This topic was brought up in a
thread on the UKMG BBS with information from David Sander who got it
from Norm Jambard who has done it to four TFs. David's comment
is this, "I
approve of this modification, as it makes the TF ownership much
easier and makes no change in the appearance of the car. Below
is the text of Jim Melvin from his article.
Text changes suggested by David and
Norm are shown in red. Bud
This article was originally created by the late Jim Melvin of The Vintage MG Club of So.
Calif. (VMG) and published in their Octagon Topics newsletter.The
VMG has graciously granted permission to publish the article on
Ttalk. Bud
Ttalk.info
TF VALANCE MODIFICATION FOR ACCESS
by Jim Melvin
Vintage MG Club of So. Calif.
Before removing the wings and valances, take a felt-tip
pen and mark the area of the valance that the fender welt
covers, which is approximately 1.25". Mark a line on top
of the fender and underside the fender flange.
1. Refer to section R.11 "Removing Front Wings, Series TF", In
your workshop manual.
2. Clamp the valance to your work bench and mark a compound
curve line where you will cut through using the sketch as a
guide. Use a saber saw, ear plugs and metal cutting blades lubed
with oil.
3. Replace the fixed lower valance, fender and welt, bolting
through holes 1,3,5, and 7. The upper modified panel should go
in at the front first. The panel will drop securely in place
because of the compound curve. Adjust the tie
bar for the extra
1/16" inch space and bolt the panel in place using the washers,
bolts and wing nuts as per the sketches. Holes #4 and #6 are
essential to bolt through, thus securing the upper panel from
moving up in the event of a collision.
The modified panel is secure, does not rattle, and makes it a
joy to work inside the engine compartment with the Unisyn,
wrenches, etc. Engine maintenance
can now be undertaken with ease.
The carburetors can now be
easily accessed for maintenance and tuning. A Uni-Syn can
be easily used for balancing the carburetors.
Stanley hardware 13 inch shelf support brackets
may be used
to
hold up the hood panels. A small right angle bracket was
(can be)
fabricated and secured to the hood panels. The supports are easy
to install with the modified valance panels removed.
Note the battery has been reversed for negative ground. This
makes more room for the support bracket when the hood is closed
without danger of shorting against the terminals
From Norm Jambard: I never used the
13" Stanley brackets. What I did was used the largest size
fender washers and bent one edge to form a lip using a spacer
washer to accomodate the thickness of the side panel.
Original Source