1949 MG TD Now rebuild

justforthepics
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1949 MG TD Now rebuild Mar 13, 2021 21:26:26 GMT fer4l, toomanyprojects, and 2 more like this

Post by justforthepics on Mar 13, 2021 21:26:26 GMT

I had to pick up a clients car yesterday for what was meant to be body work and realignment of the panels and a general bit of cleaning.
The client has had the car for 40 years and has never driven it. He finally finished the chassis and running gear so it then came to me.
This was never intendend to be a coach build job.
But as these thing do if has become a much larger job than expected. The car has been in a acciedent at some stage and all the door hinge posts have been broken off the main rocker. So now i have to strip all the sheet metal and back to wood work again.

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strikey Administrator trust my advice at your peril! Posts: 3,341	1949 MG TD Now rebuild Mar 14, 2021 7:15:37 GMT via mobile Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by strikey on Mar 14, 2021 7:15:37 GMT Now theres something a ittle different. Look forward to updates.
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justforthepics
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1949 MG TD Now rebuild Mar 14, 2021 9:20:53 GMT gtviva likes this

Post by justforthepics on Mar 14, 2021 9:20:53 GMT

Ok so day 2 didnt bring any better news. Kept up pulling it apart today found the most stunning things that previous repairers had NOT done or done really really badly

This first picture is the most scaryest of all.

They expected these 2 screws were oing to hold the main door hindge pillar on. Mind you i dont know they they put the wedges in there when sanding the post would have dont the same thing.

Moving on the next bit of quality coach building was the 2 main upright firewall and scuttle supports wer not even connect to the main front dash wood. Im sure 6 x 1.6mm nails wil hold all this together.

next pictures show what i call lazy or think it wont matter. Proplem is water and dirt make mud and they like to sit in these places and make rust.

Finally some pictures for the sake of pictures.

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donk Grease Monkey Posts: 79	1949 MG TD Now rebuild Mar 14, 2021 10:59:13 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by donk on Mar 14, 2021 10:59:13 GMT Ah another bit More Grief on wheels! Yikes! Are you rebuilding the body? Not a left of that! Though you can buy new bodies for them along with most the woody bits!
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justforthepics
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1949 MG TD Now rebuild Mar 15, 2021 7:22:40 GMT

Post by justforthepics on Mar 15, 2021 7:22:40 GMT

I have no choice but to rebuild the body sadly. i will be able to repair post of the metal work but it has alot of missing brackets i have learned.
Some of the wood will be rebuilt. In oz there isnt alot of suppliers for this and getting parts out of England sux right now so i will just make them.

I will post the Day 3 pics later.

Cheers

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justforthepics
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1949 MG TD Now rebuild Mar 15, 2021 11:01:48 GMT toomanyprojects and 24vgranada like this

Post by justforthepics on Mar 15, 2021 11:01:48 GMT

Ok so day 3 is a real work day so not alot done.
Did de-nail alot of the passenger side.
i managed to find another OMG moment when i found the front A-pillar mounts were screwed in the wrong way again.

The client supplied wood is wrong which is a shame. i presume it is for the TF that is coming next.

Ok enough words PIC time.

this is why dogs rule.

seeya for day 4

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justforthepics
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1949 MG TD Now rebuild Mar 16, 2021 11:07:47 GMT 24vgranada and nudgerss like this

Post by justforthepics on Mar 16, 2021 11:07:47 GMT

Ok so day 4 ended with 4 pieces of wood left connected.

all inner wood now pulled apart tomorrow i will finish pulling it all apart.

only a few days until i start making it together again.

seeya for day 5

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toomanyprojects Race Engineer Posts: 1,571 Member is Online	1949 MG TD Now rebuild Mar 16, 2021 12:25:31 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by toomanyprojects on Mar 16, 2021 12:25:31 GMT That's quite the contrast between the mechanicals and the bodywork! Remember sitting on my uncle's '35 PA when it was in a similar unrestored and bare state.
	Quote '65 Triumph Herald 12/50 '65 VW Splitscreen '74 Toyota Celica 'TA22' '75 MGB GT V8 '96 Mercedes SL 320 [SOLD]

grumpynorthener
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1949 MG TD Now rebuild Mar 16, 2021 21:49:59 GMT

Post by grumpynorthener on Mar 16, 2021 21:49:59 GMT

I have no choice but to rebuild the body sadly. i will be able to repair post of the metal work but it has alot of missing brackets i have learned.

Some of the wood will be rebuilt. In oz there isnt alot of suppliers for this and getting parts out of England sux right now so i will just make them.

