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MG TD TF 1500 - TF Bonnet Side Panel Modification

Let me start by saying I'm all for restoring a car back to it's factory original status but when there's a small undetectable modification one can make I'm all for that also. While restoring my '54 TF I was told about a modification (or enhancement) to the bonnet side panel I should consider doing. Never owning a TF before I was a little apprehensive about it's merit and how it would make my life easier. The suggestion was to cut the bonnet side panels which would allow better access to the engine in time of need. So after some serious consideration I decided to do it. Yikes!
The panels were in primer so I didn't have to be concerned about damaging the paint which made the process easier. With the panels in place I marked the side panels where the wing (fender) bolted to the panel on the top and bottom areas. I then drew another line half way between those to lines that would become the cut line. Over to the band saw, a few deep breaths and I started cutting. What I have now is upper and lower side panels with the lowers remaining bolted in place while the uppers are removable. All I have to do to remove the upper side panel is remove the 2 bolts that fasten the side panel to the cowl and radiator and 2 bolts under the fender that goes through the fender, welting and side panel. I can remove it in approx 2 minutes with ease.
Even though its not original I'm very glad I did it. I just finished replacing the air cleaner elements which was easy work with the side panel removed. I attach a photo showing the accessibility to the carbs side of the engine. I think it's one of those things that once you do it you'll be glad you did.

L Staller

L,
This is an excellent mod for a TF. You should look into changing the bolts to quarter turn dzus fasteners.. Makes removal even quicker

Steve
Steve Wincze

Steve,
Thanks for the suggestion to use a Dzus fastener, that would make the removal easier. Right now I'm using a couple bolts and nuts that match the way it looked before I modified the panels. Although I modified it I still want it to look original. I was thinking about a couple of wing nuts I could spin on but where would I find BSF wing nuts! Ha!
It certainly isn't like opening the hood on a Honda but when I want it off it doesn't take much effort at all.
Thanks again.
L Staller

See http://www.ttalk.info/TFPanelMod.html for another idea. Bud
Bud Krueger

Bud,
That's the drawings I loosely used when planning my modification. I did weld a couple of nuts to the inside of the side panel so when I'm installing the 2 fender bolts I'm not fussing with holding a nut on the inside while screwing the bolt in from under the fender. I was talking about the 2 1/4" BSF bolts that are attached to the cowl and radiator brackets when I said I might use a wing nut. As often as I plan on removing the side panel (not very often) I guess I can use a socket and a open end wrench to do so.
Thanks, Lou
L Staller

I think it's a great idea, but for me, I have over a thousand dollars in the two new side panels alone and no way will I cut them. I have the old beat up panels that I would consider cutting, as I thought of this mod a long time ago.
The big problem is, you'll loose all the fun of scraping knuckles, dropping nuts and bolts,(that you can't find), and learning new words as you talk to your self!
Jimmie Williams had a pretty good idea on his race car for getting to the carbs.


Paul161

Another,


Paul161

A great example of function before form, as most race cars are.
I guess I could have cut an opening on the side panel like the louvre panel under the fender instead of hiding the cut behind the fender flange but doing it the way I did is easier as I didn't have to fabricate a lid and fasteners. Either way it sure beats skinned knuckles and lost nuts and bolts.
And as far as cutting the panel, the most difficult part was reaching the decision to do so. So I understand not wanting to modify your new panels, but like I said I'm very glad I did it on my car 'cause it makes working on the carbs a pleasure instead of a hassle.
And as my good friend use to say when looking at a low rider or a poorly built hot rod, "each to their own".
L Staller

Dave Clark just emailed me and said my converted rear is ready for shipping. That will end the season for me getting that installed and possibly next Summer I'll dig out the old side panels and give it a go on converting them. Yours look great I might ad! PJ
Paul161

This thread was discussed between 06/10/2015 and 07/10/2015

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