T-Series & Prewar Forum

Greetings all. I finally decided to end this foolishness of being a productive member of society and, at 75, stop working full time. Only problem is no one told me about all this grandchildren babysitting that were part of the "retirement" plan. Anyway, I've also decided that driving around in a 2006 Ford Expedition was going to have to end. And since I was convinced to get rid of the '46 Chevy truck, the '40 Chevy truck (both projects) I've decided to start looking at sports cars again. A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away I had a '62 Austin Healey that I completely stripped down to the frame and rebuilt. I've been looking for another one but, holy crap, they are in the crazy price range. Morgans seem to be in the same neighborhood. I started looking at T series MGs and located a '52 that, from the photos in the ad looks to be in very good condition. Of course we've all seen photos of concourse looking cars that turn out to be 2 steps from the scrap heap when you actually see them.

So this one just shows photos of the exterior, interior and one of the engine compartment. As I said the paint looks very good, the seats and other interior parts look to be in decent shape except for the dash. The wood veneer is almost all gone. I do a lot of woodworking so I'm pretty sure I can do that repair myself. The steering wheel looks to be in need of restoration or replacement. I know there are wood ones out there for a price.

From the photo of the engine compartment it looks like the original air cleaner is missing, not manifold, no oil bath unit just 2 SU carbs. I've found the air filter manifold and oil bath unit for about $1,600, but at least it's available.

I'm going to try and get out to see it today and the owner seems to have no problem with me bringing a floor jack and some stands so I can get under it. I know there's a lot of wood in the car. Is there anything in particular that I should be looking for that either is going to cost a fortune to repair or parts that are just no longer available.

Thanks for any help,
Joe

If you've restored a Healey you can certainly maintain a T Series MG.

This site should give you some things to check and lots of pictures of cars in various states of condition.

https://www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgtd/

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Chris
https://www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgtd/
https://www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgtf/

Do you wish to purchase a TD to work on or one to drive ? Have a friend in our car group that has a very nice driver here in western Colorado for a very reasonable price if that is what you are seeking.

The wood is most important. The main side rails, door hinge and latch pillars key. Look where they dovetail into the main rails. Als the tank backboard and some of the wood in front of the tank is visible. If no dash undershield, poke all of the wood you can find under the dash area. If it is rotten, run as fast as you can. George

I have a friend that is selling a TF - it is a turn-key roadworthy car.

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Jeffrey W. Delk
Hartwell. Georgia USA
1950 MGTD #2301
1954 MGTF 1500 #7673
1957 MGA
1971 MGB Tourer

Thanks Chris. Looks like that site has lots of good info.

I'd like to be able to drive it but if it needs some work while I'm driving it I don't have a problem with that. I'm going to go look at the one here in CA this weekend. Not sure buying one so far away would be a good idea, but thanks for the offer.

Hi George,

I kind figured the wood would be an area of concern. Thank you for the info. I'll make sure I check it out on this one.

Joe

Hi Jeff,

It looks great, but you're a long way away.

Joe

I understand completely! Hope you find what you are looking for.

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Jeffrey W. Delk
Hartwell. Georgia USA
1950 MGTD #2301
1954 MGTF 1500 #7673
1957 MGA
1971 MGB Tourer

No problem. Just thought it might possibly be a good connection for the two of you. I should have some photos of it somewhere on my pc if you have interest. It is clipper blue with wire wheels and a beige interior. Also has a 5 speed transmission conversion as well.

Questions to ask.

Has the engine been rebuilt, if so, when? Has the wiring harness been replaced? Old harnesses can hold up, but they get brittle, and with a wood frame, fire is not good for the TD.

Has the differential been upgraded to a lower gear ratio? A lower gear differential makes driving on the freeway a bit better.

None of these reduce the fun of a TD, but they are items that if changed, make it a bit better.

You can view some of the wood under the car. The lower frame wood is on the inside of the running board. You can also look between the fuel tank and the body from under the car to get a look at the back panel of the tub. This is all wood.

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Bruce E. Cunha

Joseph,

I don't know if you are active enough on here to know much of LaVerne's knowledge & reputation. I have never met him face to face, but I have have a feel for him from this site based on seeing work he has done on his cars and on cars belonging to others.

I believe that, if LaVerne says it is a very nice driver for a very reasonable price, you can take that to the Bank. It might be worth the trip to get a good car right out of the starting gate, and sidestep some of the unknowns.

And, Fruita is just barely east of the Utah line on I-70, so it is more than 400 miles closer to you than if it were on the east side of Colorado.

Charley

Photos do not tell the whole story. Get in it and run it for a while as well as the visual part Ken

My suggestion is to contact your local MG club, and find a knowledgeable guy who you can entice to accompany you to a prospective purchase, or at least talk you through his own car and experiences.
T type purchase can be a minefield of unexpected horrors and expense, like any “brand specialist” , a knowledgeable person can be invaluable and possibly save you thousands, both in the purchase price or future corrections and repairs.

good luck, don’t get carried away by enthusiasm , as I nearly always do myself.
Mike