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MG TD TF 1500 - Which shock should I have

As I noted in a previous post my 51 TD has different shocks on the front.
The Rears are Armstrong.
I have one Armstrong on the front and one Girling.
I talked to Peter at World wide and he feels that the Girling is a better shock, but that I should have the same brand on all 4 wheels
My car is:
ar # GA/12789 EX/NA
Engine # XPAG FD2/LHX13135

BODY TYPE 22381
BODY # 12161/81888

I know there is an issue with the fit of the Armstrong on an original Girling fitted car. I am not sure I even have the original Hood however since I beleive the original engin blueup at one time and took som of the firwall wit it and most likely parts of the hood.

At this point the hood is out at the paint shop so I need to check.

Questions:

At what car number did MG switch from Girling to Armstrong?

How would I tell if the hood will accept the Armstrong shocks?

Do you see anything wrong with Girling in the front and Armstrongs in the rear?

Thanks again for your inputs

Jim B.
JAB Benjamin

Jim, can't help with most of your questions, but the only modification to enable Armstrong dampers to fit in the front is a small bulge in the front wings (fenders) just above the body of the dampers. The bulge is less than 1/2" high and just large enough to avoid the wing fouling the top of the damper. No modification is required for the bonnet (hood). Presumably, if you have one Armstrong damper at least one of your front wings must have this modfication. Matt.
Matt Davis

Good day Jim:

I am no expert but cars fitted with Armstrong dampers had a special Factory raised section in the front wings allowing for the height of the newer units.

The date of the change over is not known to me. All I have been told is they were fitted to the "late TD" model. An epithet which leaves a lot to be desired and has sparked many a long and sometimes heated discussion as to just what the word "late" infers ? But, I digress !

The Issue 1, 1950, TD Service Parts list, does not mention Armstrong dampers.

The June, 1958, TD Service Parts List, # AKD 834, lists them as an alternates but no chassis # is given for the application. The list does, within its "Optional Extras" section, suggest a variety of "Extra Shock Absorbers" but no makers' names are given. And, furthermore; under the "TD Mk II Supplement" shock absorbers are once again noted, but also sans identification.

As I wrote, if your TD does not have the raised section on the front wings, the Armstrong dampers should be a "no go". I am a read that you reported there is one Armstrong and one Girling on the front of your car, did I read that wrongly ?

If that is the case, I will pose this query: are both your cars front wings indented ? If so, then Armstrong dampers were original equipment. Somewhere, in its existance then, I reckon, a Girling/Luvax model must have been subsituted as a replacement. Those dampers will fit either TD wing types.

Right mate, I'll pack it in now ! Most likely I have scribbled much more than you wanted to read anyway.
Cheers for now then; respectfully:
Jack Emdall, TD3191, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada

kernow

Jack, My early TD had Armstrongs on it for years. (that is what Moss/Abindgon supplied as new in the mid-70's). All you have to do is loosen the wing (fender) mounting bolts and move it up a touch, and slightly bend the lip of the fender just above the shock (the part under the car, not the surface that shows)in a bit. The only other changes needed are longer mounting bolts for the Girlings with the thicker body, and a spacer under the leg of the engine steady bracket when using the Armstrongs (with the thin mounting flanges). Of course if you want originality, someone will have to find the chassis change over number! George
George Butz

Thanks George and Jack and Matt.
I think originality on my TD is not obtainable since the engine has been changed. That said most of what I d I want to be correct or correct for the period.
I am installing a SS dash which I consider period for the car.

That said before I put the body back on it makes sense to fix the shocks. I do have the fenders (wings) home. They were done last year. During the next week I will try to get my daughter to help me try them on the car and see how the fit the Armstrong shock.

Jim B.
JAB Benjamin

I read in the NEMGTR's T-series book- authors Knudson and Olds state they think the shock change happened in 1953, but were unable to document when. I be someone on on the board has a rebuildable core they would part with. George
George Butz

Jim, George etal:

I had not thought of a cosmetic approach to fitting Armstrong units. I suspect Moss supplied that info., with the parts, when they were despatched.

I have the original Girling/Luvax in TD 3191 and over the years squirreled away several spares. These are being slowly rebuilt, and for my TC as well, by World Wide Auto Parts of Madison, Wisconsin.

I tried locating a firm in Canada, involved in this practice, but that was a negative endeavour.

The quest for utter originality, if there is such an animal, is far from my agenda. I try to make the car as near as possible to the way if left Abingdon, ie: sans excessive "bling" by chromium plating bits that never were nor the sporting of a non original, dearly expensive, clear coat, lacquer paint job. I admire those that are but in the '60's vernacular; "that ain't my bag man" !

I have rock chips, etc., in the paint, it is a car afterall. I am not prone to shredding my hair if another one should occur whilst out for a drive. And so far, I have been most fortunate not to have had some bonehead fire open his huge F350 or Hummer door thereby reeking havoc upon its small, defenceless body. I reckon though that day will come.

Finally; it is truely amazing that when using a parking lot, I will seek out the most unpopulated section only to return and find I have an RV or the like parked on either side ?

Cheers again lads; respectfully:
Jack Emdall, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada.
kernow

This thread was discussed between 11/07/2011 and 12/07/2011

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