Its not just getting parts out the UK - It's getting parts from anywhere - with the ongoing pandemic then throw in the congestion & backlog at all UK ports due to the countries departure from the EU and you cant get stuff in or out unless you are willing to pay a significant premium - most sensible folk don't want to pay has much in shipping & duties as they have for the part in the first place

(me included)

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Last Edit: Mar 16, 2021 21:50:47 GMT by grumpynorthener

Flat Cap Classic Cars - Specialist Paint & Panel Restoration for all Historic, Vintage & Classic Cars

07lilredwagon Grease Monkey Posts: 89	1949 MG TD Now rebuild Mar 16, 2021 22:12:13 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by 07lilredwagon on Mar 16, 2021 22:12:13 GMT wow, what a project. It looks like they did a nice job on the chassis and motor and suspension though....at least that is quite inspiring! looking forward to updates. JP
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toomanyprojects
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1949 MG TD Now rebuild Mar 16, 2021 23:26:05 GMT via mobile

Post by toomanyprojects on Mar 16, 2021 23:26:05 GMT

Mar 16, 2021 21:49:59 GMT grumpynorthener said:

I have no choice but to rebuild the body sadly. i will be able to repair post of the metal work but it has alot of missing brackets i have learned.

Some of the wood will be rebuilt. In oz there isnt alot of suppliers for this and getting parts out of England sux right now so i will just make them.

Its not just getting parts out the UK - It's getting parts from anywhere - with the ongoing pandemic then throw in the congestion & backlog at all UK ports due to the countries departure from the EU and you cant get stuff in or out unless you are willing to pay a significant premium - most sensible folk don't want to pay has much in shipping & duties as they have for the part in the first place

(me included)

I've the exact same issue trying to get parts for the Celica out of Oz and the States, folk unwilling to ship them so I need to organise local couriers then there's the fun and games once it arrives on these shores... actually make that 'if' with the current situation.

Moss are apparently still sending parts all over the place for MGs but it still takes time.

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Last Edit: Mar 16, 2021 23:26:48 GMT by toomanyprojects

'65 Triumph Herald 12/50
'65 VW Splitscreen
'74 Toyota Celica 'TA22'
'75 MGB GT V8
'96 Mercedes SL 320 [SOLD]

justforthepics
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Posts: 268

1949 MG TD Now rebuild Mar 17, 2021 2:06:19 GMT

Post by justforthepics on Mar 17, 2021 2:06:19 GMT

Mar 16, 2021 23:26:05 GMT toomanyprojects said:

Mar 16, 2021 21:49:59 GMT grumpynorthener said:

Its not just getting parts out the UK - It's getting parts from anywhere - with the ongoing pandemic then throw in the congestion & backlog at all UK ports due to the countries departure from the EU and you cant get stuff in or out unless you are willing to pay a significant premium - most sensible folk don't want to pay has much in shipping & duties as they have for the part in the first place

(me included)

I've the exact same issue trying to get parts for the Celica out of Oz and the States, folk unwilling to ship them so I need to organise local couriers then there's the fun and games once it arrives on these shores... actually make that 'if' with the current situation.

Moss are apparently still sending parts all over the place for MGs but it still takes time.

Funny enough i got parts from Melvyn Rutters delivered in under 2 weeks and it was a large package as it was my grill for the Morgan. Postage was 35 pounds.
I asked about getting 2 brackets from NTG services and they couldn't even get me a cost or delivery ETA strange that some suppliers are working fine and some dont.

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georgeb
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1949 MG TD Now rebuild Mar 17, 2021 6:16:10 GMT

Post by georgeb on Mar 17, 2021 6:16:10 GMT

To be fair, it was ever thus.

I normally use Rimmers or Island for stuff and they don't bat an eyelid. Others I can almost hear the breath being sucked over the internet.

As for using the US, I can't even get past the ZIP Code they think I should have (but don't), just because they owned the Philippines until 1946.

So yes, there may be those pulling faces after Brexit, but those who've always supplied the rest of the world outside Europe, seem to just carry on doing so.

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justforthepics
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1949 MG TD Now rebuild Mar 17, 2021 10:10:03 GMT

Post by justforthepics on Mar 17, 2021 10:10:03 GMT

DAY 5
Didint get alot done today. Got the body completly in pieces cleaned and rust converted the main body rails where they attach to the rockers as they had been sitting for over 40 years.
Stripped all the paint off the rockers and started wood repairs mainly filling holes with a mixture or wood filler and PVA glue. Then hammering wooden nails into the holes AKA tooth picks.

Filling holes where some one had put screws in the wrong way.

Pics.

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justforthepics
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1949 MG TD Now rebuild Mar 18, 2021 20:33:17 GMT toomanyprojects and georgeb like this

Post by justforthepics on Mar 18, 2021 20:33:17 GMT

Day 6
The Rockers are now filled and repaired ready to have coat of sealer and paint on the mateing surface to the tub brackets.

