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MG TD TF 1500 - removing MGTF grill

I am considering removing my mgtf grill to have it repaired and rechromed and need to understand what is involved in its removal. Does anyone know what is involved and if there are any instructions on the step by step process to remove it? Thanks!
A.D. Andre de la Chevrotiere

Mate

This is not a complex task, I have had my own grill out many times owing to having to remove the engine multiple times.

Before you start remove the radiator hoses as they are easier to remove when everything is stable. I also suggest an over night soak of all fastenings with WD40 or penetrating oil prior to commencing the task.

You may like to consider replacing all the "speed nuts" when you reinstall the grill.
G Evans

First off with front bumper, and the two under rad shields. Fiddly, captive nuts. Then bolts through from the inside of the fenders both sides. One or a pair each side? Really don't remember. After that the top nuts keeping the rad to the wings, and the wing tie bar. Remove or cut off hoses, you will install new ones anyway. Then the two nuts at the bottom of the rad with rubber dampening washers. At this point the whole rad/chrome surround assembly should be possible to luxate forwards/upwards. If stuck, look for one or more nuts and bolts keeping it in place. Don't rush this job, just keep calm and carry on, gently. Been there , sweared, success in the end.

Regards,

Jan

1954 TF1500
Jan Kristoffersen

If you don't want to remove the radiator, you don't really have to. I pulled my grill shell a couple times and put it back in place without doing so. First remove the front hood/bonnet bracket and then remove the hood/bonnet from the car. At this time you can remove the two top grill shell bolts from the radiator brackets. Remove all the bolts recommended as stated in the previous posts. The cross bar behind the fan can be loosened by removing one down bolt holding the bar, there' one on each side. This will allow the fenders to flex a bit and not bind on the grill shell. Remove the bumper and stone shield between bumper and grill. Remove the screws/bolts holding the shell to the radiator framework. Sounds complicated, but just look and study where the bolts are and it's easier than you think. If you have to, number the bolts and screws in small bags, so they can go back exactly where they came from. Only takes a little time, but can save you a lot of aggravation later. PJ
Paul sr

Hi
While we are on this topic of the TF grille, has anyone rechromed their grill in the US recently? Any estimates of cost? Wondering what to budget for that.

Thanks
Tom
'54 TF
Tom Norby

Tom -- after shopping around and getting prices for chroming, I was directed, from a TD owner, to John Romero's West Coast Chrome in Modesto, California, http://www.westcoastchrome.com/
I had him do a lot of chroming and the workmanship was first rate and the price was the most reasonable of those, both US and Canada, that I initially contacted. I sent him a photo of the parts I wanted chromed and he gave me an estimate of costs, and the final bill was the exact amount of his estimate. E-mail me if you need further input. You have my e-mail address.

Cheer -- John
John Brickell

Tom, the cost could be all over the place depending on the condition of the grill. If it doesn't need any work (fixing dings and such) it will be considerably less but still not cheap by any means. $ 600 for mine back in 2006 and it needed a lot of work just to get to presentable shape. New ones can be had now from the UK (at least as of 6 months ago or so) but if I remember correctly at a cost of 1500.00 in brass without the chrome...ouch.
L E D LaVerne

Andre,
You can send out a Ct MG Club Email, anouncing a mini tech session where your TF is located,,, i'm sure you can get assistance!!!! Let me know if you want the contact info,,,

SPW
STEVE WINCZE

Was I correct, or what?

:-)
Sam Murray

YUP!! YOU WERE CORRECT SAM,,,,???????????????????
STEVE WINCZE

Thank you all for your suggestions. I am curently working on a MGB and have much work to do. When the time comes I will change projects to the MGTF. (hopefully in mid January)I am a member of the MGB club that Steve belongs to and his suggestion for a tech session is a great approach. We have a wealth of experience in our club and having everyone over to watch/help will be welcomed. I will file all your removal techniques for when the time comes. Andre
A.D. Andre de la Chevrotiere

Who is Sam anyway?????
STEVE WINCZE

Just a minor correction Andre. The club is not the MGB club, but rather the Connecticut MG Club. Members own and maintain just about every model of MG imported into the U.S.
David Werblow

This thread was discussed between 03/12/2012 and 05/12/2012

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