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MG TD TF 1500 - TF bead placement and size

From my recent post about TF interior panels, I learned that you install the beading (welt, trim)) first, then fit the panel to the beading, cutting any panel material as required to make the panel fit.

I have 3 questions:

1. Is the interior bead installed flush with the metal of the body? Or does it "stand proud"?

2. As I mentioned previously, the Moss bead for the interior panels is a much larger diameter (~3/8") than original. Can someone send me an accurate outer diameter measurement (done with a micrometer or scale) of the original interior trim beading?

3.What is the correct outer diameter of the bead on the door tops?

I suspect I'll have to slice open the Moss bead, remove the larger plastic tube material, and replace it with smaller tube, then sew it up.

Thanks for any help.
Tyler
Tyler Irwin

Tyler, attached is photo of original welt from my TF 1500. I measure the rubber tube inside the welt as just shy of 1/4 inch. The fully wrapped welt is 5/16 inch. remember this is Rexine and its thinner than modern vinyl. Also remember this piece is 60 years old. If you would like for me to send you a piece contact me off site.

JR Mahone

The rubber tube inside.

JR Mahone

I think JR is showing the fender welt.

My interior panel welt is smaller. 1/8 to at most 3/16 in. My car is not here to measure it.
Don Harmer

I personally removed this trim from the inside rear quarter of my TF. You can see the tacks. In 2014 Frank Cronin posted excellent photos of his original TF upholstery. See the archive "TF upholstery" If he is reading this maybe he will measure his original welt for us. Best Regards, John
JR Mahone

Sorry JR.
It looked exactly like my TF fender welt, 1/4 inch rubber tube and all

MY interior welt is smaller, ~3/16 or less
Don Harmer

JR,

Maybe this will help. This original material is still in its original place. Looks to never have been removed.

Dan

Daniel Nordstrom

The piping in my Moss kit, bought several years ago does not seem to be significantly fatter than original. Even at 3/8" it would only be 1/16" different than the original 5/16"
The core of my Moss piping is 1/4" -maybe newer kits have thicker vinyl?

JK Barter

I'd also be interested in a pic from an original installation that answers Tyler's question 1. I'm guessing the roll is fitted snug to the metal which would mean it would appear to be slightly proud. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Stands right up there!

Daniel Nordstrom

Daniel, would you take a shot of the welt at the door jamb where the hinges are? The original question is about the fit in this area. Thanks.
JR Mahone

Here ya go.

Daniel Nordstrom

another

Daniel Nordstrom

and one more

Daniel Nordstrom

Daniel,
That sure answers the question about "flush or proud," but your bead is definitely smaller diameter than mine. I guess I'll take what i have and get it done.
thanks,
Tyler

Tyler Irwin

Tyler,

With this stuff being over sixty years old it seems possible it could have shrunk some. I just took a few more measurements and they all come up about the same. Comparing Rexine to some of my vinyl scraps there is no doubt the Rexine is a much thinner product. On the drivers side where there is much more wear it is paper thin in places. If you wanted to be closer in size to the original you might want to have a local upholstery shop make some up for you. I used my wife's sewing machine to do a small job a few years ago and it went very well. I never told her though. ;)

Dan
Daniel Nordstrom

Thanks Daniel. Great pics! It sure does stand proud. I'll now be able to install my stuff with confidence. Because the modern vinyl is significantly thicker than the Rexine perhaps a rubber core of 3/16" plus the two layers of vinyl MAY produce a total thickness closer to the original? I used 1/4" O ring EPDM rubber & I'm going with that. See pic. Cheers
Peter TD 5801

P Hehir

Sounds like a great way to go.

Keep up the good work.
Daniel Nordstrom

This thread was discussed between 15/07/2015 and 18/07/2015

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