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MG TD TF 1500 - An A owner looking for a TD

Hello all- just popping over from the A list to ask some questions.

I was able to purchase a '57 A last year as the result of winning a legal battle after having my life destroyed. I don't know if it was worth it, but I was able to soothe my wounded body and purchase a replacement for my very first car- a 1957 MGA. Diana, my current A is gorgeous. But I have always had a hidden desire for a TD ever since I drove my '57 A to school, first day of my senior year thinking I was toots-wazoo and all that only to look over and see a girl driving a Canary Yellow 1953 mg td. It was immaculate. Looked like it had just rolled off the assembly line. My poor little A hand chunks of 2X4s for the missing coiled springs-need I say more?

Anyway, as I've been looking for a TD- I still have a little bit of the settlement left over- I saw an interesting advertisement in the "Sell it Now Motors". Since I think most everyone that has an MG would almost rather give up a child than their MG I find it odd that someone that has owned this TD since 1955 in a heated hangar (I also find it interesting how many heated hangars everyone has access to and uses) would give it to an auto dealership to sell. In the ad it says "....current owner is a barnstorming legend in Virginia...owned the vehicle since 1955...." It just doesn't add up to me, or am I missing something? The car has <34,000 miles. It is cream with a green interior. Is there anyone from Virginia that knows this car? They do say it needs a new paint job, but otherwise it is immaculate (?)

OK, am I paranoid? Do you know this car? Does anyone know a TD in good condition for sale? I'm not talking concors here, I just want a TD that is safe to drive, has brakes that work, a transmission with one reverse and 3 forward gears, an engine that runs well and won't challenge the earth's oil supply....you k now a decent car. It will be well looked after, but sorry the garage isn't heated and I don't think I could afford to run it if it was.

Any information for me?

Jackie...here's a picture of Diana to complete the introduction

Jacqueline Peabody

Jackie...

Just looked at that TD and it looks pretty sweet for the price... not to mention that Judson supercharger it says is installed (and can be taken off and sold for a few grand if you wanted stock).
It would be worth a quick trip to VA or at least a phone call....
Selling on the net can take you many places.... I have sold on Craig's list and Kijiji ..(cars)....
Give it a shot!
gblawson (gordon)- TD#27667

Jackie,,

I just went to the web site and looked at it,,,, I don't know,,,, from the looks of the area surrounding the car, I would guess it's been a while since it's seen the luxury of a heated hanger !!!! I am also very suspicious of a car for sale that does not include any engine photos ,, are they hiding something ??? A very minor point is that I can not remember seeing a luggage rack like that on a TD..It looks like it came off of an "A" or "B" and modified for the TD.
It also indicates "Judson Supercharger installed when new ,,,, included" it dosen't really say that it is still on and in running order,,,

I value all of Gordons opinions, but this is what I see in the ad...

Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati I
SPW
Steve Wincze

Jackie,

If you are interested in a big range of selection, try these two web-sites:- http://www.jaxed.com/cgi-bin/ms.cgi?veh=mg%20td and http://www.mgauctionwatch.com/auctions.php.

The jaxed site is particularly large, and not limited to Ts. All MG models seem to be available.

Gord Clark
Rockburn, Qué.

Gordon A. Clark

Jackie,

With any T-Series, the key to longevity of the vehicle is good wood under the body panels. The only way to acertain this is to inspect the car in person. Some TDs you will look at don't have XPAG engines, they've been modified with Volvo, or B-Series engines (such as in your MGA). And for the life of me, why do you want to skip one of the forward gears?

I suggest you pop over to your local T-Register meeting and get to know them. They can personally guide you in the purchase of a TD that will meet your criteria.

Nice looking picture of Diana.

warmly,
dave
Dave Braun

There's not much showing, but the driver's seat looks like its vinyl and quite new. IMHO any seat cover that's over 40-50 yrs old, isn't going to look that good.

Gord Clark
Rocklburn, Qué.
Gordon A. Clark

I cant seem to find any MG's on sell it now, Am I missing something? Can someone link this to the right car. Would be interested in taking a look at the car in question out ouf curiosity.
TRM Maine

I did miss a forward gear there, didn't I? And here I thought I was being so smart-HA!

I thought at first glance the car looked good, but then at second look even I, the dope that drives with 3 forward gears only, noticed some things just didn't look quite right.

The local "T" club must be close by because I have seen multiple gorgeous TDs parked not too far from where I live. Getting to meet them is a really good idea.

Guess I'll have to educate myself on TD things such as a Judson supercharger. Never heard that piece of equipment mentioned over at the A's.

You've all been so welcoming, thank you. And thank you also for the food for thought. If you don't mind I'll stop by occasionally and let you know how my search goes. Probably have hundreds of questions for you too.

