THE ’52 MG TD
After touring Classic Roadster’s factory in Fargo, ND.
October 1990, the MG (three large boxes and the frame) were loaded on the pick-up and flat
bed. The Smith’s started their trip back to Illinois, fighting a "white-out snow
storm" most of the way, with Meha and the dog firmly planted in the floor of the pick
up, eyes closed.
Checking out and counting all parts, the MG was stored. Four
years later…they found time to start building.
The donor car was a 1980 Chevy Chevette 1.6 liter, 4
cylinder, 2bbl carburetor and 3 speed auto trans. Ken built an "A" frame lift
with wheels (out of landscaping timbers) to remove the engine from the donor car. This
helped in restoring, painting and installing of the engine in the MG. Having limited
storage space in the MG , Ken improvised three storage compartments behind the rear seat.
Fastening three, "kitty-litter" square buckets side by side, installed them and
attached them, plus a carpeted compartment lid. This provided ample storage space for
"his, hers, and the cars". The A frame lift, without the wheels and un-bolted,
is now attractively placed in our backyard with a large porch swing hanging from it.
All components were removed, cleaned, sandblasted, re-built,
primed and painted. They were assembled on the frame; (twenty-two separate pieces of
fiberglass panels) and the MG started looking like car! After the wiring was completed,
the tan leather interior and black vinyl top was put into place. The only out-sourced part
during construction was the drive shaft, shortened and balanced.
During the wiring, Meha had entered the garage and stood in
silence at the sight, Ken spoke firmly, "Honey, I love you , very much,
but go away….far away." Nothing was left to be said
Both Smith’s being perfectionists, logged the total
time of construction to be 2000 hours over a period of four years. Detailed log and photos
albums were kept to date, with every receipt.
Completing their twenty-fourth wedding anniversary, May 27th
1999 – the MG was rolled out on to the driveway. The key was turned…silence.
After a few moments of observation, they realized the car was in gear. Happy that the
neutral safety switch worked properly, Ken proceeded to start the engine, we both enjoyed
the MG purr.
It should be noted that Classic Roadsters supplied some
eight back-ordered parts within weeks of the Kit delivery. Classic Roadsters ’52 MG
TD Kit discontinued production about 1995. Ken was still able to obtain some optional
parts and much needed technical support from them during assembly.
Ken has been President of the Chicagoland
Replicar Association since 1993, Meha has been the Editor of the club newsletter during
this time. Together they has fine tuned the club and tripled membership, which is very
active. During the car’s first year, eight – first place trophies were awarded.
Look who made
Kit Car Magazine