T-Type (TC/TD/TF)

1945-1955 / Roadster / United Kingdom

All T-Type (TC/TD/TF) problems All workshop issues

Minor Wooden Body Frame

Rot in the Ash Frame

Symptoms

Doors don't shut properly or are misaligned. Body panels flex when pushed. Gaps between panels are uneven. The body feels "soft" when jacked up. In severe cases, the body visibly sags or the scuttle area cracks.

Cause

The T-Type body is steel panels attached to an ash (hardwood) frame. Water ingress, through leaking hoods, poor seals, or simply decades of exposure, causes the ash to rot. Once rot starts, it spreads through the frame members, weakening the entire structure. The areas most vulnerable are the door posts, the scuttle frame, the rear tub frame, and anywhere that water can sit.

Fix

Localised rot can be cut out and new ash sections spliced in.

Extensive rot requires a complete reframe, the body comes off the chassis, all old frame members are removed, and a new frame is built from seasoned ash.

Complete frame kits are available from SC Parts, British Frame & Engine, and other specialists.

Cost: $5,000-$10,000 for a frame kit, plus $5,000-$15,000 in labour for a professional reframe.

Cost mentioned in fix

Cost: $5,000-$10,000 for a$5,000-$15,000

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// More T-Type (TC/TD/TF) problems

Other known issues

Minor Wooden Body Frame

Body Flex

The body creaks and flexes over bumps. Doors pop open over rough roads. Scuttle shake (the windscreen frame vibrates relative to the body) is noticeable.

Minor Engine, XPAG/XPEG (1,250cc/1,466cc Inline-4)

Oil Leaks, Everywhere

Oil weeps from every gasket surface, rocker cover, timing cover, sump, rear main seal, and anywhere two castings meet. The area beneath a parked T-Type will have oil spots. Some engines leak enough to require topping up between services.

Critical Engine, XPAG/XPEG (1,250cc/1,466cc Inline-4)

Low Oil Pressure (Worn Bearings)

Oil pressure drops below 40 psi at cruising speed when warm, or below 15 psi at idle. A knocking sound from the bottom end, particularly under load, confirms the diagnosis.

Common Engine, XPAG/XPEG (1,250cc/1,466cc Inline-4)

Dynamo (Generator) Failure

The charge warning light stays on above idle, the battery goes flat, and electrical accessories dim. In some cases, the dynamo seizes and the drive belt snaps or glazes.

Critical Engine, XPAG/XPEG (1,250cc/1,466cc Inline-4)

Overheating

Coolant temperature climbs above normal, particularly in slow traffic or on hot days. Steam from the overflow. In severe cases, the engine boils over.

Common Engine, XPAG/XPEG (1,250cc/1,466cc Inline-4)

Timing Chain Stretch

A rattling noise from the front of the engine, particularly on startup or at idle. The engine may feel down on power and the timing may wander.

View all 15 T-Type (TC/TD/TF) problems