Original Tools

On these pages I share with you a set of original MGTD tools. These tools were provided in a tool roll and were stored in a special tool box on the firewall. As noted in the Operation Manual, not all tools were provided at the time of sale due to supply constraints. At the bottom of this page I provide instructions and dimensions so you can create your own tool roll, just like the originals.

If you don't want to create your own tool roll, or if you need tools, you may want to check out these reproduction kits at The In-Point and at www.britishtool.com .

Tools listed on page 16 of the Operation Manual. They seemed to have forgotten the lug nut wrench (or is it the wheel brace?).

Move your mouse over the picture for an explanation of each tool (IE Only).

Later style tool roll as described below

Tool pictures above by The In-Point.

A good compliment of original tools and early tool roll.

A MGTF and late MGTD tool roll.

Original Enots grease gun that was supplied with MGTD's. The rear brass cap is stamped "ENOTS No.1.H. Made in England" and was plated in nickel silver . The body was blackened or "blued" like a firearm.


Tecalemit grease gun also part of some toolkits. Interchanged with Enots above.


Shelly Screwdriver. Stamped 'Shelly' on the shaft of the screwdriver about midpoint.

Not part of the original toolkit but certainly a needed period component of an MGTD toolkit.

King Dick jack and lug nut wrench.

Lug Wrenchs

There are two types of lug wrenches (wheelbraces) for the TD depending on what lug nut size your car has. The early cars had British Standard Fine (BSF) lug nuts and the later cars had Unified (UNF/SAE) lug nuts. The changeover occured somewhere around car TD 12285 (Dec. 10, 1951). A significant problem is that the 'early' BSF nuts require a 7/16W wrench, or a 13/16" wrench. However, the newer UNF/SAE nuts require a 3/4" wrench.

Photos courtesy of Bud Krueger

The Tool Roll

I have seen a number of tool rolls for T-Series MG's. The one that I can identify as being original to the MGTD (1952 Mark II) was made of a black tar like covered burlap (hessian). The burlap was brown in color and the covering (outside) resembled a soft pliable fender undercoating. In fact I was so inspired by the similarity of this material I made a reproduction of the roll for my own car. The trouble was that after a few years the undercoating dried and became brittle (as did the original).

Here is how I made my tool roll to the exact specifications of an original MGTD tool roll. You will need the following items:

1. ½ yard of brown (natural) burlap
2. 3M Undercoating (at auto paint stores in spray cans)
3. 2 square inches of soft pliable black leather
4. 1 yard of black cotton seam tape (½ inch)
5. 1 12 inch x ½ inch belt with buckle
6. 2 metal grommets
7. 1 spool of heavy black thread

Directions

Finished dimensions of an original late MGTD tool roll.

1. Coat the burlap (one side only) with your black undercoating and let dry a day or two.
2. Cut the coated burlap to the dimensions provide above. Be sure to round out the corners at the top only. Note also that you will have an angle at the bottom because it will be folded over there. Leave about an eight of an inch extra at the bottom for the next step.
3. Fold the material over at the bottom about an eight of an inch and stitch with black thread
4. Fold the material again 6 inches from the bottom paying attention to the angle of the flap. The left side should be 6 inches high and now the bottom should be square with the sides
5. Tack the folded portion and then encase the outside (non folded) edges with the tape. The tape should be about ¼ inch wide on each side. No cut edges should show after the tape has been applied.
6. Stitch the pockets of the folded portion per the dimensions above. Leave the top open naturally for the tools to slide into. Note that the stitching extends above the pockets about 3/8 inch and follows the angle of the fold. See picture above.
7. Cut the black leather to the pattern above. Its about 1.5 by 1.75 inches with a tapered bottom.
8. Stitch the leather patch on the right hand side per the diagram. Leave the top open
9. Attach the belt to the outside in the middle of the tool area with grommets

Note: For those that don't want to create their own original material for the tool roll, or would like something more durable, the The In-Point has offered to make their reproduction material available to the readers of the Original MGTD Midget for a very reasonable fee.

Order of Tools in Roll

I am not sure about the original order of the tools in the tool roll but this is the order that my tools fit in the pockets the best. From left to right:

1. Set of box spanners and tommy bar
2. Set of open spanners
3. Two tire levers
4. Screwdriver
5. ¾ lb. hammer
6. Ring-type tappet spanner, Adjustable spanner (monkey wrench)
7. Ring spanner for cylinder head nuts, Pair of pliers
8. Pouch - Distributor feeler and screwdriver, tire spanner, and tappet feeler gauge (.019 or .012)

The wheel brace, jack, jack handles, tire pump, lug nut wrench and grease gun were loose in the tool box along with the tool roll. The crank was of course attached to the seat back with clips.

Home | History | Details | Myths and FAQs| Literature | Entertainment | Gallery | Links | Map