T-Series Rare 1954/55 MGTF Accessory

[PAUL161]

Found these through a friend in Tasmania, 1954/55 MGTF stone guards, and they are on their way to me.

After negotiating with the owner in Australia we finished the deal this morning. They are NOS, have been on the shelf for 67 years, and have never been on a car. Lots of polishing this winter, I want them to look like LaVerne's.

Made in Melbourne AU by Monaro Motors in the 50s & 60s, they are very rare. I'm very lucky to have a friend who found them for me! PJ

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Nice find!

 

[Gliderman8]

They will look spectacular on your car!

 

[PAUL161]

There will be a lot of work to polish them out, but I have all winter for that. I'll need to contact LaVerne to see how he attached his to the fenders as I see no screws on his, I don't want to drill holes in my fenders either.

 

[PAUL161]

Found out that LaVerne riveted his to the fenders, they do look nice!

 

[JPSmit]

you can likely use the same 2 sided tape as the car companies use for their trim.

 

[PAUL161]

Thanks JP I actually thought of that, I just have to make sure they won't come loose. PJ

 

[JPSmit]

Thanks JP I actually thought of that, I just have to make sure they won't come loose. PJ

I was thinking that as I typed, it's one thing to lose a piece of trim but to come home and find that missing.... (or worse to have driven over it) yikes!

 

[PAUL161]

Sika Adhesives are used in the auto industry for many things and after doing a lot of checking I've decided to use one of their products. PJ

 

[PAUL161]

My stone guards came in this morning, now it's polish time.

 

[PAUL161]

Here's how they came to me, a lot of mold marks from the press forming them which created a lot of hand work. the second pix is where I'm at now, on the left fender guard. Lots more to be done with 600 emery and a lot of buffing. I use jewelers rouge on the first buffing and Mothers polish after by hand. Got a ways to go yet just on this one. PJ

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Very nice work, Paul! How do they line up on the fenders and running boards - any tweaking necessary?

 

[PAUL161]

Very nice work, Paul! How do they line up on the fenders and running boards - any tweaking necessary?

The outer edge had a slight gap between it and the fender but massaging it gently by laying it on a thick piece of packing foam and a small rubber hammer along the length curved it back in. The fitment to the running board wasn't quite right, so a fender dolly and hammer fixed that issue. The main thing I found was shelf damage over 65 + years. The left fender will more than likely have the same issues. Being made back in the 50s and 60s old technology and ancient equipment compared to today, they did a pretty good job of making them. I haven't checked yet but have been told that the press for each side was slightly different, so the measurements won't be exactly the same, but not noticeable. Fun project!

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Not surprising, given the technology of the day and the variations among the builds on the production line.

Fun project indeed!

 

[PAUL161]

I'm considering using Sikaflex 221 Black to secure the guards to my fenders, but also considering doing what LaVerne did with his using wide-faced polished rivets. Unsure! PJ

 

[NutmegCT]

Paul - wouldn't that Sikaflex damage the painted surface?

 

[PAUL161]

I would assume Tom that once they're on with Sikaflex, removing them easily is not an option. The reason I'm thinking of securing them with stainless screws or rivets.

 

[Mickey Richaud]

I would assume Tom that once they're on with Sikaflex, removing them easily is not an option. The reason I'm thinking of securing them with stainless screws or rivets.

My thoughts as well, Paul.

 

[PAUL161]

Fitting to the left fender, as they don't fit out of the box, a lot of work has to be done forming them to the fenders. This one is not done yet and needs final polishing but getting there.

 

[NutmegCT]

Great work Paul. Please post photos of the car when it's done!