buying a tabc

[Van Malder Harry]

Hello to all list members

As you red already on the list, I want to buy a tabc.

I found a MG TA in england now,( in a very rough state and still incomplete)wich I think I could restore with a lot of patience ( and probably) lots of money.

Before making an appointment with the owner to go overthere and see it( its not in my backyard), I would be very pleased if other ta owners could mail me fotos(off list of course), so that I can see how a complete car looks, seen from different angles,to give me a more right idea of an original TA. and being able to compare in wich state of completion the car is.

Generally, I know how the car has to be, but I've seen so much differences in TAs, and everybody claims it original

Please just send pictures of cars or separate items wich are original.

Thank you all in advance.

HARRY

Any other written information wich can help me to evaluate the car is also very welcome

[AJChalmers@aol.com]

You don't say where you are but a rough and incomplete TA would not be worth much of a journey unless it is Really Cheap, in my opinion. There are too many relatively decent, complete cars around, even TAs. A good source of pictures and information is Anders Ditlev Clausager's book, "Original MG T Series", from Bayview Books, ISBN 1 870979 06 0. Good luck

[Dave & Diana Dwyer]

Harry

If this is your first T-type, it would be better to buy a car which is complete and preferably running. This will cost more upfront, but less in the long run.

You won't then be faced with trying to ##reassemble## an unfamiliar car, which is missing pieces that you've never even seen!

Even if the car needs some work, at least you'll be able to drive it a bit, to revive your spirits and meet other T people. Also, if it were me, I'd start with TC or TD because they are stronger and the parts are more readily available.

Regards

Dave Dwyer

J2, TA, TC

[Wiedemeyer]

Harry, Why don't you just buy Clausager's book, "Original MGT" for around $40?! Then you'll have lots of original MGTAs to look at. Bob

Hello to all list members As you red already on the list, I want to buy a tabc. I found a MG TA in england now,( in a very rough state and still incomplete)wich I think I could restore with a lot of patience ( and probably) lots of money. Before making an appointment with the owner to go overthere and see it( its not in my backyard), I would be very pleased if other ta owners could mail me fotos(off list of course), so that I can see how a complete car looks, seen from different angles,to give me a more right idea of an original TA. and being able to compare in wich state of completion the car is. Generally, I know how the car has to be, but I've seen so much differences in TAs, and everybody claims it original Please just send pictures of cars or separate items wich are original. Thank you all in advance. HARRY Any other written information wich can help me to evaluate the car is also very welcome

[Van Malder Harry]

Hello , Dear Folks

Thanks very much for all reactions that I got on my demand on the list.

But realy, this is not the news I wanted to know.

When I am receiving all the mails every day, all arguing about tiny things as position of cables, even numbers of radiators( with all respect of the one who asks), I thought I would have another response about a such simple and general demand.

Maybe, reading my mail again, I gave too little information on all of you to evaluate the car I want to buy, and I understand why you just can give me the information to buy a book and to read it.Obviously, I know already for a long time that reading books can make us a lot smarter, but I also know, that practical guys, with experience, can learn me even more in a few minutes than a book of thousand pages can do.

Just imagine my feelings: I realy want to buy a tabc( don't ask why not a td or tf. this is maybe because I have a narrow mind), and as you all know, these are very rare to find overhere in Europe( Don't talk me about shipping it , etc. because I know from experience that checking it in America and shipping will cost me the price of a totally restored one). I am well bewared that I cannot have a tabc for nothing,but I have also seen some wich are sold as "totally restored, good engine, good gear shift, good clutch, etc). at realy amazing prices( up to 30.000 $), wich just can drive, OK, they are running, for another 500 miles, before doing all the costs, needed on a restoration project.

Maybe, on former mails , I asked for needed technical skills, presuming( I am always very carefull) that

my mechanical , electric, an coachwork skills are so small, but now has became the time to be sure of myself and start acting.

I don't want to bore all folks with slow computers by adding pictures and explanation about the car I want to buy. For that I make the same mail to Mr Walter Prechsl, hoping he can put some of the necessary information on a certain part of the tabc site, so that you can see the car I maybe want to buy.

Please, specialists, look the fotos and explanation, and tell me if I have to buy this car, yes or no,without any regrets afterwards to your adress. I take the risk, evaluating your information.

The car shown is made out of a basket case for a few years, the price the owner is asking is 6000 pound sterling(He also mentions "any reasonabe offer, what the hell can that be). I know there is a marge, but can this car be restored ,costing price plus restoration works ,for aprox 20.000$

Please answer now very concrete.

Hope very much to join you as a future tabc owner( If not , bull fighting also is a very fine hobby)

PS I have lots of time to work on the project, I am a 46 years old retired person, of corse, living in Spain far away of help from my " friends".

