MG TC Restoration: A Labour of Love

A Labour of Love: Restoring an MG TC

It's a story that resonates with many classic car enthusiasts: the acquisition of a seemingly forgotten vehicle with the ambition of bringing it back to its former glory. This narrative details the extensive restoration of an MG TC, a project undertaken with immense dedication and a deep respect for the car's heritage. The journey began in December 2017, with an initial estimated completion time of three years. However, as is often the case with such ambitious projects, unforeseen circumstances, including the global pandemic, provided an unexpected opportunity to dedicate more time and focus to the task.

From Australia to Abingdon Heritage

The MG TC in question, chassis number TC8723, is a significant piece of automotive history. Manufactured by M.G. in Abingdon, UK, on May 17th, 1949, it was one of the later models produced, with a total of 10,000 units made between 1945 and 1949. This particular car's story took it to Australia, where it was first sold and registered in New South Wales. The accompanying black and white photograph captures the car in its relatively new state, a poignant reminder of its past.

Over the decades, the MG TC succumbed to the elements and neglect, eventually finding its way into a shed where it decomposed until the mid-1980s. It was then purchased by a gentleman in Newcastle from the original owner's family. He retained the car for approximately 20 years, during which he undertook some crucial work, including replacing the rotted wooden frame and addressing panel damage, ensuring the car remained a cohesive unit.

A Mentor's Legacy and a Promise Fulfilled

The car then passed to a close friend and mentor of the current restorer, a former police officer with a shared passion for mechanical restoration. This friend, who had also been a motorcycle officer, had to leave the force after a serious accident. He had already invested considerable effort into the MG's engine and drivetrain, acquiring numerous new parts before his health prevented him from continuing. Tragically, he passed away suddenly in 2014.

The responsibility of managing his estate, including the sale of his motorcycles and the MG TC, fell to the narrator. The MG, still considered a "basket case" and unrestored, garnered little interest. It was at this point that the narrator and his wife, Robyn, offered to take on the project themselves, committing to restoring the car to the standard their late friend would have aspired to. This led to them acquiring the vehicle and its accompanying parts in December 2017, marking the official commencement of the restoration.

The Restoration Process: Challenges and Triumphs

The restoration began with a meticulous disassembly, a thorough assessment of needs, and the sourcing of missing components. A significant advantage of restoring an MG TC, compared to rarer classic motorcycles, is the relative availability of parts, either from specialist suppliers or through remanufacturing, albeit at a cost. This was a welcome change from the often-insurmountable challenge of finding parts for obscure marques.

The initial phase involved the laborious but essential tasks of cleaning, blasting, rubbing down, and grinding away rust. By October 2018, the chassis, suspension, and underside components were ready for painting. A creative solution was found for a spray booth: an inexpensive 'wedding gazebo' purchased from eBay, erected within a bay of the shed. Despite the uncomfortable conditions – a hot shed, plastic enclosure, full protective gear, and breathing apparatus – the spray painting was successfully executed.

Following the painting, the focus shifted to the mechanicals. The engine assembly commenced, with the gearbox already complete and the differential ready for integration. The suspension and the entire front end, including steering, were then assembled. A notable modification was the inclusion of a Nissan steering box conversion. While the original "Bishop steering assembly" felt adequate, testing revealed weakness in the pitman arms. Prioritising safety and a definite driver experience over strict originality, the decision was made to opt for a superior steering solution. This represents one of the few deviations from a completely faithful restoration.

Key Mechanical and Electrical Modifications:

The period of mid-2019 saw the engine, gearbox, and differential being offered up to the vehicle. The subsequent installation of brakes, steering column, and the connection of all steering components followed. The bodywork, which had seen some attention from the previous owner, was further examined, and any necessary panel work was undertaken. The wooden frame, already expertly constructed, was fitted, and floorboards were acquired through a fortunate coincidence. Other timber and ply components were meticulously crafted using reference books, a scroll saw, and a circular saw.

The body and panels were then sent to a local spray painter for the iconic MG Red finish, while chrome components were entrusted to a local chrome works. This commitment to using local services ensured no parts needed to be sent overseas for restoration. As the car gradually took shape, a continuous process of identifying and sourcing remaining parts from Australia, the UK, and the USA was undertaken, with postage costs sometimes providing a "fright" but being a necessary expense.

The Final Assembly and Roadworthiness

By late October, the vibrant MG Red body was returned and, with the assistance of several strong friends, was assembled onto the rolling chassis. Rod, a skilled neighbour with expertise in both electrical and mechanical matters, provided invaluable help during this final assembly phase, dedicating many hours. The car then moved to a local upholsterer, who performed a "breathtakingly beautiful" job on the seats, trim, and carpets, predominantly using fine beige leather, likely exceeding the original factory finish. The hood and side curtains were intentionally left until after the car was on the road, although the badly damaged hood frames were refurbished, a task that proved to be the most time-consuming single aspect of the restoration.

The return of the chrome work just before Christmas allowed for the assembly of the "pretty bits," including the fuel tank, fuel lines, and the attractive dashboard. This brought the project to the end of February, coinciding with the start of the COVID lockdown. By April, all panels were fitted, and with the help of the narrator's brother, who diagnosed a distributor issue preventing the engine from starting, the car roared to life. The sound was described as "very nice," with no untoward noises or oil leaks, a significant milestone.

