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MG TD TF 1500 - TF radiator fixing

Hi Guys

I have just dismantled the front of my TF to accept the engine and I am not happy with the fit on the radiator to the bonnet sides.

I have a large gap which I could fill with a spacer as everything else fits very well (see pic)

I followed the advice which I need to double check here about installing the radiator. One rubber and metal washer above and below the bracket (see pic)

As I said from the exterior all the panels fit well it's just this gap I am finding confusing

It could be that the radiator brackets have been messed with in the past as the 2 brackets at the front top of the radiator were removed. I have them and plan on installing them but would like to sort this issue first

Interested to hear opinions.

Thanks Darryl

D Lamb

The other side

D Lamb

The washer placing I need to confirm. Although if I change this and move both washer to the top it closes my gap but leaves a gap between the bonnet top and side....

D Lamb

Missing front brackets

D Lamb

Did you remove the cross bar that the bottom of the radiator bolts to? I vaguely recall that this can be replaced with the ends swapped around which may affect the fore-aft mounting of the radiator??

Matthew.
M Magilton

It was removed for painting but pretty sure it's back on the correct way. Can only go under.
I get your comment though in terms of moving the radiator forward or back depending on if the holes are not in the centre.

D Lamb

Hi Darryl. My rail as shown on my TD in the pic has been installed incorrectly, as it can be fitted in two positions. Matthew is correct as the two mounting holes are not centred on the longitudinal (east/west) axis of the cross mounting rail, which means the radiator is effectively "moved" either fore or aft depending on which way it's installed. My CMR bolts are also upside down. Both have been now fitted correctly. Cheers
Peter TD 5801

P Hehir

Hi Peter easy mistake to make. The holes for the crank shaft are slightly different on either side.
So just to confirm....looking from the front should the distance from the mounting holes to the front of the bracket be greater or smaller than the distance to rear of the bracket?
Thanks
D Lamb

Darryl,

Firstly, the top of the side engine panel aligns with the bottom edge of the side edge of the scuttle panel. Also ideally the bottom,lower edge
of the front quarter aligns tithe top edge of the side engine panel. ie.not a saw tooth look but a continual flow when viewed from the side of the car.

Now,many factors can influence/change the gap between the radiator
tabs and the engine side panel brackets. A small amount of the 'gap' here can be made up with washers however I susptect your gap is excessive. There is a bit of movement available in the two(2) black painted brackets as the bulkhead holes there were originally quite large in diameter.

The holes for the set screws (5 each side) in the engine side panel that affix this panel to the chassis frame walls are elliptical in shape and are set sloped to again allow for adjustment,both forward and aft and up and down movement.

As a long shot, the pack piece thicknesses where the body tub (angle iron) meets the chassis support brackets may be an influence.

Of course as you have mentioned.if the radiator brackets/tabs could have been moved during any rad. rebuild that can change fits as well.

Hope this helps.
Cheers
Rob Grantham
TF3719("Aramis"),TF9177("Athos").
Rob Grantham

Make that the "bottom,lower edge of the front quarter panel aligns with the bottom edge(folded edge) of the side engine panel.......

Cheers
Rob Grantham
Rob Grantham

Darryl,
your radiator support bracket is on the correct way round. Holes closer to the engine bay rather than the bumper.
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

Thanks for confirming that Ray

So far its been confirmed:
1 The washers are correct - 1 above and 1 below the support bracket
2 The support bracket is correct with the holes closest to the engine.

Doesn't leave much else...I must check do the brackets appear to be bent.

Also being relatively new to soldering is this the way the 2 front brackets are attached to the radiator....think I read this somewhere.
D Lamb

This thread was discussed between 05/03/2017 and 06/03/2017

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