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T-Series Maybe looking at a TF

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drooartz

drooartz

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Okay, I keep being distracted by interesting local deals. Perusing the local classifieds I came across a '54 TF. Described as in running condition. I'm assuming that I need to go at least take a look. Not that I could afford it really, but that seems a deal if it is indeed sound (i.e. no major rust, wood rot, etc).

https://saltlakecity.craigslist.org/car/329804607.html

T-series MGs are some of my favorite looking cars around. I'm not sure what I'd do if it turned out to be in good shape...
 
If it is a real TF & not too rusty, I'll take it at that price!

Do you want me to send a check?

Can you keep it at your place until I can get out there to pick it up?
 
Just talked to the seller briefly, I'll be looking at it tonight and will let y'all know what it looks like. Tony, I'll let you know if it looks clean and I don't wind up wanting it.
 
$5900 is a great price even if you plan on fully restoring it.
 
Drew - great...lemme know...where in Utah are you located?
 
I agree, a good price. From the pictures it didn't look that bad, but the photos could be old.
 
Tony doesn't need another car. Let me buy it! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif

Actually a good friend of mine would give a valuable body part for a TF, so if it does become available, please keep me in the loop.
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]Tony doesn't need another car.[/QUOTE]

hehehehe - but I do need a TF, Steve!
 
Went and looked at it, and I'm gonna pass. It really is in decent shape, but more of a project than I want. It's a 1250 not a 1500 -- were it the larger motor I might have made an exception.

Some photos:
https://www.drooartz.com/public/mgtf

Some things I noticed:

* XPAG/TF motor listed on the plate on the firewall (1250)
* Missing all gauges
* After market steering wheel
* Interior very rough, seller says has some new interior panels included
* New top included, not installed (I saw the new top)
* Runs, drives, stops. Clutch pickup is right off the floor, and there's some sort of rattle at speed -- seller says is missing a tranny mount bolt.
* Brakes pull to the right
* Doors do not close
* Wood looks decent as far as I could tell. Passenger A-pillar wood looked soft and could be wiggled a bit.
* Body rust looked minimal, though there was 2 cracks(?) in the door sills (shown in the pictures)
* Surface rust on the fame in places, but didn't look too bad at all

Overall, it looked to be a pretty solid car. If I didn't have the Bugeye, I'd be interested, but it's a complete project that I can't afford. I'm no official inspector, of course, just a normal car guy.

Tony, I'll PM you seller details, you get first dibs if you're interested. I'm in Midway, about 40 miles south east of Salt Lake City where the car is. I'd be happy to store the car or assist with pickup if necessary.
 
From those photos, I'll also pass...there's more rust than I thought....its been repainted at least once & it is a complete redo (to include new wood - reason doors don't close) which I don't have time for....plus, those octagon instruments could be a bear to find.....hard to believe that's a 20,000 mile car - 120,000 at mnimum, IMHO....good job of describing/photos.

...Steve...get your bud to give up a small body part.

Thanks for looking Drew
 
If anyone else is interested, I'd be happy to pass on the seller info, or you can just email from the Craigslist ad listed above.
 
Hmmm... it's not that bad. I always hate seeing rust-through, but for the price the rust and rot seems minimal. My friend isn't really a hands-on car guy, more of an enthusiast. So this may be a bit much of a project for him. I'll let y'all know if he's interested.
 
Beyond the rust, I wonder if the wood is still ok. With even that little rust the wood might need total replacement.
 
That became my fear, really. Most of the wood seemed okay, but there were a few spots where I could see some rot.

Given what we now know, what would we figure a car in this condition would be worth? I'm always ready to look at a T-series project, since they're my favorite LBC (although a bit small, really, for me).

A new ad is now up by the seller, with a few more pictures:
https://saltlakecity.craigslist.org/car/337165640.html
 
Is the wood okay?

I've not seen it but I can offer this:

a) doors don't close - they're wood framed & their hinges/latches are bolted through wood..doors not closing usually signifies swollen (read: wet & then rotten) wood.

b) the rust-through areas are directly over wood frame members - need I say more

c) "some soft wood' = all soft wood.

When the cars were built new, they used ash but didn't do alot of treating to it....I don't think MG ever thought longevitiy when they built their cars.

My TD has all new wood in its body tub (well, there is 1 small piece that was left original on purpose) - that alone is about half his asking price! My new instruments, leather interior, side curtains, top, & boot are the other half!

In the condition I saw in the additional photos, I'd guess $2500-$3000 tops.
 
The ad looks like it's been removed...but if it is still available I might be interested. Wouldn't mind sending him an email if someone could pm me his contact info.
Thanks
 
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