MG Car Repair: Removing radiator from 1955 MG TF, radiator shell, chassis number

Question
Barrie,

I inherited a 1955 MG TF 1500 from my uncle. I know that it needs the timing chain gear replaced as the car won't stay in time under stress. Probelm is as I begin to work on it I have removed the radiator retaining bolts on the support rods and underneath on the crossmember. It still won't budge. I have a Bentley manual but it doesn't seem to cover a TF. Can you help? Obviously I'm missing a bolt somewhere.

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Todd.  The radiator, complete with shell, is a complete unit that should come out fairly easily.  

The radiator assembly is held underneath by two 3/8 BSF studs that protrude through the chassis cross-member and these have nuts on them that must be removed from underneath.  

There are two stays that hold the rad in position, and these are accessible the moment that you open the bonnet.  

There are also two 5/16 BSF bolts (one each side) that go into the radiator shell sideways.  These are accessible by reaching underneath the front wings above the front bumper.  They clip the front edge of the bonnet sides to the radiator shell.

Finally, I always undo the big tie rod that holds the two wings together, otherwise the radiator shell can be trapped between the bonnet side panels.  

You will need help holding the wings up when you come to put the radiator back in.

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By the way, please would you send me the chassis number of the TF1500 which you have inherited.  I suggest that you mark the note as Private.