MG Car Repair: Changing Water Pump 1954 MGTF, rubber buffers, mgtf

Question
Barrie
I need to change out the water pump on my 1954 MGTF.  What is the best way to get at the pump?  I'm thinking I have to take out the radiator but I can't seem to find sufficiently detailed diagrams or instructions as to how to get the radiator and grill off the car.  Any help would be appreciated.  

Bob

Answer
Yes, Bob, the safest way is to remove the radiator.  It sits on two studs with nuts underneath.  They are accessible via two big holes under the chassis cross-member.  You will also have to undo the tie bars that prevent forward-and-back movement of the radiator, and you may find it necessary to remove one of the vertical bolts that hold the tie-bar between the front wings, allowing them to flop outwards.  

The whole assembly lifts out, complete with chrome shell.  Take the opportunity to thoroughly wash it out.  The TF rad often silts up at the bottom, as does the engine block.  Reverse flush both of them.

Replacing the bolt in the tie-bar is a two-person job.  You neeed to lift both wings.  

If the bracket under the water pump is fractured (they often are) fit a new one.

Note that under the radiator, there should be big round rubber buffers.  They can drop off the studs.