Thanks much to everyone for the welcome,

Jackie...I passed on your compliment to Diana, Dave, and she just made her chrome gleam a little bit brighter in response.
Jacqueline Peabody

Jacquline, the best advice I can give you is don't rush into anything. There are always TDs for sale and given the economic down turn there will probably be more. Getting the right car is a wonderful thing and getting the wrong one is a nightmare. Join the clubs, do a lot of research and find that great TD. I tell you this as someone who bought one that needed a ton of work. The parts are expensive and even doing nearly everything myself I have too much money in this car. If I had known more I would have found a better car for the money. Paul.
P.W. Lester

Jackie - You are in luck. The Mich. chapter of the New England T register is meeting tomorrow nite (Tue) at John Crowleys Pub at Gr. River and Farmington Rd. in Farmington, not far from you. We usually meet at about 7:30, (6:30 for food) and have a good time discussing T-cars and such. I'm sure there will be valid leads on local cars that may save a trip to Virginia. Welcome to visit and partake of our hospitality. Lou
Lou Van Koningsveld

Tom,

It's ad number 6109. See if this link gets you there:
http://www.sellitnowmotors.com/classifieds/index.php?a=2&b=6109

I had a dickens of a time finding it as well.

Jackie,

You're in Bloomfield Hills, MI. My son married a girl from Detroit, so we've been there... Are the Tigers spanking KC today?

Try this address for the local T Register:

MICHIGAN Michigan Chapter M.G. T
Roger Melton
888 Waddington
Bloomfield Village, MI 48301

I'll email you Roger's email address separately.

warmly,
dave
Dave Braun

Opps, I walked away and forgot to hit send, and LVK already sent you more accurate information. Enjoy the T group if you get a chance to attend.

dave
Dave Braun

Car looks pretty original. Guages look good, dash appears to be original. Knobs and horn all look original. Even has a heater in it. Really would be nice to see the engine and the ID plae.

If it does have the milage indicated, and with the supercharger, it might be worth the price. If I were to purchase this and it was as it is indicated, I would clean it, replace the various belts, hoses, fluids, tires etc and drive it.

If it has been repainted, I would probably not pay that much as it would need a full repaint.
Bruce-C

Jackie,

Exactly 12 months ago I was where you are. You are getting great advice from the others. I found that one should concentrate on area Clubs. In three months I found two TD's which met my needs---both through British Car Clubs. Both were the same price, condition and value but one red and one Old English White. I passed on the red.
Club members love MG's, know MG"s and are amazingly honest as a group.

Dick Thomas
TD13583
Dick Thomas

To TRM of Maine you can find the TD we're talking about here. Sorry, I should have included it with the first posting.

Jackie

http://www.sellitnowmotors.com/classifieds/index.php?a=2&b=6109
Jacqueline Peabody

I finally found it thru the link that Dave B. sent me. Car looks nice but there are some flaws or is it the pictures, looks like some rust and chipped paint near the gas tank and the tonnuau cover is not original or at least does not look original.
As for the Judson, the MG 26 was built specifically for the XPAG and would fit most from the TB to the TF. They were also built for A's and VW and corvairs. There is an A Judson possibly for sale here in MN if anyone is interested I will pass that on to the owner. Mine is now sold and is going to a new home on the east coast. I agree with everyone that going thru the local club is the best way to get a good car and not get cheated..
TRM Maine

Hard to tell with the picts, but that looks pretty rough to me. Scrunched up top, peeling paint on the gas tank end, scratched front fender, crusty looking dash. Again, a little hard to tell, suspicious why no engine picts? George
George Butz

Looks like a nice car, but probably not the one for you. Unless you are more of a tinkerer than I suspect. Or have the means to have it all checked out and made drivable (safe).

I think you're looking for one that hasn't been abandoned, more or less, for years. Try to find one that has been on the road every year, more or less. And attention paid to all things making it a good driver car like you need.

Your local club is the best way to find one like this. I'm sure you carry your cell and auto club card at all times. But it makes the experience so much better having a history of reliability to keep your car fun, not a royal pain in the ar*e.

This will get me flamed, but even a well loved VW based TD kit car could give you great pleasure. The clubs will shun you, however. The same things I said about reliability and safety apply here.
Tom

No Dave, KC spanked us. From what I understand-I'm a B-ball and football kind of woman, not a real big baseball fan-we had 18 players on base and could never get one home to score!!? Not good, not good at all.

I'm planning to meet with the TD folks and get to know a little more about the car. I agree with the ad I was initially talking about-why no engine pictures?? Everybody wants to show off their car-all of their car. Does make you wonder.

I have seen ads for $5,000 to $50,000. I know there's a car somewhere in between those 2 figures for me. I don't think I could do a kit car Tom. I guess I'm into original equipment. You can keep your VW bodies, bondo, silicone and implants, ...oops! got carried away...but if it didn't come with the original I'm not interested.

I'm thinking about the wood issue and our current garage situation. I could heat one bay, we have a 3 car garage and I believe one was an addition. Is there an issue about moisture/humidity? I'm sure there is if we're talking about the care and feeding of an older English car.

I have a lot of reading to do. Judson is a new name to me, never heard it before with my MGA. I figure it's a TD kind of thing.

