Bits & Pieces

TF8418 – A Wedding Car ‘Then and Now’

In Issue 69 (December 2021) Simon Robinson told us about his parents’ TF1500, registration number 36 EMG. A few years’ after buying it, Simon’s dad proposed to his mum and the TF was used as their wedding car.

Simon proceeded to tell us how, having been “laid up” a few years’ after the wedding, the poor TF had to endure some failed attempts to resuscitate it, until some 45 years after its last drive, a garage was commissioned to restore her to her former glory.

In 2015, 36 EMG emerged from the garage as good as new, but Simon’s dad covered it with a tarpaulin on the drive, using it only occasionally on a very hot summer’s day.

In 2018 Simon finally proposed to his partner of 23 years and his dad said that he could use the car for the wedding. However, due to the Covid outbreak the wedding was postponed until this May.

The ‘then and now’ photos below record the two events, some 58 years’ apart.

Simon says “Excuse the fact the picture has been reversed so it now looks like a left-hand drive but we are still awaiting the professional photos which should be the right angle so we have a matching photo some 58 years on. 

We had a videographer that was more obsessed with the car than us. So, we’re looking forward to seeing that.”

Perhaps one of the rarer accessories for an everyday TD !          Brian Simm has sent inthese pictures of a TD with a towbar. He says that although a towbar was originally listed as an accessory, this set-up is a1980’s? East German Stema 400kg trailer. Fully wired in for lights, tow bar is home made in plate and hollow section attached via the 4 skirt and dumb iron bolts to rear of chassis.

Brian’s car was originally exported to what was then Northern Rhodesia.

Fuel tank magnetic plug

The following from new TC owner, Chris Howe:

“I recently (May) purchased a 1945 TC, I am 68 years young and have always wanted this model.

The car was a non-runner when I purchased it from an auction, so I was/am taking a big risk. I am currently working my way through a list of repair/servicing jobs, before trying to start the engine and have just refitted the fuel tank which was very rusty along with old crud at the bottom of the tank. I used a system called POR15 which you probably have come across before. Anyway, I thought I would fit a drain plug with a magnet (like sump plugs) so as to catch any rust particles in the future, and was surprised that there was none available.

However, I obtained a small (1cm) Neodymium magnet from RS Components @ £8 and drilled and tapped, it is now installed ready to do its job.

While I had the tank removed, I fitted indicator lamps to both sides of the tank (side panels), and have now located inner side/flasher bulb holders for the front side lights.”

What is the purpose of the split pin in the hole in the bell housing?

I was recently asked this question and didn’t know the answer. What to do? Well, ask Eric Worpe! According to Eric, the split pin is there because it tends to rattle due to engine vibrations and this prevents the hole in the bell housing from being blocked up.

The same enquirer was experiencing problems with oiling the clutch after a 35 minute race.

Eric provided the following possible explanations:

“Clutch oiling up, an unusual problem. Could be due to the oil leaking through the Archimedes scroll being flung outwards due to the spinning flywheel. The oil would then hit the inside of the bell housing and then drip downwards on to the clutch pressure plate. The various holes in the pressure plate would then allow oil to enter and contaminate the clutch linings.

Such a situation could be confirmed by removing the inspection cover on top of the bell housing and seeing if any oil has been deposited on it. Make sure you replace the cover the right way up.

Another possibility is oil seeping along the 4 bolts supporting the flywheel on to the crankshaft. Would be worth using a silicon sealant on the threads as any oil seeping through would be flung outwards on to the clutch linings.”

TA UPDATE

This pic was sent to Roger Muir (Octagon CC) – is on DVLA as ‘Untaxed’ – chassis number not known. Date of last V5C is recorded as 3rd May 1996 and colour shown as ‘Green’!

TA0640 is a Special on a known TA chassis; registration number 3505 RO.

TA0962 previously shown in October 2021 TTT 2 as DKT 839 and ‘Not known to DVLA’. The owner asked me to get an age-related number for it as he didn’t have the log book to reclaim DKT 839. It’s now got PXS 813 and has recently been up for sale.

