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MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - Wooden TD Battery Tray

I was recently asked details about the wooden tray under the battery, and realized I had not remembered that there was one in a TD - the various discussions and drawings all refer to TF cars.

DID the TD have a wooden battery tray? And were the dimensions the same as the TF trays variously described?

And finally, what attaches two side pieces to the flat bottom? Nails? Glue? The bolts are only at the front, so I suspect there is some other attachment.

Thanks very much.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
t lange

See http://www.ttalk.info/BatteryBoxWood.htm Bud
Bud Krueger

Tom -

The TD Service Parts List shows "Tray-battery" part #183528 starting with TD0251. The part number changed to #500805 with TD18883. The TD chassis number associated with the start of part #500805 may be wrong. I checked the chassis number in the MG Car Club database ... not listed.

The battery tray in the TF Service Parts List is the same as the later tray that is in the TD Parts List. #500805

I have seen original battery trays, but not taken them apart - so I don't know how the two pieces on each end are attached.

I used the information on Bud's site plus some more internet searching to make a battery tray for my TF.

Plans and information:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxisXBEpc-IWRUFCNFZlWmdsLU0/view?usp=sharing

Lonnie
TF7211
LM Cook

I just used wood glue and flat head wood screws from underneath to secure the bottom piece to the wood rails.

Two bolts and flat washers hold the tray on each front corner. I believe the were 1/4.

TF trays were painted black. My understanding earlier TD's were body color but unsure if there was a change to painting them to black in later cars.

Frank
TF1414
Frank Cronin

Years ago, I made a few of these, easy to make and work great.
TRM Maine

To attach to the car just bolt and flat washer on top and nut and lock washer underneath. Paint of bolt optional.


Christopher Couper

Here's another appropriate bit, http://www.ttalk.info/53BatteryBox.htm Bud
Bud Krueger

Amazing! I have my battery out while redoing my dash and installing a heater. I noticed two screws doing nothing in the bottom of the battery tray. I paid them no nevermind and moved on. I now know they are to hold down the wooden battery box which is long gone. I don't care much about the looks as long as the information on this BBS keeps flowing. Jud
J. K. Chapin

Jud - screws or bolts?

Tom Lange
t lange

My TF had one bolt left in one hole.

I bought the ply but would need a pro to cut it as it needs a fine blade.

Peter
P G Gilvarry

Tom, small nuts and bolts. My bad semantics :-)
J. K. Chapin

Tom,
I have the remains of my original Tf tray- The plywood is attached to the side pieces which appear to be made of mahogany or something similar with small flat head wood screws.
JB
J K Barter

Tom,
I have the remains of my original Tf tray- The plywood is attached from below with small wood screws.
JB
J K Barter

Time to scour the gallery on CC's site. My recollection is that TD's had bolts and nuts. Maybe they moved to screws later on? Would've saved a few pennies or maybe even a bob or two. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Here is a link to Chris Coopers page. This is a later TD 11000+)

In this picture, the wood appears to be natural color. Anyone confirm it was plain wood or was it painted?

https://www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgtd/Pictures/TD11272/Thumbnails/mgtd_gallery_thm_TD11272.htm#
Bruce Cunha

Bruce, to my untrained eye that looks like a newish item, I would have thought it would be more beat up like the rest of the car.

Thoughts?

Peter
P G Gilvarry

Yes, replaced timber by the looks. Black paint would be the standard.
M Magilton

We'd have to ask Rod but I think it was replaced too. He was in the processing of taking the car apart and perhaps he was test fitting it or maybe the prior owner had installed this one thing?
Christopher Couper

This thread was discussed between 25/02/2020 and 06/03/2020

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