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MG TD TF 1500 - Padding. What are you using

I noted that the felt between the tub frame and the rear fender well is missing in a few spots. I know folks don't recommend felt as it holds moisture, but what are others using to pack this area?

If you used felt, do you have any recommendations for what to buy?
Bruce Cunha

I’m gonna use 30-pound roofing felt (tar paper). Water resistant. Any water that is trapped should be able to drain out and evaporate. At least that’s what I believe.

Lonnie
TF7211
LM Cook

I am still of the opinion that while felt is not waterproof that in itself is a good thing. What goes in easily goes out easily.

Now if I was in a climate of constant rain I might have a different opinion.
Christopher Couper

I would agree in that I have not seen any rust in my car. It has lead a reasonably dry life.

The "felt" in this area looks more like fine horsehair. I have not seen much that looks similar.

Bruce Cunha

They had been building coaches for a few hundred years by the time these cars were turned out..felt won’t retain moisture and will allow moisture to drain out of the tub if caught out in the rain.

Regards, Tom
tm peterson

Tim I have to disagree with you regarding the wicking ability of compressed felt. I have tub irons that are heavily degraded because of moisture retention from the felt. Some so bad that they are nearly rotted through. On my restorations I use the best of my spares ( (powder coated) where water will never be an issue again.

Bruce, I use 1/16” rubber sheet cut into strips I then use a 5/16” hole punch to make the mounting holes for the sheetmetal and floors to tunnel rails. I then use upholstery adhesive to glue them to the irons. I note in the Hutson videos they simply use a construction adhesive or caulk on the tub irons but I would think that it would then be difficult to service any structures without surgery.

My opinion is that the felt wasn’t used so much as a seal but as a means to reduce squeaks.

Bill Chasser
TD/c-4834
W A Chasser

For those who haven't seen the original felt:

The top photo is the felt that was between the scuttle and the dash support at the rear view mirror on my TF.

The bottom photo is the felt that was between the body frame and rear quarter panel.

It's very course felt. Not the tightly compressed felt that most people know.

I agree that it was probably to prevent squeaks and rattles where the sheet metal met the frame.

Lonnie
TF7211

LM Cook

I sure does have the appearance and texture of horsehair, which does not retail water either.

You can possibly search for horsehair dense padding, especially used in carpet applications.

Don't be confused by Jute which is a plant based material.
Christopher Couper

While not original, what I am thinking of using is the open cell foam rope that is used for caulking cement and other construction uses I can compress it along the edge of the tub frame between the fender well.

It is water repellent and then could be removed if needed.


https://www.wrmeadows.com/kool-rod-backer-rod-cold-applied-sealants/
Bruce Cunha

I am using 1/16" closed cell sheet like Bill against the frame. My frame had serious rust where the felt was too. Bill, did you use this same sheet material under the scuttle? Did that seem to work well in that location too once the rear view mirror is installed?
Jim
JV Smith TD17744

This thread was discussed between 18/06/2021 and 20/06/2021

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