors were revealed. My chromium plater suggested he give them a coat of copper and I should then fill the holes with soft solder and he would re-copper and then nickel and chrome plate. I tried this but every time I tried to polish the copper/solder surfaces there were flats and the things looked a general mess. I spent a pleasant day working on my Myford lathe and fabricated some new ones in brass.

Jan T
J Targosz

I decided to order the Muggy Weld Super Alloy One and got this piece fixed myself. Still unsure what metal exactly this is but Muggy Weld is supposed to work with all white metals so I gave it try.

Stuff is great! I "V" out both sides and used a Berzomatic detail torch due to the small size and to keep flame away from the flux.

Some filing and wire brushing, it's good as new.


Frank

TF 1414



Frank Cronin

2.



Frank Cronin

This thread was discussed between 04/01/2019 and 12/01/2019

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