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MG TD TF 1500 - Replacement engine color?

I just purchased a late type Xpag block from Hugh Pite. It appears to be a Gold Seal Replacement Engine. Instead of the familiar badge it has the rectangular, replacement badging. During the initial cleaning of the block, I found the remnants of what I think is the original gold paint underneath the current red color. I am considering returning it to the gold color instead of red/maroon. It seems to me that this would be more in keeping with the spirit of correctness than the red color would be. Plus, I would be the only one in my neighborhood with a gold xpag engine!

What does the group think? I still have the original engine for my car and I will be keeping it. But, I am reluctant to spend my limited restoration funds rebuilding that block because it lost a rod at some point. The cracked block was brazed in a couple of places and obviously ran again but that was prior to 1972 and I have no way of knowing how successful that rebuild was. So, should I go for the gold or not?

Kirk Trigg

Pic of gold color.

Kirk Trigg

I'm also curious about these extra rivets on this block. My original block doesn't have them. What are they for?

Kirk Trigg

Kirk, I'd do like you suggest - return it to the original Gold Seal colours. Given the tagging it's clearly a replacement motor, so why try to hide it under factory red colours? Proper Gold Seal motors aren't that common, so play off the uniqueness of it. Besides, it represents an interesting factory-produced item and can provide a visual documentation to those who are interested in British car history.
Kevin McLemore

I think it is a great idea-go for the gold!
J K Barter

I'd go for the gold too but why not take your old block to someone who actually knows how to weld blocks. They can advise you if and how it could be repaired correctly.

These blocks are getting rarer and it would be nice to keep as many available as we can.
Christopher Couper

Kirk, interesting that all comments so far are not from the UK ... but from an ex-Pom who's lived in Australia since 1970, I would say a very loud yes to your suggestion - the Gold Seal is itself a legitimate and interesting piece of British motoring history with a close association with the MG family. You are in a position to highlight the value of the Gold Seal replacement system, and you are right to do so. Kevin summed it up well. Regards, John.
J.P. Hall

If an original, complete, factory rebuilt gold seal engine then leave gold. Maybe if replaced years ago in your car so it actually belongs there gold good also. But since is not a factory rebuilt Gold Seal engine, go red. IMHO, gold will look really terrible as well. George
George Butz

Thanks for all the comments, especially the no vote from George. It's great to get an honest, although contrary opinion. I understand your view. I don't have to make a decision right away. I still have to get the machine work done on the block and head and the TD budget is suffering at the moment so it will be a while.

I'm attaching a pic of the damaged numbers matching block to help explain why I decided to rebuild this new replacement block. I decided to get this replacement block because of advice I received from this BBS some time ago. I haven't given up completely on the original block, but with funds being limited this seems like the more prudent choice for the moment.

I am still curious about the extra rivets on the new block with the little remnant of a "tag?" of some sort. Does anyone have information about this?

Thanks,

Kirk

Kirk Trigg

2nd pic of original block.

Kirk Trigg

Gold seems the way to go for me. It's a replacement engine, they are rare. The correct tag is there to substantiate it - bring back the gold.

BobbyG
Bobby Galvez

Finally found: the function of the extra rivets...
Cheers,

Nick (TD3232)

Nick Herwegh

Nick,

Thank you so much. Your picture explains it all. I wouldn't have guessed the function, but it makes complete sense when you see it.

Kirk
Kirk Trigg

This thread was discussed between 07/09/2014 and 17/09/2014

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