On Wednesday, Oct. 18, 1995, as a one week new member of this list, I wrote
my first posting, wondering if there were any T-series owners out there or
whether there were only MGB's on this list.
I also asked about availability of parts for my '53 MG-TD, (which I have
owned for 32 years) since I need to rebuild the engine in the near future to
cure a worsening oil burning problem.
On October 19, several of you responded, including A. B. Bonds:
> Yes, there is TD talk in the group, but it is proportional to the
> ratio of TD's to B's and midgets. ... Parts are not as cheap
> and plentiful as they are for a B, but they are still in the "not too
> bad" category. The primary sources are Moss Motors (1-800-MOSSUSA)
> and Abingdon Spares, which is in New England somewhere. I urge that
> you get a copy of Hemming's Motor News and check out the MG
> pages--there is usually about half a page of TD suppliers with bits
> and pieces. ... You
> will probably have to get your block bored and refit with oversized
> pistons. I would urge new bearings, valves and a cam grind (new
> lifters) at the same time and you will be amazed at how quiet your
> engine will become. You also might consider a rocker arm
> refurbishment, which can be done by Rocker Arm Specialists (see the
> monster vendor list) for about $100, this also has a subduing effect.
> If you have the work done by a shop unfamiliar with TDs, make sure tha
> thtey understand that the engine fasteners are VERY special--BSF
> (Whitworth) head sizes coupled to metric threads. Ah, British
> cars....
> Good luck! A. B. Bonds
And Russ Wilson:
> ... I assume a 35-year owner knows all about, and is a member of, the
> New England T Register - that's where the true blood is found.
>
> Except for a few parts, typically complicated castings that don't wear or
> corrode anyway, you (with $$$$) could build a TD from the current catalogs
> (basically Moss Motors and Abingdon Spares). ...(When there's no major price
> difference between those two suppliers, I like to buy from Abingdon just to
> support them & perhaps avoid having Moss swallow up *all* the competition.)
>
> RsW
Thanks all, including Chip Old, Bob Donahue, Lane Rollins, and Keith
Holdsworth, for the advice. It's very reassuring. Last time I
rebuilt the engine (maybe 20 years ago) I remember struggling a bit
with getting parts here in the San Francisco area, and thinking to myself
that it may be impossible the next time. Your letters have made me less
afraid of getting on with this next rebuild project.
If I am remembering the innards of this engine properly, the compression on
all cylinders is 210 to 225 psi, the head has been shaved, the cylinders are
bored, and it has oversized crown head pistons. (I always need the highest
octane gas I can find!) So I am hoping I don't have to do any further
boring or shaving - there may very likely not be enough metal left to do it!
Any further comments?
I do know Moss Motors, but not Abingdon or the New England T Register, I
am sorry to say. Can anyone tell me how to contact Abingdon? Does the T
Register have an email address?
Guy Kelley
gokelley@lbl.gov
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