TA2037 believed stored in Belgium for 40 years, now in Leicestershire. Has a UK Reg – APN 746, not known to DVLA. (Information from Stewart Penfound, TA/B/C Registrar for the MGCC).

TF1500 UPDATE

TF7973 shown as registration unknown in June TTT 2 is 110 UXM and is shown by DVLA as ‘Taxed’.

TF9005 also shown as registration unknown in June TTT 2 is RLJ 697 and is shown by DVLA as ‘Taxed’.

Ed’s note: If I have missed any updates, or if there is any new information, please let me know:

jj(at)ttypes.org [substitute @ for (at)].

Repositioning the Rev Counter and Speedo on a LH drive TD

The following has been received from Erik Benson:

“I have had quite a few TDs since 1960, and still have my lovely Clipper blue one here in France.”

“Now, just a thought for you all…

When the TD was designed, it was as much for the Left-Hand Drive parts of the world as for the Home market.

The dashboard design changed from the TC and the rev counter and speedo were now alongside each other.

Here’s the point…  in the RHD cars the rev counter was directly in the view of the driver, with the speedo to the right, partly masked by the steering wheel.

Hmmm (was this someone’s image of a quasi-racing car where the rpm are more important than the road speed?)

Then!!  on the LHD cars the mirror image!  Again, the speedo partly masked.

It has taken me 62 years to realise the poor design of that.

I wonder how many TD’ers have spotted this, and done anything about it? Last week I swapped them around (see pic) and am so pleased that I now have the speed shown to me directly.”

Fuel tank magnetic plug (update)

Not so much an update on the magnetic plug, more on its owner, Chris Howe. He has really got stuck in to sorting out his TC (TC0537) pictured below.

Here’s what he’s done so far:

“I have now fitted an electronic ignition system inside the original distributor and it works well, replaced thermostat housing and thermostat & replaced all hoses. Serviced engine, filters, tappets, engine runs fine. Have replaced brake linings on front shoes, and brake hoses to front wheels; am about to replace brake pipes due to corrosion found in them.”

Hagerty Classic Car Insurance

Richard Acton, Hagerty UK Club Coordinator, has sent me the following. Other classic car insurance companies are of course, also out there, but if you are not with Hagerty and your renewal is due, why not give them a try for a quote?

Drive more

Your vehicle is meant to be enjoyed and we encourage driving. Take a Sunday drive, travel to a car show, have fun! Our policy allows for pleasure with flexible mileage limits up to 5,000 miles per year, 90 days EU coverage, as well as roadside assistance and recovery.  

Get what it’s worth

Our Agreed Value policy means if a total loss occurs, you get the value that you agreed with us less any excess. Guaranteed.

Talk to experienced car enthusiasts

Our UK- based Client Service Advisors are car enthusiasts through and through. Whether it’s making a change on your policy or guiding you through the claims process, we understand the nuances of classic vehicles.

For cars… and whatever else moves you

Think motorcycles, classic tractors, even vehicles under restoration. Your policy will fit your needs and protect what you own.

Fuelling a community of car lovers

Rarely does having a classic vehicle begin and end with simply owning it. We offer lots of opportunity to connect with other car enthusiasts through our events, daily online articles, newsletters, livestreams and video series.

Exclusive discounts for The MG T Society Members

Belong to The MG T Society? Take advantage of up to 15% off and enjoy multi-vehicle discounts too.

Call us on 0333 323 1190 or visit our website at www.hagerty.co.uk

*Hagerty International Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA Firm Reference Number 441417). This is a general description of guidelines and coverage. Hagerty reserves the right to determine final risk acceptance. All coverage is subject to policy provisions, exclusions, and endorsements. Car Club member discount and multi-vehicle discount are applied to the net premium. You must be a paid club member to receive the Car Club discount and you may be asked to provide a membership number.