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MG TD TF 1500 - TF timber old - new - pattern

Hi all

I'm about to start on a total frame rebuild and seeking some advice and guidance.

With the recent decline in the Australian dollar prices have increased considerably, causing me to look at options. I'm looking to make some of the simpler forms myself but will likely purchase the more complex curved pieces.

The photo below shows the status of the main timbers - and that was 30yrs ago. needless to say but I don't have much solid stock that can be used for a pattern or guide. Does anyone have any patterns or old timbers that can be used as patterns?

In Australian $ the US timbers are more competitively priced than the UK equivalent, but looking through the archive the quality of the UK timbers seems to be held in higher regard. What is the experience with Moss timbers? Is there anyone in Australia producing TF timbers?

For the flat panels I will make those myself, using what I have as a pattern and using the floorboard templates from Matthew and ttalk. I will also convert all these to CAD DXF files for future reference. I plan to waterjet profile cut all the flat panels and will post the DXF files once complete.


Thanks
Chris.


Chris Cullin

Hello Chris,
I bought some Hutson replacement pieces for my TF :- A and B pillars, main rails and the piece between the A and B pillar below the doors. I was happy with these pieces. I bought other pieces from Moss:- The "vertical" pieces at the front of the body. I was happy with those pieces as well. Fortunately i got them when the Aussie dollar was close to its peak. The rest of the timbers were usable or easily made.

The tub is back in one piece and close to being ready for paint.
Max Irvine

Chris,

You will find a YouTube video of Hutsons making a complete TD body. Lasts about half a hour and is essential viewing for a T Series owner.

Jan T
J Targosz

Hi Chris,

I fabricated some of my timber parts including the bottom main rails. I have a collection of various original timbers which would be suitable to use as templates. Please email me ynotwood at optusnet dot com dot au. adjusted as appropriate so you can tell me which ones you want and I will see if I have them.

Tony
Tony Wood

Tony - have sent a PM.

Jan - this is a good video and I have watched a few times. Looks very high quality but the cost of the pound very hard to justify over Moss

Max, thanks for the comparison. do you have a photo of the fished tub. Where are you in vic, I recall williamstown?

Chris
Chris Cullin

G'day Chris,
I have a few timbers left over from my rebuild that I happily see off to a good home! I will get a pic over the weekend and post it here. I'm in Geelong if that is handy to you.

Kev S
TF6288
K Simonsen

Some of the Moss USA timbers have errors, the main bottom runners LH and RH are the wrong shape and must be altered. I found the A and B pillars also inaccurate. The rear lower piece that the ply sits in is also wrong.

These are fundamental pieces that if not corrected make the entire frame the wrong shape.

A customer supplied the above pieces that I had to use. The runners and pillars have enough wood to alter, but the rear lower piece is not usable and will throw the entire frame out of position.

We have usually always made our own timber pieces so I have no experience with other suppliers.
Rod Brayshaw

Rod, I've heard too many stories like that for my liking. Sounds like I should make rather than buy.

Kev, Thanks for the offer. I purchased TF9094 from Geelong in '86 and on the inside rear quarter panel is has "1967 Beaumont". I'm over Surrey Hills way.

Chris.
Chris Cullin

Chris, I have a number of timbers from across the scuttle, door space and hinge points. The joints are in excellent shape, unmolested. Should provide a good basis to copy from. My new frame was crafted by Anton Walker, here in Geelong. Unfortunately Anton is no longer with us. I can buzz some pics across to you. I'm on 0422469654

Cheers Kev S
TF6288
K Simonsen

Tony & Kev - thanks for your help.

Kev - it was great catching up with you on the weekend. Seeing your TF and hearing your stories will keep me motivated through the body restoration. :)

I have attached a photo of the marking inside the rear quarter panel. I assume this is the name of the person I bought the car from in Geelong in 1988, but I cannot recall for sure. Perhaps someone from the Geelong club will know him.

Tony - I look forward to receiving your posted pieces next week. I will keep an eye out for a soft-top frame for you.

I should now have enough old wood pieces to make patterns. The only item I'm missing are the bottom rails.

If anyone has old rails or templates I'm interested.

Thanks
Chris

Chris Cullin

What a nice discovery.

Are you going to repaint in birch grey? I have a good formula if you need one.

Matthew.
TF9097.
M Magilton

HI Chris,
I just noticed your message. I am in Sunbury. maxirvineatmedotcom
I can post a couple of images if you still need them.
Max Irvine

Thanks Max. I will PM you

Matthew. birch Grey is growing on me after seeing pics of yours but at this stage the plan is for a non original deep maroon. But this is years off so who knows.

Chris
Chris Cullin

Chris,
only too happy to have helped with the timbers but I do aplogise for not offering coffee, tea, etc. I completely forgot!! Wife and treasurer (same) were not happy either!

Kev Simonsen
TF6288
K Simonsen

Thanks to Kev and Tony I have almost all the pieces of woodwork to make patterns from.

The only piece I need now is rear bottom rail (no. 10 in the pic). would anyone have an old piece they would be willing to part with, or a side profile and length (I don't think there are any curves in this piece)?

thanks
Chris



Chris Cullin

This thread was discussed between 27/01/2015 and 25/02/2015

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