I just read your post Lou and I'm really upset I didn't see it sooner. I would have come to meet everyone. It is maybe 5 minutes from me. Maybe then I wouldn't have had the fall I did. This one was a lulu, fell in the bathroom, nothing much soft to cushion my fall in there. I have 2 lumps on my noggin', a fat lip, black eye-hey, when I fall I do it good!- and a few facial cuts from where my broken glasses came between me and the wall. Da** this bloody disease anyway. I have MS for those that don't know and I've come to know my floors up close and personal. HA!

Oh well, maybe next month??

Jackie
Jacqueline Peabody

This is a beautiful looking TD. Less than 1000 miles after a rebuild and electronic gauges sent to England for rebuild! Sounds impressive...but then don't they all?


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&viewitem=&item=280213438541
Jacqueline Peabody

TRM, Just courious,,,, where on the east coast is your car going ????

SPW
Steve Wincze

Jackie,

Much nicer looking TD than the first one you posted...and will probably sell for less than the 1st one was advertised for (if the owner is being realistic).

Sorry about your accident...ouch!

Gene
Gene Gillam

Jacqueline,
If you can, drive a T-type for a few hours. I have both a TF and an A. The TF I like to drive in Connecticut (it's a very small state). But the A is a much better road car. If an event is out-of-state, that's what I drive!
David Werblow

Jackie, sorry about your fall. Glad you are ok.

The one on ebay (as Gene says) is much nicer. It probably is well built, as the quality of the fit and finish looks good. The wire wheels aren't original, but are very good looking on the car. My guess (sorry Gene) is that the owner of that car is going to want about $25K. I will say that IT IS NOT A MARK II, which should have a TD/C (competition) as a preface for the S/N on the number plate. The owner is not very knowledgeable. A lot of people make that mistake when they see the engine marked as XPAG TD2 26708, but the 2 just means it has the later sump, among other things.

Wood doesn't need much in the way of heat during the winter months, in fact heat without humidity would probably be not so good, as the humidity would fall as the air was heated. Properly stored out of the weather, the wood in a solid car would last a long time. Probably the best storage condition would be about 55 degrees and 50% humidity, but I don't think any of us do that!

My bet is that you can find a great car for much less close to you, and benefit from the experience of the local T Register people in picking out the right one.

warmly,
dave

Dave Braun

oops. Actually, the TD2 means the larger clutch... the later sump came, well, later. Senior moment.

dave
Dave Braun

I think we have discussed this before, but I forgot the answer. The ebay car has brass hinges. Did they come that way from the factory?

If the reserve on this were less than the yellow one, it would probably be a better one unless you tinker.
Bruce-C

All the hinges are brass... some just don't paint them and then polish!!!!
gblawson (gordon)- TD#27667

Well since your looking across country now, here are a couple of more.
http://www.rmmgtr.com./01%20MAIN%20PAGES/classified.html

http://mgcc.org/swap.html

LaVerne
LED DOWNEY

Sorry, lets try those links again.

http://www.rmmgtr.com./01%20MAIN%20PAGES/classified.htm

http://mgcc.org/swap.htm
LED DOWNEY

Looks like you'll have to cut and past to get the first one to work.
LED DOWNEY

Steve, the car is staying here in MN. The Judson is going to NH. I love my little car to much to ever sell it.

TRM Maine

Jackie - - We're sorry you weren't able to come to last nights meeting, but another opportunity has arisen. We are having a fun event on Saturday in the form of a garage "seminar" to complete a roadworthiness evaluation on a couple of T cars begun a couple of weeks ago. There will be food and friendly people who would like to meet you. We DID discuss a couple of cars that are available locally that became available by the passing of some of our long term members. These cars are well known to our club and would stand well under scrutiny by anyone. Details of Saturdays event are available at our web site: www.michiganmgt.com/index. A map is included showing
where we will be in Dearborn. You are more than welcome. Lou Van K.
Lou Van Koningsveld

Well, that's the correct answer, Jackie. And the club seems to have a line on a couple good cars for you. Happy motoring!
Tom

Lou, well I missed today's meeting too! I really would have loved to have gone. I am very slow in recovering from my fall. I have been to the various doctors-I refuse to go to hospitals unless I'm truly near death. I guess I'm just not one of those people that like to go to the emergency room. Anyway, my eye almost looks normal (I broke my 3 day old glasses and put the side arm into my eye) along with the black eye. My lip is still swollen and I look like a bad fighter. I'm just so sore. I must have hit every corner there was within reach. I'm almost able to stand up straight so I must be getting better.

Today is also an uncle's 80th b'day and I can't go. Can't walk well enough to attend. And the thought of an hour's drive- just can't make it.

BUT I will get to your monthly meeting and I will meet everyone that has been so nice and I will find a car. I've decided that a TD is definitely in my future. I've downloaded the form for the TD club and have filled it out.

Diana goes in for her spring tune up on Tuesday. I'm also hoping to meet a man that will fabricate a small trailer that I can tow behind my A and have my scooter available to me. That's to happen either Monday or Tuesday.

One of these days I'll get it all together.
Jackie
Jacqueline Peabody

This thread was discussed between 31/03/2008 and 05/04/2008

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