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MG TD TF 1500 - Tf door opening dimension

Watched a tube video last evening of Naylor building a tube frame for an mgtd, excellent video that makes it look really easy. The one part that interested me was the way the craftsman lined up the two door pillars, he actually had a "stick" that he fitted between the tops of the two pillars and then fastened the pillars in place. Anyone by any chance have a measurement that can be used to create one of these for an mgtd?

The measurement must be from wood to wood prior to installing the body panels.

If you watch the tube video you will understand better than I can describe.

Brian
Brian Smith (1950 TD3376)

This is the video I saw and would like the measurement also. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEqpqZj8FPw
DCD Durlin

Oops, I sent you in the wrong direction, it was the Hutson motor company on YouTube.

I hope that this link works here

MG TD Body Build - YouTube
► 36:18► 36:18
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEqpqZj8FPw

Feb 28, 2012 - Uploaded by Hutsonmoco
Assembly of a MG TD Body at the Hutson Motor Company,

Finally spending a little time stripping and soon to be rebuilding my 1954 TF now that I am down to two cars! I can hop in and drive my TD and spend some quality time working on the TF.

Brian
Brian Smith (1950 TD3376)

If anyone tries to email me offline, the correct email is smithbriant at hotmail.com. It should now be corrected when I post anything.

Brian
Brian Smith (1950 TD3376)

At what time frame in the video does it show this "stick"?

I may be able to help if I know exactly what you are looking for.

I spent this week stripping the body panels to my TF1414 in addition to other projects.

This is my tub wood frame treated with Rot Doctor CEPS and epoxy primer and black paint to the metal frame.

No wood needed to be replaced so I have factory measurements if needed.

Frank Cronin

Floor boards and wood panel for side curtain storage drying in the sun.

Frank Cronin

Frank, wish mine had been that good! Not sure of the time stamp but the stick they used was placed between the top of the hinge post and then up to the back of the top wood piece the cowl wraps over. This effectively sets the correct opening for the door. While you have the tape measure out could you provide the distance between the door hinge post and the front door post along the angle iron body frame.

There was not enough of my wood left to get accurate measurements while stripping. For a low mileage car the wood (and some of the metal) sure suffered. Once body structure is together I will begin renewing the quarter panels.

Thanks Frank
Brian
Brian Smith (1950 TD3376)

Absolutely fascinating watching that fellow build a door! Talk about old world craftsmanship. How much more hand made could you get than that! PJ
Paul S Jennings

Frank

The time stamp where you first see the stick is 2:32 (approx) and this effectively sets the door opening allowing everything to be fastened securely. Hope that helps.

Brian
Brian Smith (1950 TD3376)

After I posted a picture of the rolling dolly that I had my tub on I was cautioned by someone on this board that it would be wise to put in supports under the rear of the tub to keep it from drooping. I believed that they (I can't remember who it was) were correct so I added two adjustable supports. There is enough weight hanging out there that it can sag pretty easily so that the length between the two points will be quite a bit longer than what it originally was. Unfortunately, I'm afraid that Frank's tub will no longer yield the measurement that you require since the skin has been removed and the support is no longer there. It would be nice to know the correct measurement though. I wish the wood on my TD was that nice as well...

Respectfully,

Kirk
Kirk Trigg

Here are the measurements.



Frank Cronin

2

Frank Cronin

3

Frank Cronin

Kirk, your post makes sense and I have to tell you I did give thought before my measurement.

I measured the passenger side and it was 1/2" wider than the driver side.

But I think it has to do with the anomanlies of when they built the tub at the Factory. There is more lead on the rear quarter on the passenger side than the driver's side to fill the gaps and improve lines of the car.

Herected is the passenger side.

Frank Cronin

Rear quarter

Frank Cronin

Auto spell on Smartphones can be useful but embarrassing!

If anyone is near MA and would like to inspect the tub, let me know offline. Dirtydish AT comcast DOT net

Hope I can help.

Frank Cronin

Thank you Frank those measurements will be helpfull to many of us
DCD Durlin

Frank, thank you, the measurements will certainly help when getting the car back together!

The only other measurement that would assist me and probably many others is the distance between the two door posts along the "floor". The rear post position is determined by the rear tie plate but the front post, at least with the wood I bought from a known supplier, allows for a lot of forward and backward placement. At least with an original it should be fixed.

Thanks once again Frank, you are assisting more than me on this one and I am sure we are all very grateful.

Brian
TD3376
TF 5979
Brian Smith (1950 TD3376)

It think it is likely that the advanced rot of the wood in the area of the door opening in my tub made mine very floppy. Mine really was much like a hinge in the area of the hinge post which allowed for large variations in the measurement in question. It is obvious to me that Frank's wood is in much better condition so that the measurements may be a lot more accurate. I remain concerned however. I suppose the bottom line is that when doing fit up, one is going to shim or whatever is necessary to achieve the desired door fit.

Kirk
Kirk Trigg

I will take additional the measurements. I think the best thing to do for accurate measurements is to ensure the tub is square and to have it bolted on the chassis.

Unfortunately the chassis and tub are at different locations across town -- chassis is in the barn on jack stands and tub at my friends shop.

It isn't going to happen anytime soon since I have A LOT of metal repair to the quarter panel skins on the tub. I use my personal vacation time from work on the car. I put in a solid week, bust it out, and plan for the next project on the car.

I will be taking a vacation sometime in August. If you still want the requested measurements earlier, I will get them but it will be off the chassis.





Frank Cronin

These are my front quarter panels that look like Swiss cheese.

Frank Cronin

Frank

From my perspective I can certainly wait. Just to confirm, the measurement I am interested in is the distance between the two side posts along the top of the angle iron tub frame.

Your quarter panels are like Swiss cheese but at least the metal is there to guide you. I will be remaking my front and back quarters from a few inches up in the front and a large portion of the rear. At least I have already made up the rear wheel wells to be fitted to the rear quarters when they are ready.

Brian
Brian Smith (1950 TD3376)

This thread was discussed between 18/07/2014 and 22/07/2014

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