Late January, 1999 - The progress has been very encouraging so far this winter. The rear of the car is functionally complete as electrics work, brakes are rebuilt, and the petrol tank refurbished. The dash has been the recipient of much attention as of late having had the water temperature gauge sent to MO-MA in Albuquerque, NM (email me if you'd like the address) for a very fine refurb. It now looks and operates as good as new!

Transmission is said to be in fine shape (very good news) as it was dismantled and checked over thoroughly. Not too surprising, but a slight inconvenience, is the fact that the engine is said to be in need of a new (and costly) camshaft. Of course, I am glad to find this out now and not later.

The front of the car has changed little in overall appearance, though the fuel pump, dual horns, fuse block and other firewall attachments have begun to permanantly position themselves.

Mid September, 1998 - The tub and firewall have been painted. Wow! I feel as if things are happening now. Of course, after this was painted it sat idle for three straight weeks. To date the tub, firewall, doors, bonnet, and petrol tank sides have been painted. Still to go: running boards, petrol tank, front and rear wings, tire rack, and front cowl.

The engine work that has been going on at a snails pace at another garage and has been a big worry. I was told the head might be bad. Yikes! Turned out to be fine, though.

Mid August, 1998 - The transformation from yellow to gray to BRG takes shape. The tub and firewall are finally primed and ready for painting. Believe it or not, the fenders are taking the longest to block, sand and prime as they had weak spots and cracks at their fasteners. They still are not completed.

Doors, hinges and latches have been meticuously refurbished and feel incredibly good in the hand. No sagging! Doors were removed during tub prep for painting.

Nice comparison photo with the photo below.

June, 1998 - On a skiff waiting for an opening in the paint shop the tub and firewall sit patiently. The same can not be said of the owner as I am very earger to take a stroll down a country lane with just my baby and me.

Several of the ancillary bodywork pieces have already been painted. Front and rear fenders showed signs of age as cracks had begun at attachment points. Repair and strengthening of these pieces is slow and tedious. As long as it gets done right.

The firewall cleaned-up very nicely. Though not bolted into place at this point, the firewall is acting as a guide for the wood scuttle replacements.

February 28, 1998 - The dash has been removed while the replacement wood is being fitted. Doors will be strengthened with new brackets inside panels. The doors are also being fitted better as to prevent them flying open while motoring a curve!

February 14, 1998 - Work finally began in earnest this month when the restoration shop hired an MG restoration expert to complete the car. The firewall/cowl removal is recent progress.

Looks like the shop finally wants to start making money off me. Good!

1997 - The car looked like this for most of the year, spending its life as a paint shelf for another projects' nuts and bolts.

Accomplished in 1997: Removal of some of the more obviously rotten wood and the rebuilding of the front suspension and brakes.

Prior to arriving at this shop in August of 1996 the TD sat in another gargae on another farm for a year or so. I didn't do a whole lot of work on it at that time.