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MG TD TF 1500 - TF1500 side curtains - original?

Attached are photos of two of four side curtains that came with TF8926 when acquired in 1970. I am curious if these were original to the car or later replacements. The car was only 15 years old in 1970 and these may well be the ones it came with. Can some experts comment on whether these appear to be original or replacements and why?
Thanks
Rick Walsh

R.T. Walsh

Photo #2

R.T. Walsh

photo #3

R.T. Walsh

photo #4

R.T. Walsh

Hi Rick. Your best bet would be to check the dimensions published by Moss. I don't have that link handy but someone will chime in with detail. That is the best way to confirm that you have TF and not 3 bow TD curtains.

The colour of the frames suggests they could be original though I thought the TF frame was a little more pink. These look like they could be the correct colour for the TD. I can't comment on the fabric except to say that the binding being a different colour may not be correct. The fraying around the window seems not quite right either.

Can you post some closeups of the rivets both front and back? Rob Grantham may be able to shed more light as he's up to speed on TF originality. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

My opinion: Wrong fabric. Not enough border around the rear top frames. Poor edge where the fabric touches the screen frame (as if something was waay out of alignment there). I cant recall seeing factory images that show a darker edging material.

Matthew.
M Magilton

Yes,agree with Matt's summation. Particularly the front edge to windscreen frame is way off. Also.do I see rust in and around the 'rivets' (3) to the rear
sidescreen ? Originally they were a solid, dome headed aluminium rivet with an aluminium washer under the head. The tail of the rivet was peined on the inside of the frame.

The colour of the frame looks pretty spot on for TFs. One photo colouring of course is different from the other ! (due to light effects, camera angle etc.)

At this stage,I doubt whether these are the original sidescreen covers.

Rob Grantham
TF3719("Aramis"),TF9177("Athos").
Rob Grantham

See http://www.ttalk.info/Curtains/index.html for Moss side curtain information. Bud
Bud Krueger

Apologies for bending your thread Rick though you may be interested in what follows. I've just received a sample from Western Australia of the original aluminium solid (tinman) rivet and washer that was used on the TD & TF - and probably on the TC - rear side curtains.

I have located a supplier for the rivets in Melbourne Australia and the washers in South Carolina. The rivets are in stock @ $48/lb and can be purchased in 1/4/lb quantities for $12 AU. Still waiting for a quote from Rock Hill in South Carolina, although I suspect that the shipping will cost WAY more than the washers.

Anybody anywhere near South Carolina interested in swapping some washers for some rivets? We can exchange using ordinary airmail. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Peter, if you have issues you can ship the washer to me in NY for onforwarding.

Peter
P G Gilvarry

Thanks Peter. I asked for a quote including shipping to OZ. The figure provided didn't mention shipping, just $28:50 US for 100, which seems a little steep. The firm is Superior Washer and Gasket Company and the part number is 475-102-31. Anybody interested in some of these washers? I'm getting a 1/4 lb of the rivets from Melbourne so happy to swap. 6 rivets and 6 washers completes one car. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

I'd be really pleased if someone in the States could get a quote for the washers mentioned above. The suppliers appear not to be interested in filling overseas orders. I'd go elsewhere but they don't seem to be available anywhere else. The good news is the rivets are on their way. 1/4 lb is about 300 or so! If anyone would like some for their TD or TF side curtains email me on pjbm at bigpond dot com. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Original NOS TD side screens that I have had for many years. never used.

Note no edging and the hard plastic window made from VYBAK

Rod Brayshaw

image 2

Rod Brayshaw

image 3

Rod Brayshaw

image 4

Rod Brayshaw

image 5

Rod Brayshaw

image 6

Rod Brayshaw

Rod can you describe what I'm seeing in image 6? It seems the inner and out fabric skins have been folded over towards each other prior to stitching? Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Great shots there Rod!
Good details like the frame colour and painted nuts.

Cheers,
Matthew.
M Magilton

Peter, yes correct, that is the original sewing method on all edges for TD and TF.

The soft top was edged the same way.
Rod Brayshaw

Thanks Rod. That clearly answers Rick's question. The side curtains are not original. This is how Moss finished the edges on the kit I purchased. See pic. I guess that there will be very, very few cars using the original edging detail. Good to know what the correct approach was though, especially for those who are making the gear themselves. Cheers
Peter TD 5801



P Hehir

This thread was discussed between 18/04/2018 and 28/04/2018

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