Harry

[AJChalmers@aol.com]

Harry, I did not wish to frustrate you when I made my comments about your possible TA purchase. I only wanted to warn you that a severe basket case with a lot of missing parts is going to cost a lot more than it will ever be worth after restoration. My TA is a basket case also. It came over from England in 1970, was taken apart and never restored. I bought it a few years ago for $2700. The body was totally useless, but everything was there, including about $6000 in new parts in today's dollars, including wiring loom, canvas, all new instruments, new chrome. I very fortunately obtained an excellent TA body later. I haven't started restoring it yet - it is also a retirement project but must wait for other projects to be completed. Judging by what you said about condition and missing parts, 6000 Pounds, or 9000 dollars is way too high. It would be very helpful if someone in Britain near this car could help you by checking it. Best of luck and keep us all up to date on your quest.

[Paul Camp]

Harry you should get a good TC in the UK for some 15000 proberbly much cheaper than restoring a rough one at 6000 I bought one from Brown & Gammons Two years ago and use it every week. Unless you are a mad keen restorer and relish the restoration process in pure financial terms it is generally better to buy a properly restored car Join the MG Car club and the Octagon Car Club and they often have adverts of TA, TB TCs for sale in their monthly magazines. Get Moss UK catalogue and price list this will give you some idea of the cost of parts required to restore . Once you have agood running TC you will love the drives!! Good Luck Paul TC3348 MGB

----- Original Message ----- [b]From:[/b] harryvan@eresmas.com [b]To:[/b] mg-tabc@yahoogroups.com [b]Sent:[/b] Tuesday, October 30, 2001 2:28 PM [b]Subject:[/b] [mg-tabc] buying a tabc Hello , Dear Folks Thanks very much for all reactions that I got on my demand on the list. But realy, this is not the news I wanted to know. When I am receiving all the mails every day, all arguing about tiny things as position of cables, even numbers of radiators( with all respect of the one who asks), I thought I would have another response about a such simple and general demand. Maybe, reading my mail again, I gave too little information on all of you to evaluate the car I want to buy, and I understand why you just can give me the information to buy a book and to read it.Obviously, I know already for a long time that reading books can make us a lot smarter, but I also know, that practical guys, with experience, can learn me even more in a few minutes than a book of thousand pages can do. Just imagine my feelings: I realy want to buy a tabc( don't ask why not a td or tf. this is maybe because I have a narrow mind), and as you all know, these are very rare to find overhere in Europe( Don't talk me about shipping it , etc. because I know from experience that checking it in America and shipping will cost me the price of a totally restored one). I am well bewared that I cannot have a tabc for nothing,but I have also seen some wich are sold as "totally restored, good engine, good gear shift, good clutch, etc). at realy amazing prices( up to 30.000 $), wich just can drive, OK, they are running, for another 500 miles, before doing all the costs, needed on a restoration project. Maybe, on former mails , I asked for needed technical skills, presuming( I am always very carefull) that my mechanical , electric, an coachwork skills are so small, but now has became the time to be sure of myself and start acting. I don't want to bore all folks with slow computers by adding pictures and explanation about the car I want to buy. For that I make the same mail to Mr Walter Prechsl, hoping he can put some of the necessary information on a certain part of the tabc site, so that you can see the car I maybe want to buy. Please, specialists, look the fotos and explanation, and tell me if I have to buy this car, yes or no,without any regrets afterwards to your adress. I take the risk, evaluating your information. The car shown is made out of a basket case for a few years, the price the owner is asking is 6000 pound sterling(He also mentions "any reasonabe offer, what the hell can that be). I know there is a marge, but can this car be restored ,costing price plus restoration works ,for aprox 20.000$ Please answer now very concrete. Hope very much to join you as a future tabc owner( If not , bull fighting also is a very fine hobby) PS I have lots of time to work on the project, I am a 46 years old retired person, of corse, living in Spain far away of help from my " friends". Harry Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.

[Zissel-Kreuztal@t-online.de]

Hi Harry, please let us know, when your picts are posted. I bought my TC in 1993. It was a nearly complete and absolutly unrestored example. What means, that the car spent his last 25 Years in a barn. And why? Because the car was mechanically total worn out! I found at [b]every[/b] piece of the car marks from the last owner who makes everything to hold the car at the road. Let me show you some main prices from 1993 - 1996. Maybe it help to make the right decition. Price Examples: If you buy a basket case, you need new body wood, maybe some body panels (if rusted). Price: 3.500 DM (New body ~ 10.000DM)

Wheels and hubs are worn out --> Set of Wheels with tyres (5) --> 3.500DM Hubs: ~ 1.000 DM, incl. Stubaxles

Interieur: Mostly the leather has scratches and ruptures, the padding was down (or lost to mouses) A new set will cost you ~ 1.100 Pound

Engine: Complete overhaul --> 6.000 DM Minimum

Weather gear: Half tonneau / Hood / Sidescreen Covers / Carpet Set ---> 500 Pounds

Rear axle: Crown & Pinion Wheels ---> ~ 1.000 DM

Chromework: Probably more than 2.500,- DM (Windscreen frame / Mask/ Lamps / Horn and other small parts). Prices for restoring the parts, not for new ones!

