MG-TD Carpet Installation Tip

Installation Tip: MG-TD Carpet

Installing carpet in an MG TD is a fairly hands-on restoration task, but it’s manageable if you work methodically. The biggest challenge is getting the fit around the transmission tunnel, toe boards, and wheel arches correct.

Installation Disclaimer: As with any automotive carpet installation, achieving a professional-quality fit requires experience, patience, and proper installation techniques. Improper installation may result in poor fit, wrinkles, gaps, or damage to the carpet, padding, trim, or other vehicle components. Proceed carefully, make gradual adjustments, and test-fit each section before applying adhesive or making permanent cuts. Additional trimming, fitting, or modifications may be necessary to achieve a proper fit, as original MG TD components and bodywork may vary due to age, previous repairs, restoration work, or manufacturing tolerances. Always follow the safety and application instructions provided with any adhesive, insulation, or other installation products you use.

What you’ll need

• Pre-cut carpet kit (recommended for first-time install)
• Spray trim adhesive or contact cement
• Scissors and sharp utility knife
• Chalk or masking tape for marking
• Roller or wood block for pressing carpet
• Screwdrivers/wrenches to remove seats and trim
• Optional: sound deadening or jute padding

Before you start

1. Disconnect the battery.
2. Remove the following, but be sure to take photos before disassembly:
   • Seats
   • Seat belts (if fitted)
   • Floorboards
   • Threshold trim
   • Gearshift surround
3. Vacuum and inspect the floor for damage.
   • If the wood floorboards are damaged, repair those first, as the carpet only hides problems temporarily.
   • 456-925 floorboard set for LHD to (c)4237
   • 456-935 floorboard set for LHD from (c)4238 on
   • RHD floorboard set is not available

Installation order

On an MG TD, carpet installation usually works best from the center tunnel outward.

1. Install insulation/padding (Moss carpet kits are supplied with padding only where it was originally fitted).

Many restorers add:

• Jute padding
• Dynamat-style insulation
• Heat barrier near the transmission tunnel

Avoid overly thick padding, or the floorboards and pedals may not fit properly.

2. Fit the transmission tunnel carpet first (Do not glue immediately. Test-fit adjacent pieces first).

The transmission tunnel is the reference point.

• Dry-fit the carpet piece first.
• Align the front edge near the firewall/toe board.
• Smooth backward toward the rear bulkhead.

 3. Install toe board and firewall sections

Tips:

• Cut X-shaped openings instead of large holes.
• Fold flaps underneath trim plates.
• Use chalk to mark openings from the backside.

4. Side rails and floor sections

The floor pieces are supposed to overlap all the pieces that are bordering them:

• Against the tunnel edge.
• Under door threshold trim.

Steps:

• Lay carpet flat first.
• Mark seat bolt holes carefully.
• Punch small holes rather than cutting large circles.

5. Rear bulkhead and wheel arch sections

These are usually glued vertically.

Use spray adhesive in accordance with the instructions provided with the adhesive product you selected:

• Apply to both surfaces (the back of the carpet and the area where the carpet will be applied).
• Wait until tacky.
• Press firmly from the center outward.

Installation tip: A small roller helps avoid bubbles.

 6. Reinstall trim and seats

After the adhesive cures:

• Reinstall threshold plates.
• Refit floorboards.
• Reinstall seats and hardware.
• Verify pedal movement and seat travel.

Important MG TD-specific tips

Don’t over-trim

Original MG interiors were not laser precise. Slight overlap, which was by design in some areas, is better than gaps.

Watch the pedal clearance

Too much padding near the pedals can interfere with clutch/brake movement.

Leave access to maintenance areas

Some owners avoid permanently gluing:

• Floorboard sections
• Transmission cover carpet

This makes servicing easier later.

Use snaps where original

Some MG TD carpet sections originally used Lift-the-Dot fasteners or snaps instead of glue.

Helpful restoration references

• MG Experience Forum
• The Original MG T Series restoration references at Moss Motors