MG TF Reborn

Last week I finally replaced my MG TF with another. I found it on the Exchange & Mart website, and quickly arranged for an AA inspection and Data Check. The AA only found partly corroded water pipes that run along the length of the underside of the car. They recommended replacing them with stainless steel versions that have a much longer and durable life. The car was registered in March 2005, and had done 59,000 miles. Its Cam Belt and Head Gasket had been changed (major bugbears of the MG) and had brand new tyres, and looked in good condition.
I flew over to Stansted by Ryanair last Tuesday, and took a coach to Stevenage, and spent the night in a Holiday Inn. The next morning I went to the car dealer in Welwyn Garden City, and purchased the car. I then took it to a MG TF repair specialist (having arranged this the previous week) in Baldock, which is about 10 miles away, called Brown & Gammons. They replaced the water pipes, as well as repairing a number of other items they discovered, and pronounced the car as a "good buy". I drove on to Dover, staying in a Premier Inn, and travelled over the Channel on Norfolk Ferries the next morning, Thursday. The drive down to Lavausseau was uneventful, fortunately, and I arrived home at 9.00pm.

I had previously come across another car via my friend Dennis (mentioned in my Blog of the 1st January) that I had originally planned to buy. However, the AA inspection threw up a number of problems that the dealer was not prepared to remedy, so I called off the purchase.

The old and the new

It was confirmed that my MG TF's engine was seized. Apparently, the water pipes running under the body from the radiator to the engine (in the middle) had pinhole-sized points from where the water has leaked. I hadn't noticed the rise in temperature at the time, and the engine seized. Here is a photo of the head area.


Fortunately, I have an English friend who lives nearby who is a very keen MG enthusiast. He has bought the MG from me, and will bring over from England a wrecked MGF that he already owns. that MGF was involved in an accident, and was a write-off. However, its engine is in fine shape, and is the same type as in my MG TF. Being an engineer, and very practical, he'll transplant the engine into my old one, creating an MG TF in excellent condition.

I've already found a replacement MG TF through my friend Dennis Hallas. He lives in Chepstow, Wales. He found a 2004 MG TF Sunstorm. The "Sunstorm" name indicates that it has a hard top, as well as a soft top. Here is a photo:


It is due to be checked by the AA, which I joined last week. It has already had a Data Check, which it passed. Next Tuesday it will have a comprehensive inspection. If all is well, I hope to travel back with Dennis on the 14th January, when he returns from a fleeting visit to France, and take delivery of the car on the next day.
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Location:Lavausseau, France