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MG TD TF 1500 - 1951 TD Restored Frame Value??

Generally, what would a sand blasted, primed and painted frame be worth?

There's a TD for sale that someone gave up on and they're selling it. Metal is in good shape w/typical surface rust, new wood, quite a few new parts still in the box from Moss.


I have TD now that needs work and thought if the price was right the frame and a few other parts would be worth buying, instead of buying new.

Thoughts?

Steve
SJC

My guess is that a completely re-done bare frame is in the $800 range, just to pay for painting, etc.

But if you did that, the frame serial number would never match your car, and technically, if you were stopped with a mis-matched frame, the police are allowed to impound the car. Bad idea, in my mind.

Buy the parts for what you can, and take the frame if he throws it in (or if it has a title), but don't pay for the frame. By removing your tub and everything else from your old frame you are only one or two steps behind a done frame - and you will have the satisfaction of knowing every nut and bolt of your car.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
t lange

Nice. I didn't know or think about all of that. Thanks
SJC

I have an extra TD frame with all the brass tags and a title. When I get done with my current project I plan to build a, wait for it, wait for it.....RAT ROD!
Rich (TD 3983) Taylor

t lange,

After thinking about your response, something doesn't make sense to me.

First, DMV wouldn't have any idea what my current frame # is. Second, after speaking to a few people about my frame issue, they mentioned to buy a used one that's being parted out. One person is in the business so I would assume he knows something about this.

Folks buy used parts all the time. Engines as an example...

Am missing something?

Steve
SJC

My car is registered in Illinois by the engine number. A PO screwed up years ago. My local cops said it was not worth the cost or trouble to resolve the issue. I think the only time it maybe an issue is theft and parting out...with the resulting insurance claim.. But I am not even sure about that. Regards, tom
tm peterson

SJC, the equivalent of today's VIN No. is the Car No. stamped into the left extension of the frame. For example, see http://www.ttalk.info/Tech/CarNumber.htm Unless your car is one of those where somebody used the Engine No., yours should be so titled. Bud
Bud Krueger

Ok, the guy is trying to sell for his Dad who lost interest in it. It's not titled either, just fyi...
SJC

SJC, I was modifying a motorcycle by installing a new engine and it required cutting the frame where the number was stamped. I talked to AZDOT and they informed me that was a felony. I ended up taking both engine and frame in to the DOT where they recorded all the serial numbers then they issued a title allowing me to cut the frame. Technically, the frame and the engine of every vehicle each have a serial number and title is traced normally via the frame. You can swap stuff around, but only by making sure you've talked it all through with your DOT or DMV or MVD etc can you be sure you are doing everything in accordance with your state laws. Make sure you do it right, or it can cause trouble!
Somehow, back in the 80s when my Dad moved to WA the title to my MG was incorrectly recorded with one wrong letter (an X instead of an L). I registered the car in AZ and insured it, and when I insured it I gave them the VIN as I had recorded it off the car. Within 6 months I was getting letters from the state saying I was breaking the law driving an uninsured vehicle... they had the WA state VIN and the car insurance had the correct VIN and they didn't match!
I had to go in and file for a variance on the title to correct it and have the state stop threatening to arrest me...
Bottom line, make sure you do it the way your DMV wants...
Geoffrey M Baker

The main identifier of a T-series is the Guarantee plate on the toolbox, with the chassis number and the engine number. The chassis number there should match the chassis number stamped on the frame (left front dumb-iron), just as the engine number should match the one on the brass engine tag. Anyone buying a T-series car should make sure these 4 numbers match. If the engine does not match, it has obviously been replaced, lessening the value. If the frame numbers do not match, there is probably an issue with the car, and it should be avoided.

In the 50's, some DMV's - especially California - titled cars with the engine number rather than the chassis number. If your car is titled with the engine number and all numbers match, then there is no problem with the DMV. If the engine has been replaced, there can be a problem with the DMV.

But if anyone checks the frame numbers and they DON'T match, there is DEFINITELY a problem. I had a friend in California in the 70's who bought a very nice TD, and was stopped for speeding. The CHP officer got suspicious (my friend was a longhair...), checked the frame number against the Guarantee plate and the title, and found they were different. The car was seized and towed away with its top down to an impound yard open to the elements, where it sat for over 6 months until the matter could be resolved, at considerable legal expense. It turned out that the car was stolen and another car's Guarantee plate had been attached, with which it was sold. He lost the car and all his money, including legal fees, impound storage fees, etc.

If you were ever to sell the car, it could be a major issue to have differing frame and Guarantee plate numbers. If the title did not match the frame number, I would probably not buy the car, myself.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
t lange

There is a VIN on the frame's left dumb iron that would not be reflected on your title. If law enforcement took a liking to your car and did an inspection and found discrepancies in the numbers and registration they would have cause to impound the car as a possible theft Frames are switched all the time but to be safe with the DMV and law enforcement that new frame # should be noted in a new title. For originality sake you could replace the dumb iron with your original to save the vin or see if you can get the title for the frame and transfer your car to the new frames title. either way the car will not be original and the value will decrease to those who want that original car and pay top dollar. You can also repair your existing frame. that is done all the time also and may be the best option if you want to keep the car intact. A proper repair is possible at a reputable shop with a certified welder which of course would be the ideal way to go for originality. If that is not your primary concern then by a solid frame, transfer or piece in what you need and enjoy driving the car.
W. A. Chasser Jr

Thanks everyone. I understand now.
SJC

This thread was discussed between 13/03/2015 and 18/03/2015

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