D - Break in the Action

I got the starter to work (was a ground issue).  Turning engine over without plugs I was able to read an oil pressure of 65 psi, both with "checking" gauge and gauge in dash of car.  Good deal.

Installed exhaust system (real easy).  Got fuel pump to work, thanks to spray contact cleaner.  Put about a quart of gas in tank and saw a slow leak on passenger side end cover.  Bummer.

Local radiator shop looked over tank, they will repair and also seal inside of tank (appears to have been chemically stripped inside and out, leaves inside vulnerable to rust esp with ethanol in today's fuels).  I have covered outside of tank in bubble wrap, no guarantees but they will try to keep from scratching the paint.  This job will occur in early January.

So I'm back to installing wiring and interior parts.  Here's some more recent pictures:

No tank in upper picture, on it's way to being repaired.

I've got the door latches installed, holding the doors closed now.  Decent fit, could be better.  Floors seems to fit pretty well. 

In lower picture, I've started the wiring installation.  Tight fit through firewall with speedo cable and wiring going through one opening.  You can also see the exhaust system in lower pic. 

Tomorrow I go visit a local MGTD that is completely assembled.  The other local car I have been visiting has many interior parts out of it, so it does not answer all of my questions. 

Found out something interesting.  I was missing the ignition key.  There is a code (ex. FA592) on the face of the tumbler for the key.  Gave this code to local lock shop and they looked up pattern and cut a key that works perfect for $18!  Not bad for a 62 year old car.  Decided to do same thing for my TR3, was using an old worn out MGB key that happened to work, now I've got the right key for both.

C - Systems Work

Been working on "systems" the last several weeks.  I mean things like brakes, cooling, fuel,. etc.  Doesn't make for impressive pictures, but is important work to get done so I can start this puppy up!

Replaced a bad brake line, put in fluid (PO had never put any fluid in), bled system, seems to work OK, likely will need to bleed again later to remove some small amount of air, pedal seems to "pump up" a little.

Installed water pump and hoses and filled cooling system, no leaks! 

Put 90W oil in transmission and rear end, both were dry.

Installed about 10' long metal fuel line, it's the original and runs inside the passenger side frame rail.  I thought this would be a pain trying to form this long bunch of spaghetti into it's original shape, but it went pretty well.  Also installed rubber fuel lines from pump to carb plus between carbs.

Have tried to turn over engine with starter, starter will not work when installed in car.  Removed starter and it worked fine on bench with jumper cables.  Probably a grounding issue, need to figure this one out.

Next steps beyond starter are installation of exhaust system and and dreaded installation of the wiring harness.  I went today and visited Jim Barrow and his '53 TD for a second time, took more pictures esp of wiring plus borrowed Jim's poster size wiring diagram which will come in REAL handy.

B- Where's All This Stuff Go?

Yesterday I ordered a bunch of parts (39 part numbers), should be enough to get the car drivable, which is my first goal.  Here's some pictures to give a sense of the "puzzle" challenge.  First is a picture of the driver's side firewall, with a bunch of holes:

There's a lot of holes there to be filled with stuff.  So far, the stuff that goes on this side are the following things:

The wiring harness is the most daunting item, but the voltage regulator, fuse box, and ignition coil all need to be mounted plus the water temp/oil pressure gauge needs it's lines to run through this area.  Hopefully I'll get it right the first time and won't have to redo it too much!

A - New Project

This marks the beginning of my next major project - a 1952 MGTD that I purchased November 16th in Lawrenceville IL.  This car almost had it's restoration completed by the prior owner, Bud Brown, until Bud passed away in October 2011.  He had owned the car since 1970, and had worked in earnest on the restoration beginning in 1997.  Engine and transmission are rebuilt, frame off restoration of body, frame and suspension all cleaned up nicely and painted.  Lots of parts to finish the car, but not all of them. 

I wish Bud had taken a good series of pictures of the car when disassembling, especially since I have not ever worked on a TD before.  But I did get quite a few good books with the car, plus I know where there are two TD's here locally that I can look at for reference.

Here's a picture from the first time I saw the car:

Between October 16 and November 16 I researched about the car and it's value, made another trip to assess what parts were missing, and negotiated a price with Bud's widow, Ellen.  Ellen drives a hard bargain.

Here's a picture of the car loaded on Ken Barton's trailer at the hanger at Mid America Airport, where the car had resided for many years:

And here's a picture after arrival at my house on November 16th.  My truck was stuffed to the gills in both the bed and cab with parts.  You can also see the 1961 Austin Healey Sprite that Ray Graham of our local club bought from Ellen, Bud's second little british car.

So, now the fun begins!  My initial estimate is six months of working part time (20 hours/week) to get the car fully assembled.  Let's see our accurate I am!