MG TC: Wiring cover (scuttle masking board) dimensions

[Bill Ritson]

Can anybody tell me where I can find the correct dimensions of the wiring cover that should be under the dash of a 1949 TC?

Thanks, Bill Ritson

[Tom Wilson]

http://www.mg-tabc.org/library/MG_TC_Sc ... _Board.htm

I have the hardware available if you need it.

Tom Wilson
Kimber Creek Ltd.
Zionsville IN
Interiors and weather equipment for MMM and T Series MGs

[frenchblatter]

Bill, where are you? If in the UK I have an old one......

[Bill Ritson]

Hello Lynne and Norman. I am in Devizes, Wiltshire.

I'm sure I have seen a drawing with the correct dimensions somewhere, but I can't remember where. If I cannot find anything locally that I can copy (and/or which is somewhat closer than Yorkshire!), could I please come up to Royston make a tracing of your old one?

Thanks for your help

Bill Ritson

[frenchblatter]

Bill,

If you fancy a day in sunny Barnsley, then you don't need to make a trace you can have it. I also have a spare fitting kit for the panel that you can have.

Problem is I'm away from Monday until 2nd July.

Email me at norman@frenchblat.com and we'll sort something out.

[Tim Jackson]

Here are the dimensions:
http://www.mg-tabc.org/library/MG_TC_Sc ... _Board.htm

[timberstone]

Thinking about whether even to have a scuttle masking board.....
Sure they are "original" and they help to keep the lighting from the panel lights, at night, from coming out from underneath and overly illuminating the driver compartment.
Yes, they get lost, worn out, frayed, broken and even thrown away -- and not frequently replaced.
But there may be a good reason for that.

Twice have I come across a really good reason NOT to have a masking board:
When smoke started to come out from behind the dashboard
-- usually due to electrical shorts originating from faulty wiring.
Each time, the masking board was NOT in place, but had it been, the whole works would probably have been fried.

Also, the question is presented about the opportunity for the masking board to accumulate debris and possible animal trappings that would increase the flammability risk.

Now, since the entire wiring has been replaced and made superbly reliable and trouble-free, we are still loathe to install any masking board.
I do not know whether it would be worth the fraction of a point of concourse judging that it might bring to trade for the increased risk of damaging fire.

[Steve Simmons]

I've never had one and never plan to. Personally I don't see any significant advantage to having it in place. I do remember though, when a TF with the board in place had smoke coming from behind the dash. There was no way to get to it so the owner had to scramble to get to the battery cutoff in the engine bay, and then spent half an hour removing the cover so he could diagnose and repair.

It might be better to come up with a shield just for the lamps rather than run the whole cover. Maybe someone who has run both with and without a cover can comment on any benefits.

[Eric Worpe]

Agree with Steve, no real advantage in fitting it other than for concourse inspections. Far better to allow the odd viewing of what's behind the dashboard. Also the weight reduction would improve the acceleration :=))