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MG TD TF 1500 - Felt Under Body Panels - Locations?

My TF had black course felt-type padding between the mirror support on the dash frame and the scuttle top. The same padding was between the body frames and wheel arches, or maybe the side curtain frame ... it was pretty deteriorated at this location.

What locations were padded with felt?

Thanks,

Lonnie TF7211

Top Photo: Mirror support
Bottom Photo: Felt between body frame and wheel arch.

LM Cook

There was a long strip of felt on the frame for the trans tunnel that the floor boards get bolted to.

Also felt was used for the inner wheel wells that get attached to the tub / frame sidescreen locker location. Like you said, lots of rust and deterioration due to the felt wicking moisture in this location. I used rubber in this location and felt everywhere else.

That is all I recall and sure others will chime in.

Nice catch on the felt on the metal tab under the scuttle.

Frank

TF1414
Frank Cronin

I also added felt along frame / wood to the outer part of the tub under the wood floors.

I was going by memory when I did tear down. Of course, it was seven years before...... Unsure if it's 100% factory but adding it probably does help with squeaks due to tub flex when driving.

Frank
TF1414
Frank Cronin

I don't have a list but about anywhere you see a solid metal frame bolted/riveted to sheet metal (as above) you find that the factory put felt in to eliminate vibrations and wear.

Just remember to replace with like materials. Putting in waterproof or water absorbing materials here could be a real issue as about everywhere you find these it's normal for water to be splashed into those areas. They need to breath so the course felt is a perfect material.

On the TD's you can also find felt in places like the scuttle top stiffeners too. If you want to soundproof your car you can look for places like that where one part could rattle against another.
Christopher Couper

On TFs, a felt like material went between the scuttle and wood pieces where the the Windscreen Stanchions are bolted on . The rust in those areas
is often quite evident when disassembly occurs.

The material here also 'cushions' the panels when the Stanchion bolts are being tightened. It helps to prevent the 'indenting' of the scuttle and top of the front quarter panel.

I can tell you we don't have to worry about water being held in the felt for too long in Western Australia. The relentless hot weather soon takes care of that issue, even in our so called Winter !

Rob Granttham
TF3719("Athos"),TF9177("Aramis").
Rob Grantham

So now I'm looking for source or a suitable alternative to the original felt padding. Any suggestions?

I used 30-pound roofing felt (which is for padding between supports and my floorboards because I thought that it would release water somewhat. Now I'm not so sure.

Frank, Chris, and Rob - Thanks, that exactly what I needed to know.

Chris - I agree that rubber and similar materials can trap water. I've read dozens of recommendations to use rubber. You are the first to clearly point out the advantages of using a breathable padding. That's the reason for my question about a source in this post in the thread. Thanks.

Lonnie
TF7211
LM Cook

Lonnie, I'm using tar paper. There are usually two thicknesses available at the hardware stores and I'm using the thicker stuff.
BD Darsch

This thread was discussed between 22/12/2019 and 24/12/2019

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