Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[meninspex]

I have an MG TD which is at present having the radiator recored. The shell lacing strip is falling apart and needs replacing. This rubber strip is 1.5m long, 12mm wide and 0.75mm thick. Moss and Brown & Gammons want £15 plus p&p. Anybody know of an alternative at a reasonable price?

[Salopian]

I take it you mean the bonnet tape at the front ? Its a standard section and I think I picked up a piece for mine at some jumble or other years ago for pennies. I'll have a look at mine later. I've never understood MG parts pricing either and had a row with one of the prominent suppliers 3 or 4 years ago who supplied some XPAG gaskets that were made undersize. It was not their problem apparently I had to go to their suppliers. A quick reminder of the law was needed but thats the last of my cash they will ever see. Luckily I've a large stock of original mostly used parts picked up over the years so can avoid the poor pattern stuff.
Thinking surely you can use canvas webbing which is easily available.
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Jonathan Butler
Alvis SD 12/50 1928 MG TD 1950

[meninspex]

Thanks for that Jonathan. Canvas webbing would no doubt serve but I'm not sure it would look too good.

Since making my original post I've discovered, in my garage, a bicycle wheel rim tape which looks as though it will fit perfectly. Just hope the rubber material won't be too badly affected by the heat.

[Salopian]

Just looked at the TD and the front bonnet tape is webbing. I can't remember seeing rubber there ever thinking about it and whats there now is the jumble stuff I fitted years ago. The rear bonnet rest is a rubber/plastic section which lips over the bulkhead. I hope we are talking about the same thing anyway - I refer to the tape which is threaded through the rad surround for the bonnet to rest on.
I've had the car since 1973 it is unrestored (looks it as well) and a very early solid wheel car. Done a few engine mods over time and fitted a high ratio diff as the standard TD is a bore to use with the original ratio unless you like frequent engine rebuilds - 14.4 mph/1000rpm originally in top mines now 18.1 mph. It was my only transport for 9 years.

Edited to add I wonder if rim tape is suitable for two reasons due to its thickness. Firstly it may wear through with body movement quickly and secondly the bonnet may sit slightly low. I've also had a look at a well known MG suppliers website and on the same page it is referred to as bonnet rest webbing front and on the next line bonnet rest rubber so??
Vintage suppliers (Paul Beck etc) charge around £3.50 a metre for webbing depending on size and I think they are expensive but my short arms and long pockets are well known.
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Jonathan Butler
Alvis SD 12/50 1928 MG TD 1950