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MG TD TF 1500 - door latch

I'm currently installing the door latch on new wood applicable to a T.F. Does the door latch front edge line-up evenly to the edge of the door frame or is there a slight set back . The pre-drilled holes and slots in the new wood does not allow for a set back. If I allow for a set back the metal anchor will extend beyond the inside edge of the wood frame . Also, there will be the need to do some wood carving as well. Thank-you John
J .R.C Cavey

John -- I also had to use new wood and found that I had to drill new holes and use shims in the door hinges to finally make everything line up. A lot of back and forth trials were required before I got it right. However, I first went through this process, to set up the door latches, while the tub was off the frame; then, when I secured the tub to the frame the door latches no longer lined up perfectly. So, I had to make slight adjustments after the tub was on the frame, for the doors to latch cleanly and securely. Lesson: don't do the door latches until tub is secured to the frame, from my experience anyway.

John
John Brickell

John and John, I agree totally and when you get everything back together try a little bees wax on the latch it is amazing how smoothly things work with this stuff. I have a very old tube that I have used xetensively and we recently took our 5th wheel across Canada and the interior doors and hinges were not totally smooth so I went looking for this stuff in various Automotive shops with no luck. Noticed a display in a drugstore for "BERTS BEES" lip balm. After reading that the unflavoured stuff was just bees wax I bought a small tube and it worked as well as the old stuff I have. No more hinge squeek and all latches smooth. Carry it with me all the time now.

Brian
Brian Smith (1950 TD3376)

To Brian & John Indeed thank-you for your response to my question re; door latch. The tub is mounted on the frame with the doors completely installed . I most certainly did have to re-set the hinges several times to acquire the proper fit and alignment . As mentioned earlier I'm installing the door latches . What I need to know from your experiences is weather or not the front edge of the door latch line up evenly with the edge of the door frame or is there a slight set-back of approximately 1/4 inch. The pre-drilled holes in the new wood will not permit a set-back without major re-work . If I allow for a set back one of the 4 securing holes in the door latch will interfere with the square shaft of the door handle.The old wood removed shows a set back but because there were so may holes punched into the wood over the years leaves one to ponder what is right. John
J .R.C Cavey

John, I will check the Tf I am currently restoring and get back to you.

Brian
Brian Smith (1950 TD3376)

John -- sorry for not being more explicit. The situation with my TF, as you will see, may be somewhat unique and may not be of much help, but you should go to my web-site and look at the photos I've posted regarding the door latches:

Go to mgtf54.blogspot.com; then go over to the right hand column scroll down and click on "2011"; then click on "August", I believe you will be at the section on the door latches, but if not, click on "door and latches on - final".

Again, mine may not be what will help you but then again, it might.

John
John Brickell

John

A couple of pictures for you. This is from my unrestored low mileage TF. I have started at the back by making new wheel wells then will remove panels and go from there.

1st one.



Brian Smith (1950 TD3376)

The first one was the latch on the body, this is the location of the mechanism on the door.

Brian


Brian Smith (1950 TD3376)

To Brian and John. The info and photos you passed on has provided the answers to my question on door latches. I indeed very much appreciate the extended effort both of you made which only serves to strengthen the value of the B.B. Once again Thank-you John
J .R.C Cavey

Hello John
Sorry I'm a little late to chime it, at work and all my pictures were on my home computer. M
Just finished fitting my doors and as you can see my TD latches seem to be located in a very similar position to Brian's TF. Seems to me like they originally set them back just enough to allow wood sufficient to seat the outermost wood screws.
Regards
Hiram


Hiram Kelley

This thread was discussed between 04/05/2012 and 05/05/2012

MG TD TF 1500 index

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