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T-Series MG- "TF 1500"

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Legal Bill

Jedi Knight
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MG- "TF 1500"

Gents,

I was wondering if any of you own a TF 1500 and if so if you could share your thoughts about the value of a 1954 example that is, for the most part, original, unrestored, and in good (but certainly not concours) condition. I would call the car a number 3 out of six. Some who are more liberal might call it a two out of six. You would probably not restore it because it is a true survivor.
 
Re: MG- "TF 1500"

I passed on the same model that came up locally around here last winter for $9000. These TFs must have the original 1500 engine in place for it to be an investment but you probably already know that. A true survivor should have the leather seats etc. and original paint, pretty rare. I'd buy the right one too if it came my way. Good luck , Kevin
 
Re: MG- "TF 1500"

I'll second the notion that with these cars, originality is key for value. TFs are pretty nice cars, and the 1500 was as big as the motors got so that adds a bit to the value equation.
 
Re: MG- "TF 1500"

If I could find a nice survivor for $9,000 I'd buy it right now. did that car not have the original engine? I'm seeing asking prices over twice that amount and very nice cars seem to be around $30,000.
 
Re: MG- "TF 1500"

Don't expect to find a 1500 TF driver with correct numbers in nice original condition for less than $20,000, 25 to 30Gs isn't that extreme. A $9,000 TF is almost non existent, unless it's a parts car and if you do find a complete one for that price, something is very wrong and I'd use a lot of caution. (Buyer Beware)! JMHO. PJ
 
Re: MG- "TF 1500"

Paul, is there a way to ensure I am looking at a car with the original engine? I know the numbers have to match, but number plates can be fabricated. I understand the engines also have the numbers stamped into the block somewhere. Is that correct?
 
Re: MG- "TF 1500"

The block is hard stamped above, around, or behind the brass tag. It should say xpeg on the brass tag plus the engine no. I always pay more for originality and condition but wear is still wear . If it can be enjoyed as an original survivor and not ever need to be restored , you can't pay too much. The car I was offered for $9000 was original but non running and partially disassembled. I have too many projects ! I have a 62 MGA that I bought from the original California owner 6 yrs ago and I can't find time to restore it. I barely fit into an MGA anymore, what's up with that?
 
Re: MG- "TF 1500"

These cars do seem to shrink over time...
 
Re: MG- "TF 1500"

Bill, If the car is titled as a 1954 1500, more than likely it's an early model with possibly low numbers. We all know the crazy system on how some of these cars were titled and that was when the car was sold for the first time, (Grin). My TF was built in November of 1954, but is titled as a 1955. XPEG is the key to the proper 1500 engine and the engine does have some physical differences to the earlier engines, such as the water jacket/thermostat housing coming out of the front of the head of the 1500. The bad thing about the 1500 is, the engine was only made one year and will cost an arm and leg to replace if needed and that's if you can find one! I love the car though and fortunately mine has all the correct numbers, but mine will be another couple years before it hits the road, if I'm lucky. :rolleyes: PJ
 
Re: MG- "TF 1500"

Hello Folks, I am usually wandering around the Austin Healey section of this Forum, but just came across a 1954 MGTF that seems to be too good to be true. I've had my Healeys for over 30 years, but have always loved the MG T-series style. I believe this car has the smaller, 1250 engine in it (Engine No XPAG/TF/30658). It is the correct number for the car. It has 33,400 original miles and has been in the garage for the last 30 years. The previous owner bought it in '56 and seemed to have taken pretty good care of it. Before I dive into to it and do something stupid, I would like to find out as much info as I can on it. I haven't attempted to start it yet. I would like to drain and replace all the fluids. As I understand, it has not been started since 85 or 86. New tires all around is a must, although these have what seem to be new tread. They are just very old. Any suggestion on cleaning it up and getting it started? Also, what are the recommended book and/or manuals for working on the TF cars? Currently, I'm just doing allot of reading on the MGs and I go out and clean on the car for awhile. But I'm getting pretty anxious to hear it running. Oh yea, breaks. After setting this long, should I rebuild the complete breaking system? or replace as needed? Once I get it started, stopping will be very important to me as well.

Thanks for any comments or suggestions.
Magyar
 
Re: MG- "TF 1500"

Magyar said:
Oh yea, breaks. After setting this long, should I rebuild the complete breaking system? or replace as needed? Once I get it started, stopping will be very important to me as well.

Thanks for any comments or suggestions.
Magyar
Click to expand...

Yes, above all things, rebuild all the hydraulics on the entire system. Your brake shoes might be in excellent condition due to the low mileage and that would save you a couple hundred bucks. Setting for that long, I would replace the rear axle seals also. I really don't like starting up an engine that has set idle for over 5 years, without checking the cylinder walls for rust, by using a scope through the spark plug holes or just pulling the head. Ive seen them rust even with oil in them, which can cause scaring of the cylinder walls and even broken rings. JMHO. PJ
 
Re: MG- "TF 1500"

Thanks for the comments. That's is good info about the cylinder walls. I was initially intending to put oil in the spark plug holes and turn over the engine by hand a couple of times, but now I believe I will take the head off and inspect everything. I also agree that rebuilding all the hydraulics is a good idea.

My question is, before I start on anything, is there any one or two books / restoration guides that I should have on hand. I know there are many out there, but are there any that are better as far as how well and how much info is covered and presented?

Thanks again,
Magyar
 
Re: MG- "TF 1500"

Magyar said:
My question is, before I start on anything, is there any one or two books / restoration guides that I should have on hand. I know there are many out there, but are there any that are better as far as how well and how much info is covered and presented?

Thanks again,
Magyar
Click to expand...

I would recommend getting a copy of the original TD/TF shop manual from Moss. Every TD/TF owner should have one. It has a ton of factory information in it. There are other restoration books available and possibly some others will chime in and give their opinion on which are the best.

Good idea, pulling the head gives you the opportunity to clean up any carbon deposits also. PJ
 
Re: MG- "TF 1500"

Thanks, as you suggest I will order the Workshop Manual as well as the "T" Series Handbook. That should get my off to a good start and I can build the library as needed from there. I just needed something so I can get my hands dirty right away. Talking with the PO, I guess he may have put oil down the cylinders long ago, so they may be ok. I still intend to remove the head and give it a good visual.

The tires have less than 100 miles on them, however they are 30 years old. The original Dunlap 5.50X15 is still on the back of the car. I doubt that I will replace that, but would like to get new for the car. What are they using for new tires to keep the original look? I understand that the 5.50X15s are not available any longer.
 
Re: MG- "TF 1500"

Everyone has their favorite tire, mine is the Vredestein brand. Here is a web site with the classic models. 5.50X15 are listed. I have the Vredestein Quadtrac 165X14s on the wife's MGB and love the ride and handling. I personally wouldn't put them on a T series as they look too modern. I like their Sprint series for the Ts. But that's just me. PJ



https://www.tiresunlimited.com/ALL%20TIRES/Vredestein/vred_sprint_classic.htm
 
Re: MG- "TF 1500"

Just thought I'd throw this out for info purposes on a TF 1500 engine. This is a shot of the thermostat housing on my 1500 engine before restoration. Not positive if only the 1500 had it, but I have not seen an earlier engine with this type of thermostat housing on it. The built in heater outlet is on the left side along with the temp gage hole. The heater return is cast in the cast iron coolant return pipe.
With all that said, is the water pump unique to this engine? PJ

AS,
1500thermohousing.jpg


AND,

HeaterReturn.jpg
 
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