🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

MG

Model:

Midget TD

Model Designation:

TD Series

Production Years:

1949-1953

Chassis Code:

TD

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

MG Midget TD owners and enthusiasts seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs.

Value Proposition:

Provides significant cost savings by enabling DIY repairs and maintenance, with clear, illustrated instructions.

Accessibility:

Instant digital delivery, accessible on multiple devices.

Usability:

Easy-to-follow instructions, making complex tasks manageable.

Completeness:

Covers all service and repair procedures from A-Z.

📋 Manual Details

All Models Covered:

Yes

Engine Variants Covered:

All

Transmission Types Covered:

All

Trim Levels Covered:

All

Estimated Page Count:

Comprehensive (Specific count not provided in product info, but described as 'complete' covering A-Z)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Purpose:

Service and Repair

Language:

English

Download Format:

Digital (Downloadable PDF)

Compatibility:

PC & MAC Computers, Tablets, Mobile Phones

Software Requirement:

Adobe Reader (Free)

Print Options:

Printable (single page, chapter, or entire manual)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Yes (including assembly, disassembly, tuning, troubleshooting)

Fuel System:

Yes (carburetors, fuel pump, lines, tank)

Cooling System:

Yes (radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses)

Ignition System:

Yes (distributor, coils, spark plugs, wiring)

Transmission:

Yes (gearbox overhaul, clutch, driveshafts)

Drivetrain:

Yes (rear axle, differential, half-shafts)

Suspension:

Yes (front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs)

Steering:

Yes (steering box, column, linkages)

Brakes:

Yes (hydraulic system, wheel cylinders, master cylinder, brake shoes/pads, drums/discs)

Electrical System:

Yes (wiring diagrams, dynamo/alternator, starter, lighting, instrumentation)

Bodywork:

Yes (chassis, body panels, doors, hood, trim)

Interior:

Yes (seats, dashboard, trim panels)

Wheels And Tires:

Yes (wheel types, tire sizes, maintenance)

Routine Maintenance:

Yes (oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication)

Tune Up:

Yes (ignition timing, carburetor adjustment, valve clearance)

Troubleshooting:

Yes (diagnostic guides for common problems)

Component Overhaul:

Yes (engine, gearbox, differential, steering box, brake components)

Electrical Repairs:

Yes (wiring diagnosis, component replacement)

Body Repair:

Yes (panel alignment, rust repair guidance)

Chassis Restoration:

Yes (frame inspection and repair)

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full rebuilds)

Instruction Style:

Step-by-step instructions with pictures

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Image Quality:

High Quality

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline-4 Cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV)

Engine Displacement:

1250 cc (76.3 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke:

2.91 x 2.75 inches (74 mm x 70 mm)

Carburetors:

Twin SU H2 or H4 carburetors

Horsepower:

Approximately 54 hp @ 4,800 rpm

Torque:

Approximately 65 lb-ft @ 2,200 rpm

Fuel Type:

Petrol (Gasoline)

Fuel Octane Rating:

Leaded gasoline, typically 87-90 Octane (or equivalent for modern unleaded with additive)

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 5 US quarts (4.7 Liters) including filter

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed Manual

Optional Transmissions:

None (This model exclusively featured a manual transmission)

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios vary by production period, typically First: 3.64, Second: 2.20, Third: 1.42, Fourth: 1.00

Transmission Fluid Type:

GL-4 Hypoid Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 90)

Clutch Type:

Dry Single Plate

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

86 inches (2184 mm)

Overall Length:

151 inches (3835 mm)

Overall Width:

55.5 inches (1410 mm)

Overall Height:

50 inches (1270 mm) (to top of windscreen)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2,100 lbs (953 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 2,600 lbs (1179 kg)

Weight Distribution:

Front: ~55%, Rear: ~45% (typical for this era's sports cars)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

Not Applicable (Vehicles of this era were not subject to modern crash testing standards).

Braking System:

Hydraulic Front Disc Brakes, Hydraulic Rear Drum Brakes (a significant advancement for its time)

Steering System:

Worm and Roller Steering

Seat Belts:

Optional (Standard in later production, but not universally fitted initially)

Body Construction:

Body-on-frame construction with separate steel chassis

Windscreen:

Safety glass windscreen

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic dashboard instrumentation (Speedometer, Tachometer, Ammeter, Oil Pressure, Fuel Gauge, Water Temperature). Radio was an optional extra.

Driver Assistance Features:

None (This is a classic vehicle from an era before driver assistance technologies).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles (or as specified in manual, often more frequent for classic cars)

Grease Points Lubrication:

Regular lubrication of chassis points (weekly/monthly depending on usage)

Valve Adjustment:

Every 6,000 - 12,000 miles (or as needed based on engine noise)

Engine Oil:

Classic Car Specific Oil (e.g., 20W-50 or 20W-40 mineral oil with ZDDP additive for flat tappet camshafts)

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water), suitable for classic engines

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (ensure compatibility with any original rubber seals)

Chassis Grease:

General Purpose Lithium Grease (e.g., EP-2)

Common Problems:

Water pump leaks, king pin wear, oil leaks (rocker cover, sump, gearbox), carburetor icing/adjustment issues, electrical system reliability ( Lucas components historically), brake system maintenance.

Rust Prone Areas:

Wheel arches, sills, floor pans, chassis outriggers.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage Focus:

MG is renowned for its sporty character, affordable performance, and 'Safety Fast' philosophy.

Predecessor:

MG TC

Key Improvements Over Tc:

Left-hand drive availability for the US market, larger 1250cc engine, Independent Front Suspension (IFS), rack and pinion steering (replaced with later worm and roller), Lockheed hydraulic drum brakes all round (later fitted with front discs).

Manufacturing Location:

Abingdon, Oxfordshire, England

Total Production Numbers:

Approx. 9,637 units

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Significance:

Highly regarded as a classic British sports car, key in making MG accessible to a wider audience, particularly in North America.

Club Ratings:

Consistently ranked highly by classic car clubs and enthusiasts for its driving dynamics and timeless styling.

Restoration Standards:

Manual provides guidance for concours-level restoration and regular maintenance to achieve period-correct standards.