MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Parts

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 TD TF 1500 - How to fit new (1979) front quarter panels?

I helped a club member start the restoration of his TF yesterday and ran into something about which I know nothing. I need your experience and knowledge to guide us.

The left and right quarter panels are NEW. The front and bottom are not bent and they are not drilled for the windshield bracket. PLUS, the strip that should be welded to the door opening is missing. The quarter panels were purchased from Abingdon Spares in 1979. He recently bought the disassembled car and many new in-the-box parts from an owner whose restoration stalled in the 1980s.

All of the wood is new and not drilled (1979), so I don't know the original positions of any sheet metal parts.

> Does anyone know where to buy the door opening strip?

> If the strip is not available, please give tips on how to make.

> How do we know exactly where to bend the front of the panels at the firewall to get a proper fit? Do we just bend it at the notches and hope that the panel aligns with the other panels? Can't use a metal brake because the panel is curved. see photos

> Am I correct that the bottom will be bent and nailed to the main bottom rail after all wood is screwed into place(?)

TOP PHOTO: Outside of the left front quarter panel. See notches at bottom front corner and top front corner that indicate the bends at the firewall and at main bottom rail.

BOTTOM PHOTO: Inside of the left front quarter panel. The strip at the door opening is missing.

FYI - Hutson Motor Company video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEqpqZj8FPw
9:00 Plasma cut quarter panel
10:54 Forming strip for door edge. Strip for QP door opening is probably similar.

Thanks for your help,

Lonnie
TF681
TF7211





LM Cook

Lonnie. If the owner still has the original panels he can reuse the inner railing by using a spot weld drill to remove the spots from the mating piece. This will leave the inner rail intact. It can then be either spot welded or plug welded onto the quarter panel.

The Timbers will need to be fully assembled. These will be used as a buck to with the panel clamped securely on the perimeter timbers, the panel can then be shaped to fit the existing structure. You can the place the inner railing into position and scribe a line to note were it should be placed. Remove the panel clamp the tail into place lining up the scribing marks. Weld the pieces together. Reinstall the quarter panel onto the timbers.

Though the TD is a little different construction wise it may be helpful to review the various threads here and on the MGExp forums regarding “TD/c -8151” tub and door reconstructions when I restored dads car.
W A Chasser

The wood needs to be finished and the the doors check fitted with about 3/16" clearance all round. This will allow for the space taken by the side panel and door skin. Then the side panels need to be clamped into place to cut and shape where the door buffers fit and underfold round the wood.
The rear 1/4 panel needs to be fitted before you make and fit the door opening strip.
If the original cowl is there, this locates where the screen mount goes..
THe side panels are clamped into place with a strip of wood to conform to the shape.
All panels are held in place with small gimp pins in the turn overs
When I rebuilt my TF I could not afford to buy panels so I fabricated my own from scratch.
I will try to find my photos.
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

hope these help, not good quality they are 48 years old and I had hair.




Ray Lee

I just remembered the inner strip is fitted under the outer skin with a series of tack welds. I can't think of the spacing, you could look under your kick strip.
Ray


I have helped on a few rebuilds since then and can't imagine how I this it with such a tiny garage.




Ray Lee

Bill and Ray,

Thanks for your excellent description of the process to mount the quarter panels. It's more than a little beyond my skills. Heck, I've been restoring my TF7211 for six years, so I may not be the best leader on this project.

Lonnie
TF7211
LM Cook

This thread was discussed between 05/01/2023 and 09/01/2023

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG TD TF 1500 BBS now