28th February 2005
BPCA 1005/05E
Make/Model:
MG TC
Year of
registration: 1946
Registration:
HNA 342
Specification:
Modified to 1350cc 4 Cyl. OHV 58 BHP (approx).
Bodywork
In a good
and presentable order, having undergone a comprehensive restoration, with the
wings, front scuttle, running board, bonnet and doors repaired. The outer
body panel fit is generally fairly good, but not perfect. In particular,
the O/S bonnet fit is a little inconsistent, which affects the opening/shutting
of the bonnet, especially at the rear. The door fit is in need of
improvement, with the N/S door loose on its hinges and where the fixing screws
enter the wooden timbers. The O/S door is a little better, but both doors
do not line up with the bulkhead, and both ‘kick-out’ at the bottom. The
rear mounted fuel tank is not quite central and the running boards are not
uniform in their fit. The tank and running board positions are only
slightly inconsistent, and realistically are probably as good as when the
vehicle type was current. The O/S bonnet louvers appear to be a little
indented and non uniform. Resprayed well in Ivory colour, but with a few minor
paint chips, paint runs and abrasions. There are also some small areas of
‘flat’ paint, which would probably improve with some polishing attention.
Generally, the paint application is good. The brightwork is generally
very good, including the radiator cowel, headlamps and door handles.
However, the O/S door handle is particularly stiff to operate, in fact the
handle failed to operate after testing.
Interior
In a good condition, with the seats good. The seat squabs and back
have been reconditioned, the door trims and carpets renewed. The wooden
dash is very good and has been renewed, and the interior brightwork and
instruments are cosmetically good. The mohair type hood is very good,
having been ‘tailor’ made to fit the vehicle. The hood frame has been
repainted. The door/sill rubber seals are missing.
Underside
Appears
to be in a good order, with the chassis sound, having had a localised repair at
some time to the front chassis legs at the joints. Some decay appears to
have been removed or cut away from the chassis near the front legs at some
time, and although the area is sound and with structural rigidity, the area is
‘ragged’ a little. The chassis outriggers, crossmembers and frame are
good, and the wooden floor has been renewed. There are a couple of fixing
screws missing to the rear bulkhead to frame area. The front O/S inner
wing ‘splash’ panel is slightly inconsistent in its fit. The chassis has
been painted black recently. Car No: TC 1245.
Mechanics
Engine
In a working order, but running particularly unevenly
and fast, and in need of attention to improve. The engine appears (and is
reported) to have been reconditioned and overhauled throughout, with the piston
assemblies, compression rings, valve assemblies, bearings and gaskets
renewed. The bores have been re-profiled and enlarged. The inlet
manifold modified and the cylinder head reworked to run on unleaded fuel.
The radiator has been reconditioned and the coolant hoses are new. The
exhaust system is new, but there is a slight emissions leak from the
manifold. The twin Stromberg carburettors have been reconditioned, with
new fuel hoses and pipes, but the rear float chamber leaks fuel and no air
filter has been fitted, so some finalising and set up is required to
improve. An in-line fuel filter has been fitted, but its fitting position
along with the hose is in a potentially dangerous position: perhaps some slight
repositioning, although not to original specification could be
considered. The engine oil has been serviced recently, but there is a
sizeable leak from the filter housing area, which requires improvement.
The engine runs extremely unevenly, and in addition I observed some movement on
the engine mounts. The fixing bolts appear to be of a different size
which may affect the stability of the unit. The vehicle wasn’t road
tested as the engine runs poorly, and because of the fuel and lubrication leaks
further damage was potential, so the mechanical examination was limited.
Indicated mileage of 3 miles. Engine No: XPAG 1850.
Ignition/Electrics
In a
working order, having been rewired throughout, to a good standard, sympathetic
to the original presentation. The startermotor and generator and probably
the fuel pump appear to have been reconditioned. The voltage regulator
appears to be fairly new, but the cover is held in position with adhesive
tape. The battery is reasonably new, but the charging/fan belt is in need
of adjustment. The ignition components have recently been serviced, including
the plugs, leads and coil, etc. The lights, additionally fitted
indicators, horn and windscreen wipers all work.
Transmission
4 speed
manual in a working order, although not fully tested due to engine
faults. However, I observed that the gear selection and the clutch
mechanism work well, having been reconditioned and renewed respectively.
The prop’shaft and universal joints appear to be good, and the rear
differential reworked.
Brake System
Drum
brakes front and rear, hydraulically operated, with the drums reworked and with
new wheel cylinders, brake pipes and linings fitted. The brake fluid is
fresh. In operation I observed some imbalance, with the N/S rear wheel
locking prematurely and causing a slight ‘pull’ to the N/S. Further checking
advised, but I suspect some adjustment and use will probably improve.
Steering/Suspension
Again
evaluation limited to a visual inspection mainly, due to engine faults.
However, various components have been renewed, with the king pins, front and
rear suspension bushes replaced. The front and rear shock absorbers are
good, the rear being telescopic type. The leaf springs appear to be
reasonable, but the spring bushes appear to be old. The steering works
fairly well, although heavy by modern standards. The wire wheels are new
and tyres are good. Further checking advised.
Conclusion
As I have already indicated verbally, this report should only be used as
a guide and may not necessarily be to the full, but it is correct to the best
of Classic Assessments' knowledge. Observations made within this report
are to help evaluate the vehicle.
This
vehicle has undergone a considerable and significant amount of repairs and
restoration work. The standard of the work is generally high, although
there are a variety of areas which require improvement and attention.
The
vehicle’s body structure is generally good, the interior trim and upholstery is
very good and cosmetically, the exterior of the vehicle is almost first class,
apart from some minor paint defects. The outer body panel work is
relatively good, apart from the door fit which is in need of some considerable
attention.
Mechanically,
the engine although appearing to have been rebuilt, is in need of some running
improvement, especially to the fuel system and carburettors. There also
appears to be a requirement to improve the brake operation and one or two areas
which require ‘setting up’ correctly.
The
vehicle was not road tested, which I advise should be considered after various
improvements have been undertaken and completed, and prior to collection.
The
vehicle isn’t perfect or first class, but is generally a good or very good
example of the type in its present overall condition. This condition would
be improved upon with some care to detail with the attention carried out.
B Page. MIMI,
Classic Assessments