A test drive along the long driveway confirmed the car's readiness. The engine, having undergone a full crank rebuild, new liners and pistons, a comprehensive head restoration, and a new camshaft, was performing exceptionally. The ignition system had also been converted to electronic ignition. In May 2020, the fitting of the front guards and bonnet commenced. This is notoriously a time-consuming process, as the "coach-built" body panels require iterative fitting, removal, modification, and refitting to achieve a perfect alignment. The bonnet alone took nearly a full day for Rod and the narrator to get right.

On the Road and Fine-Tuning

By mid-June, the car was deemed ready for a roadworthy inspection and subsequent registration, just prior to the narrator's trip to Townsville. Upon their return, a final thorough check was conducted before the official inspection. On July 13th, the MG TC passed its roadworthy test and was promptly registered. A short inaugural trip with Robyn was immensely enjoyable, validating all the hard work. With approximately 200 miles covered, there were no reported oil leaks or major issues. The car was then returned to the trimmer for the hood and side curtains to be made and fitted.

Since hitting the road, the car has accumulated around 400 miles. The tuning process, however, presented its own set of challenges. Initially, achieving a satisfactory carburettor tune proved difficult, eventually traced to a small fracture in a float, causing it to fill with fuel. Once rectified with new floats, the performance improved significantly. A subsequent strange misfire, which worsened with engine temperature, led to extensive troubleshooting. Despite exhausting carburettor adjustments and checking ignition timing, the issue persisted, manifesting as a flat spot during acceleration.

In a moment of desperation, the electronic ignition was replaced with the original points and condenser setup. This change immediately transformed the car's performance, which was described as "faultless" and "remarkable." The narrator theorises that a loose cam pickup on the electronic distributor might have been the culprit, potentially affected by heat-induced tape softening, which altered the timing during acceleration. Alternatively, a faulty ignition system could be the cause. Regardless, the car is now running reliably on points, and the owner is thoroughly enjoying the MG experience.

Addressing Design Limitations and Future Enjoyment

The restoration philosophy adhered to respecting the car's era, acknowledging its pre-war design and inherent limitations while seeking improvements where possible. The goal was to create an exciting and fun driving experience, even if it wouldn't match modern car performance or handling.

Several perceived "design flaws" were encountered, prompting modifications that were both functional and reversible. The original electrical system, with its minimal fusing, was a particular concern, given the risk of fires. The narrator replaced the original loom with a new one featuring ten fuses and implemented a system of relays to protect fragile switches and sensitive electronics, including the new CSI electronic distributor and a transil fitted to the fuel pump.

The original Lucas dynamo was replaced with a 45-amp "Dynamator" (an alternator disguised as a dynamo), which provides more reliable voltage regulation and allowed for the removal of the RF95 voltage control box. Period-style indicator lamps were added, avoiding the coupling of brake lights as indicators seen on American export models. A "hydrostatic" fuel gauge was installed to replace the original low-level warning light, offering a more precise fuel level indication. The instrument panel layout was also reconfigured to accommodate additional gauges.

While disc brakes were considered, the decision was made to retain the original drum brakes to preserve the period appearance. However, these were upgraded with "Alfin" type drums featuring improved brake shoe linings for better heat dissipation. New brass-bodied stainless steel wheel cylinders, a stainless steel master cylinder, and Kunifer brake lines with stainless steel coil armouring were also fitted. To compensate for the inherent inefficiency of the original braking system, a 1.9:1 servo was added, improving brake feel without altering the original backplates. A remote brake fluid reservoir was also installed for easier access.

The original steering, while direct, suffered from "wander." A VW steering box was fitted in place of the original "Bishop cam" unit, resulting in lighter steering, albeit with a lower gear ratio. A smaller diameter steering wheel was fitted to mitigate this. Hubs were renewed with taper roller bearings, and new wheels and tyres were ordered. Instead of fuel injection, an Eaton M45 supercharger was installed, fed by an SU carburettor, with the cylinder head ported and modified for boosted performance. The engine also received larger valves, double springs, and a comprehensive rebuild by a renowned MG specialist, including a crankcase pressure evacuation system and a stainless steel exhaust system.

Conclusion: A Cherished Classic

This MG TC is now a cherished member of the family and, as the owner states, "will never be sold." The restoration journey, marked by meticulous attention to detail, innovative problem-solving, and a deep appreciation for automotive history, has culminated in a beautifully restored and enjoyable classic car. The passion and dedication poured into this project are evident in every aspect, from the gleaming MG Red paintwork to the enhanced mechanical and electrical systems, ensuring this iconic vehicle will be appreciated for many years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Will this MG be sold? No, the owner explicitly states the car is now part of the family and will never be sold.
• What were the main modifications made? Key modifications include a Nissan steering box conversion, "Alfin" type brake drums, a Dynamator (alternator), an improved electrical system with more fuses and relays, a supercharger, electronic ignition (later reverted to points), and a hydrostatic fuel gauge.
• Why were these modifications made? The modifications were primarily for improved safety, reliability, performance, and ease of use, while attempting to maintain the car's period appearance where possible. Some changes were made to address perceived design flaws in the original vehicle.
• Was the restoration completed during COVID-19? The COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity for the owner to dedicate more time to the restoration, accelerating its completion. The car officially passed its roadworthy and was registered on July 13th, 2020.
• What was the biggest challenge during the restoration? While many tasks were demanding, the refurbishment of the badly damaged hood frames was noted as the most time-consuming single part of the restoration. Tuning the car after it was on the road also presented significant challenges.

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