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MG TD TF 1500 - Radiator support holes

I noticed two holes one each side of the radiator support. Under the holes is a threaded hole.
I don't remember ever taking any bolts out of
these holes. Any ideas?
Mike



MJH Mike

Mike - It has been way too long since I had the radiator out to remember if there was ever anything threaded in those two holes, but you have to keep in mind that the radiators in the T series cars, like many other components, were used in various other cars, any one of which may have utilized those holes. It is like the two 1/4BSF bolts on the left side of the rocker cover. Since the XPAG engines were used in a multitude of different cars, any one of which may have had a use for th those bolts, but the TD is not one of them. Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

Just looked and saw nothing attached.
jrn Northrup

Mike; Bolts in both of my radiators. Nothing else attached at those points. Be careful not to use bolts too long-could screw into core. Pic of one radiator attached. Dan


Dan Craig

Good Morning Mike -

Double check as I may be wrong here, but those four bolts actually attach the radiator core assembly to the mounting frame. Those four short bolts hold the radiator assembly to the mounting frame which is then held to the chassis by the two welded studs that stick down into the cross member bracket.

If you dont attach the four bolts, your radiator will only be held in place by the headlamp brackets and the hood hinge.

I wonder if the lower portion of your radiator frame has been repaired and replaced at some point in the past.

Let u sknow what you find,

Jeff

J. W. Delk

Those two bolt holes are used on the TF to mount the inner wing walls.
Sandy
SANDY SANDERS

Sandy is correct - those bolts pass through the fender - through the radiator bracket - and then thread into the actual side straps that hold the top and bottom tanks to the radiator core itself. The radiator mount frame in your picture should not be threaded - it may look threaded due to grease and crud. There are thread plates attached to the inside of the actual radiator side straps. Those side straps should have corresponding holes in them on each side. I checked on my TF as I left for work this morning.

I can take a picture for you this evening if that would help.

Is your car a TD or TF?
J. W. Delk

I didn't chime in as I assumed "TD"
Sandy & JW are correct as far as TF ...at least that is how mine is.
David
David Sheward

The mount frame is also attached by three soldered tabs at the bottom, maybe the factory used the bolts/bolt holes as a jig before soldering the lower tabs? The bolts do give it extra support. Think the TF rad is completely different (size/shape/top tank), except the mounting frame-lower part. George
George Butz

If Dan Craig can give you the length and size of one of his bolts - you should be able to go get four and then you will be set. Those four do strengthen the coupling of the radiator to the mounting frame.

Your mystery is solved!
J. W. Delk

Mike; Bolts are 1/4 BSF X 3/8 long. Uploaded pic of brackets disassembled from core for future reference. Illustrates what Jeff and George were describing. Have fun-Dan


Dan Craig

Thanks all, great information and response. The car is a TD and radiator is original. I'll install some as the strength added will help. Mike
MJH Mike

This thread was discussed between 02/02/2010 and 03/02/2010

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