I have also started making the new front main uprights. They are just rough cut in at the moment but they are simple to complete.

The other piece i half got completed was the Passengers side tub bracket. It has all been ground and cleaned and coated in rust converter/primer and 1 side has a coating of anti rust paint. Not my colour green but as the car will be BRG and i had it this is what it got a coat of.

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justforthepics
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1949 MG TD Now rebuild Mar 19, 2021 21:26:01 GMT 24vgranada, gtviva, and 1 more like this

Post by justforthepics on Mar 19, 2021 21:26:01 GMT

Day 7

Woohoo its Friday another work week over with. Time for a few beers and playing car a bit later at night.
So i got one of the tub frames finiahed and the passenger side rocker screwed back in place and did some basic mocking up of the wood. Hmm doesnt seem to line up very well time for some more new wood to be made.

Also got on with doing more repairs to the front door latch pillars and to plate repairs.

Also final pic is me playing with me new TIG welder trying to find the settings i like the most for the thin sheet i will be useing to fix the panels.
The fusion welding seems to give me the best result without haveing to use much filler rod. Im just hoping the original metal on the panels can take the weld. I guess i will find this out over the weekend.

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strikey Administrator trust my advice at your peril! Posts: 3,341	1949 MG TD Now rebuild Mar 19, 2021 21:54:43 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by strikey on Mar 19, 2021 21:54:43 GMT its a 3d jigsaw puzzle!
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georgeb Grease Monkey Posts: 310	1949 MG TD Now rebuild Mar 19, 2021 22:35:02 GMT gtviva likes this Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by georgeb on Mar 19, 2021 22:35:02 GMT I've just bought shares in toothpicks!
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justforthepics
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1949 MG TD Now rebuild Mar 21, 2021 7:23:38 GMT toomanyprojects, penguin45, and 2 more like this

Post by justforthepics on Mar 21, 2021 7:23:38 GMT

Ok so Day 8 & 9, as it was a weekend i thought i would compine them in one post.

Started Saturday with 1 rocker half in place and the DS body metal still in un-cleaned condition. First jobs was to get the DS metal cleaned and rust protected and then into a nice green colour anti rust paint, Also did the rear support and door post mount bracket.
Spent mostof Saturday finishing wood prep and repaires. I did get the new front main uprights and top piece finished as well as the mystery main support brackets made. The just needed final alignment and welding and painting.
So Sunday morning came and i got to it early mounted the DS rocker and aligned the to main body metal pieces and then started assembly. Had to weld the before mentioned brackets and get them and the original dash support brackets cleaned and all painted.
Before painting them i did do a test fit of the dash top to make sure every one was happy.

With this all happy the brackets went off to paint.

Moved on with the rest of the wood work getting through it rather quickly. I did have to router the new door hindge posts to get them to fit into the rockers which wasnt bad to do even though the had to be tapered to suit.

The DS door pillar didnt want to sit right so i but of force was needed and a ratchet strap was employed to help convince the whole lot to comply.

By the end of today i have a body tub with 95% of the wood in place apart from 4 screws which i will complete in the night season.

Here is the pics of the end of day 9.

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Last Edit: Mar 21, 2021 7:25:38 GMT by justforthepics

justforthepics
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Posts: 268

1949 MG TD Now rebuild Mar 28, 2021 6:59:34 GMT grumpynorthener, toomanyprojects, and 1 more like this

Post by justforthepics on Mar 28, 2021 6:59:34 GMT

Forgive me forum for i have sined its been 1 week since my last post on this.

Its been a busy week at the real job its funny how easter comes every year but people always leave it the last week and half to get their Sh1t organised.

Anyway i have got all the metal for the tub cleaned internally and painted in 3 coats of anti tin worm paint and nailed back to the car.

The previous attempts at repairs to the wooden frame had left me with a rotten taste in my mouth but this is all resolved and now the car has structure again.

Picked up the rest of the panels and fual tank and spare tyre mount this week to try and get a gauge on how everything will fit seems it hasnt been attached to the car in over 30 years.

Some parts went on nice some will need a bit of encouragment to go where i want them to.

The front guards are of major concern the rust bubbles in the paint dont fill me with confidence but a sander and grinder will reveal the extent of the damage this week.

I have started getting the engine ready to turn over, it was rebuilt but im not confident new parts were used in this. The top of the pistons look average to say the lease when i look throught the plug holes. But time will tell.

The client bought VERY expensive new rear springs for the car only issue is with them installed you can not get the rear diff hangers in now the tail shaft. So for the past week they have been under load with straps to get them to settle a LOT. i now have the straps in but with the grinder tree in the current position i cant put the tail shaft in but no big deal.

ok some pics of the progress.

Cheers