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MG TD TF 1500 - More Nitty Details Needed

I am having a conversation with Chris Cooper on the color the factory used for the exhaust manifold. Chris feels it was more of a white aluminum look rather than a silver aluminum look.

What do others think? I want to stay as close as I can to what the factory did.

I normally have used POR high temp paint as I have had very good luck with how long it lasts and stays looking good.

Here is mine.

Bruce Cunha

Here is a picture Chris sent me

Bruce Cunha

Here is a factory picture

Bruce Cunha

My suggestion would be it was more white than silver. Chis's pic is spot on I believe. It certainly closely resembles the colour used on restored T Types here. Cheers
Peter TD 5801

P Hehir

Yes, white (but a p.i.t.a. to keep clean).
M Magilton

Yes, the Aluminizing was much more white than silver. Every once in a while I find a manifold that has remains of that original finish, flaking off. Check in the archives of both Boards if you want to be correct, for aluminizing experts - they are few and far between. Remember also to get the clamps aluminized. Excpensive, but worth it.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
t lange

Bruce -

I had my TF exhaust manifold aluminized in 2014. I'm happy with the results. I took the photo below a few months later when doing carb work. The light brown oil spots in the photo faded at engine temp.

American Stripping
6202 Warehouse Way
Sacramento, CA 95826
916-387-9933
http://americanstrippingsacramento.com/

Flame spray
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_QrrVWet4M

Arc Spray
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=js2_qQI1w0w

Large scale Flame spray
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvlEi3LvxD4

Really large scale spray
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4Pxo1CDjrU

Lonnie
TF7211


LM Cook

If you look at the MG TF gallery on CC's site for TF9052 and TF 8541 you can see the surviving white color of the manifold.


I decided to use Swain Tech Coating to have the white color like factory but also to take advantage of the ceramic coating to help insulate the heat from the exhaust and reduce under bonnet temperatures and vapor lock.

http://swaintech.com/race-coatings/race-coating-descriptions/white-lightning-exhaust-coatings/

Lonnie Cook has had his manifold aluminized but I am unsure where he had it done. I am sure he will chime in.

Here's mine. Comparing what mine looks like and the pictures Lonnie shared with me of his new aluminized manifold, you couldn't tell the difference.

Frank

TF1414


Frank Cronin

Looks like Lonnie already posted while I was typing!! Thanks Lonnie
Frank Cronin

Small thread deviation: First time I've seen angled air cleaners was that stock or home built?

Tim
Timothy Burchfield

Tim,

Completely stock. TF pancake filters were angled to the side bonnet.
Frank Cronin

Here's mine on the '53 TD. I don't know for sure that it's not been recoated but I don't think so. If it has it was done in the early '70s.

Jud

ps: I borrowed a pair of carbs from a '37 TA while mine were being refurbished. The linkage is a bit different but twist ties, a short chain and an aluminum turn-buckle held it together for over 200 miles.

J. K. Chapin

It's more of a silver-white. Here is an original factory alumizined TC/TD manifold. The color in a digital photo isn't going to be totally accurate but you get the idea.

Steve Simmons

I used 2000 degree automotive paint on mine, a cooking/curing process had to be followed. I came out nice and has been on for 3 years. It still looks like the photo. PJ

PJ Jennings

Ok, POR makes a white high temp coating. I am thinking I will use that mixed with just a touch of aluminum. Will post how that comes out.
Bruce Cunha

Started the day at the paint shop. POR only has black, gray and aluminum for their high temp paint. They do have a white engine paint that states it will take 300 -350 degrees.

Sent an email to POR and they said they do not recommend mixing the engine paint with the high heat. I was hoping I could tint the aluminum down a bit.

Ok, on to option two. I sent an email to American Stripping. They are still doing aluminizing. They quoted me approximately $175 to do the manifold and fasteners.

They said it would be less if I sandblast it. That's not a problem.

I will post a picture once I get it back.
Bruce Cunha

The high temp finishes seem to last a lot better than aluminizing, but I have yet to see one that looks correct. The closest I've seen is Jet Hot's "Sparkle" finish. It's a bit too silver still, but not as shiny as their regular silver.
Steve Simmons

Thanks Steve. I know the POR 15 high temp works great and lasts well. I use it on my MGB and did use it on the TD in the past.

It does stain with oil, so you have to put a dab of sealant on the air cleaner rod that goes into the intake manifold. If it drips, it stains the exhaust manifold.

With the shop that can Aluminize it pretty close (and also highly recommended by Chris Cooper), I am going to go that route.

That gives me another part as close to factory as I can make it.
Bruce Cunha

This thread was discussed between 19/02/2019 and 22/02/2019

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