Electric: Wiring loom --> 300,-DM

Gearbox: Overhaul ~ 1.000 DM (if you need no special parts)

Instrument overhaul ~ 500 Pound

Summary: ~ 25.500 DM & your work (more than 1.000 hours) & thousend small parts & paintshop & the basket case for 6.000 Pound.

Pro: After that project you know what you drive, you have earned a lot of how know. To be proud after that project.

Contra: ~ 2 Years hard work, high telephone bills, some horrible mail costs, research of rare parts, problems with paint shop / engine shop. Expensive journeys to England s autojumbles. Lost of two years driving fun. Lost of you family (probably for ~ 2 years, sometimes for ever).

b.t.w: I went the hard way

Greetings lozi (TC3762)

[tonygoodall]

FW: [mg-tabc] buying a tabc

[quote]---------- [b]From: [/b]tonygoodall tonygoodall@blueyonder.co.uk> [b]Date: [/b]Tue, 30 Oct 2001 18:43:20 +0100 [b]To: [/b]Van Malder Harry harryvan@eresmas.com> [b]Subject: [/b]Re: [mg-tabc] buying a tabc

Harry What you describe would not seem to be worth 6000 unless there are many new parts included, I would guess that you should be looking to pay no more than 3 - 4000. Why not consider buying a TA or TC which is running but needing a fair amount of work, this way you know where everything fits and any dismantling for repair or replacement shows you the way things fit together (not too difficult on Ts, but there are tricky bits) You should be able to buy such a car for about 10,000, and a gradual investment of say 4,000 should leave you with a presentable car which YOU CAN DRIVE. If you start with a basket case and do not know it well, it could be years before you get the 'buzz' of driving a T. Regards Tony TC9825 [b]From: [/b]"Van Malder Harry" harryvan@eresmas.com> [b]Date: [/b]Tue, 30 Oct 2001 15:28:43 +0100 [b]To: [/b]mg-tabc@yahoogroups.com> [b]Subject: [/b][mg-tabc] buying a tabc

Hello , Dear Folks Thanks very much for all reactions that I got on my demand on the list. But realy, this is not the news I wanted to know. When I am receiving all the mails every day, all arguing about tiny things as position of cables, even numbers of radiators( with all respect of the one who asks), I thought I would have another response about a such simple and general demand. Maybe, reading my mail again, I gave too little information on all of you to evaluate the car I want to buy, and I understand why you just can give me the information to buy a book and to read it.Obviously, I know already for a long time that reading books can make us a lot smarter, but I also know, that practical guys, with experience, can learn me even more in a few minutes than a book of thousand pages can do. Just imagine my feelings: I realy want to buy a tabc( don't ask why not a td or tf. this is maybe because I have a narrow mind), and as you all know, these are very rare to find overhere in Europe( Don't talk me about shipping it , etc. because I know from experience that checking it in America and shipping will cost me the price of a totally restored one). I am well bewared that I cannot have a tabc for nothing,but I have also seen some wich are sold as "totally restored, good engine, good gear shift, good clutch, etc). at realy amazing prices( up to 30.000 $), wich just can drive, OK, they are running, for another 500 miles, before doing all the costs, needed on a restoration project. Maybe, on former mails , I asked for needed technical skills, presuming( I am always very carefull) that my mechanical , electric, an coachwork skills are so small, but now has became the time to be sure of myself and start acting. I don't want to bore all folks with slow computers by adding pictures and explanation about the car I want to buy. For that I make the same mail to Mr Walter Prechsl, hoping he can put some of the necessary information on a certain part of the tabc site, so that you can see the car I maybe want to buy. Please, specialists, look the fotos and explanation, and tell me if I have to buy this car, yes or no,without any regrets afterwards to your adress. I take the risk, evaluating your information. The car shown is made out of a basket case for a few years, the price the owner is asking is 6000 pound sterling(He also mentions "any reasonabe offer, what the hell can that be). I know there is a marge, but can this car be restored ,costing price plus restoration works ,for aprox 20.000$ Please answer now very concrete. Hope very much to join you as a future tabc owner( If not , bull fighting also is a very fine hobby) PS I have lots of time to work on the project, I am a 46 years old retired person, of corse, living in Spain far away of help from my " friends". Harry Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> .

[/quote]

[JohnHWSteedman@aol.com]

Harry, For what it's worth, I started with a 6000 basket case. By the time it gets on the road (next year?), I will have spent another 20,000 and 7 years' work getting it into (I hope) excellent shape. It will then be worth in the UK about 16,000. You can get an excellent car in the market , recently restored for 12,000 to 16,000, so its all a matter of priorities - hobby, love of one's own struggles & mistakes, the search for your own dreams, ----certainly not economics!! Cheers, john