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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 MG Y Type - Correct Y/T internal door grab handles and mirror

For a long time now I have been looking at Y/Ts and many of them do not seem to have the correct internal door pull handles. I am not talking about the internal opening latch handle but the ones that are center mounted on the door - see Let there be Ys page 189 3rd paragraph).

Similarly also many Y/Ts have the rear view mirror incorrectly attached to the dash/scuttle top and not to the top rail of the windshield.

I have done some investigations with a small parts manufacturer and he has provided me with an estimated cost of making these.

The door handles will be in the region of $60.00 (£37.50 approx based on $1.60=£1.00) each and the mirrors $75.00 (£47.00 approx).

These may seem quite high, but that is what happens with small batch costs and low turnover items. I will have to buy a minimum of 20 handles and 10 mirror stems.

When was the last time you saw either of these items on eBay to properly complete your MG Y/T restoration? In 10 years I have never seen the door handles and only twice seen the mirror stem - and I bought that one which I am donating into this project for free!

So, are you interested? If so, please email me off line - we dont need to clutter the BBS with responses and a long thread. My email is on this posting.

Look forward to hearing from you Y/T owners.

Paul
Paul Barrow

I think those prices are very reasonable and would urge any YT owners missing these parts to pick them up. My door handles fell off sometime in the late 1950's and by some miracle they were still around 25 years later. As for the mirror I think the mirror itself is the same as a TD it is the mount and bracket that is different. Terry
Terry O'Brien

Thank you Terry - yes I think they are too (knowing how desperately I searched for a Y/T mirror stem for one of my Y/Ts.

To confirm, the mirror IS identical to the TD but the stem is unique to the Y/T. The TD mirror stem is mounted on the scuttle because it does not have to clear rear passengers. The Y/T however is correctly mounted from the top rail of the windscreen so that it can clear heads in the back.

Dont ask what happens when you fold the screen flat - I think birds can get a good view of their under-side!

Paul
Paul Barrow

Driving my YT to work today Paul, I recalled your comment about about mirrors & birds belly's.

The side mirror on my car is screwed to the screen mounting bracket, not the screeen frame, so remains "in situ" when the screen is folded.

I can send you a photo later today. I have a spare arm, but would like another head & mounting bracket to install a LH mirror when towing, so put me on the interest list.

I don't need the handles, I am most fortunate to still have the originals fitted.
A Slattery

I too have the original handles fitted, but can I add a supplementary question to this thread if we're being super-correct about important details? :-)

What type of screw was originally used to fix the interior handles to their spindles? I suspect it was Philips-type slightly domed four-point chromed screws, but can't remember clearly: when the car was rebuilt we used flat-topped slotted screws which though they do the job OK have never looked quite right.

Any pointers/thoughts? Thanks as always - the collective wisdom here is a marvel to me!

Tim
Tim Griggs

Paul

For those of us who do not have the luxury of having a copy of "Let there be Ys" can you post a picture of what the correct handles look like. I have had my YT since 1962, so chances are that they may be correct, but it would be nice to know for sure.

The attached is a picture of me and the car the day I bought it, 27 April 1962.

Thanks

Larry



Lawrence Hallanger

Larry

My ones are away currently at our potential supplier so I am unable to supply a photo of them currently. However, here is a picture of the ones on David Pelham's car.

Paul

Paul Barrow

Paul

Mine look correct, with the exception that I used Philips screws some 40+ years ago when I reupholstered the entire car (using a treadle sewing machine). Placement is slightly different from what you show, being just above the "trim bead" rather than on top of it.

As you will note there are speakers in the doors. Again, a mod from 40+ years ago. Does make a more comfortable vehicle for daily use including trips all over California.

See attached.

Larry

Lawrence Hallanger

Oh Larry, please! Now you'll have all the UK owners wanting Jerry Birkbeck to site next year's Spring Run in California LOL!!

Talking about the UK Spring Run you folk over there - a lovelier part of the country you could not hope to go to - I am very envious and would be on this one in a heartbeat (no, not the Yorkshire one). Take a day off work either side - it really is worth making a mini vacation of!

Cant wait to see the photos and read the report Jerry.

Paul
Paul Barrow

YZ Publications are pleased to announce that we are going to extend our range now to include these parts for your YT.

I currently have interest expressed from several owners and if you are interested in obtaining either a pair of door handles and/or a correct mirror stem for your YT, then drop me a note please. If you are unsure if you are already on the list or not, drop me a line too - you will not be expected to take 4 door handles!!

The samples I received from the manufacturer look very suitable indeed.

We look forward to hearing from you soon and more will be posted here when we receive our inventory.

Paul
Paul Barrow

This thread was discussed between 11/03/2011 and 10/06/2012

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