MG-TC 'original' tools

[joel hutchins]

I have had my TC exu since 1973. In 1975 I the restoration and completed it in 1985. I have driven it 13,000 miles, Indy 96, Watkins Glen in 98 (I think) and St. Paul in 03. Except for the Indy trip it has been driven to destination.
The car was originally in Hot springs, SD (a veterans town). I bought the car from my partner in western Nebraska in 73 as his wife did not want it ,(a parting of the ways).
To get to the point I have turned 80 and have some health problems, and have three other cars that I have restored and my kids tell me they want the cars. The tools for the Jag E- type sell for a lot of money.
My tools for the TC were in the 'original 'roll but I have purchased a new roll and transferred them to it. As I watch the sales on Bring a trailer, etc. the tool are seldom mentioned (Hand tools) and the jack and handle or starting crank seldom. Are the tools not desired by the new owners, I never use them, as I bought whitworth tools when I bought the car, discovered I needed them. If the kids do want the cars I would suggest they keep them with the car.
Asking for reference only.

Thanks for reading, Joel.....

[Steve Simmons]

The guys who show their cars seem to put a lot of value on original tools. And if you're looking for a set, they aren't usually cheap. But most of the guys who truly drive their cars don't carry the original tools with them because they aren't the most practical things to have for making actual repairs. There is much disagreement on exactly what is original, partly because there were minor changes made to the kits over the years due to supply issues. But a truly original kit in its original roll would likely be worth several hundred dollars. And having the original tools, in my opinion, adds value to any TC. A potential buyer will want to see that no matter what their plans for the car is. I would definitely keep them with the car if it were me.

[Duncan M]

In addition to what Steve says above, there also has been a lot of mis-information out there. Sort of like in the early restoration days of these cars when EXU models were restored to their "proper" TC configuration of 8 inch headlights, no bumpers, no turn signals, different dash configuration, horns removed from under bonnet, removal of the "TD" rear view mirror, etc.

One example of TC tool variation is a documented "other" wheel hammer being used at some point in late production. See FTFU tech document on tool specifications. Top of page 2, wheel hammer.
https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/095cf0 ... 4501722957

"Double copper headed hammer. 2 variations: “THOR ‐ Made In
England” considered prominent for the full production run and a
late run style with “1” stamped on the head. Weight was 1 lb "

These other "1" original hammers carry the Thor British Patent number 501310 on one side, and simply a "1" on the other side. Nowhere does it say Thor or Made in England. No doubt many of these "other" hammers were binned by restorers, in favor of the more common well marked Thor hammer. While the existance of these "1" hammers is documented, they are so rare that Doug said in the email group that he had never seen one. And if Doug has never seen one...

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[Lynn Dykgraaf]

All of this came with TC1943 recently purchased from the nephew of the original owner, or at most, the second owner, who willed it to the only family member who showed any interest over the 60+ years of his ownership. This plus paperwork for work and correspondence on parts back into the late 40s pushed me over the edge on my purchase and the realization of a life long dream.

Lynn Dykgraaf
1946 TC1943
Late 1957Triumph TR3 TS22436LO (owned since high school)

[Lynn Dykgraaf]

Sorry about getting the same pic twice. Here is what should have been the second pic

Lynn Dykgraaf

[Steve Simmons]

What a gold mine, Lynn!

[Lynn Dykgraaf]

I couldn't agree with you more Steve. I was stunned when I opened the tool box on the firewall and all this was revealed. The nephew, now in his 60's, then casually stated he had a stack of paperwork 4 inches thick going back to late 40's early 50's. Nicest guy you would ever want to meet who really wanted a good home for his uncles car more than top dollar.

Back to the original post. So few of our British cars survived completely intact that when you run across one it kind of stops you in your tracks. Many years ago at an All British meet in Seattle I was looking through a venders pile of used small parts. Many old tools included and was able to assemble most of the original tools that came with my late 57 TR3A. As I assembled my purchases on his table his demeanor changed. He figured out what I had found, gathered up everything, and told me they were not for sale. Original accessories matter. I know that from a dollar or investment point of view you always want as much originality as possible but I think the preservation of the story and the time period is where the real value exists.

Joel, keep those tools with the original car. Every year there are fewer and fewer that exist in that state as the lure of a fast buck is just too tempting. My own car had the original side curtains vanish in the transport process to the nephew. The side curtains plus two other small parts will forever be on my keep looking list.

Lynn

[joel hutchins]

Thanks for the replys. The tools will stay with the car as I think they should. No matter who gets the cars that will be impressed.
regards, Joel.....

[Rob Reilly]

Then you get the case where what you think is an original tool isn't.
My TA came to me with a starting crank and jack, and I was all thrilled to get them.
The jack looked right but was totally rusted solid and I doubt if it will ever work again. Doing some internet research, I find the general design was very common, and I now think it is for Ford Model T or A.
I tried the starting crank and discovered it won't go through the hole in the chassis. Wrong tool again. I don't know what it could be for.
No guess as to how they ended up in my car. I guess somebody was guessing.