I don't have AC and I was able to lower down the tank by good 150mm without disconnecting anything from the top. There was no tension on any of the pipes either, I made sure of that

149 has been scrapped by j-spec due to severe rust. I know because I have the engine in my 2001.

ps....if 'TF owners/followers want the above deleted afterward, just say & I will, or Mods do it.

I have no particular interest in TF's,  but had gathered that they were nothing to do with Japan, but Late cars re-trimmed & tarted-up to get them sold.  I've also seen written that there weren't actually 300 of them, & that when somebody ordered one if the number they liked was still available then they could get it without any reference to the chassis number.

If any of the above is wrong, I'm happy to learn what's correct.

What's prompted this is the largest facebook post I've ever seen, - saying a lot of things that contradicts the above.
as follows......

"Hi all, Hope this info will help everyone. I was in contact with Production team in Japan as i had pre ordered one of the Final cars to be made well in advance of production and I ordered a TF300 and wanted the lowest number possible. I was told that I could have TF003 which would be down as a Red vehicle I was happy with that but as I had communicated with Japan for quite some time got quite friendly with them and as they were aware of me having several MR2s and a collector, a couple of days before the production date was contacted and told I could have TF001 being the final run down of vehicle coming off. I was so privileged as this would normally be kept as a heritage/museum vehicle TF003 the red one would then become the Car used in the marketing brochures and become a Heritage vehicle The final day for the Mk3 Roadsters was either 1/9/2005 or 1/10/2005 can't remember which month it was, I have the info at home somewhere in the file. The Final Edition vehicles destined for Japan were built prior to the TF300s destined for the UK. Incidentally I found out the Numbering of the vehicles TF numbers were not necessarily in correct sequence coming off the line, however I do have info to prove that TF001 was actually the very last off the line physically. I had the Vin number as proof that the Batch sequence number was the final car off and matching the Vin No. I know it's a bit sad but ! At the time i wanted to make sure ! The cars were shipped from Japan and arrived at Bristol where the TF pack so to speak was added to the car So if you wanted a specific colour and sequence number the guys in Bristol would take your colour preference and number it accordingly. At least i knew mine was defo TF001 having the Vin number info and when the car finally arrived at my dealer i ordered it from checked out accurately (Thank god). Also another thing to note is although i have the last car, Having found out that these cars came off the production line in a Batch Code order, and not Vin number order so although I have the last one off the line and all records support this, I may not have the last Vin No as they came off in a difference sequence batch number order and not Vin No order. Sorry if sound a bit Sad knowing this !! I did all the checks and homework at the time
Although cars were finally made either Sept or Oct 1 of 2005, I held off having mine registered until 31/12/2006, which i think maybe the last one registered in the UK, I have however seen later cars registered in Japan as far as July 2007 which are usually Japans Final Edition cars which were produced prior to the UK TF300s coming off the line. For info it also has a few extra bits on the car, probably left overs from the pile of bits in manufacturing
For info I had the car at MR2 National Show in 2025 so many of you may of seen it in the flesh and came 1st in Concours
Hope this helps anyone who wants to know and who are interested !"

Quote from: Carolyn on April  2, 2026, 14:03If you don't want to drop the tank all the way, the coolant pipes don't come into play.

Actually, I think they might be the AC pipes but they obscure the bolts holding the fuel tank.

If you don't want to drop the tank all the way, the coolant pipes don't come into play.

Quote from: Carolyn on April  2, 2026, 11:57You only need to lower the tank fa few inches.  That way you don't have to disconnect the fuel pump.

There is a 'how to' on changing handbrake cables.  It's right at the very top of the list of topics.

Aye, thanks for that. I had read that and also found a few on-line videos. Looking at the videos it looked much easier if the tank was lowered a fair bit to make access a bit easier but it did require the electrical plug and fuel lines disconnecting, one of which I couldn't get off either. Also, nowhere mentions the coolant pipes that are all in the way too! I've given up for now, it can wait for a warmer day.

Quote from: Chilli Girl on April  2, 2026, 12:10Frustrating I'm sure but we don't appreciate swearing on the forum - this is a family site!

Apologies. 

Quote from: Pete McCue on April  2, 2026, 11:20Good morning, I hope someone is on-line who can help!
I need to change my handbrake cables and I'm stuck at the first hurdle. How the hell does the electrical plug come apart without damaging those little wires?? I've tried squeezing, levering, just pulling but I can't shift the bastard! My fingers are now numb with all the squeezing and pulling. Any advice appreciated. Thanks

Frustrating I'm sure but we don't appreciate swearing on the forum - this is a family site!

You only need to lower the tank fa few inches.  That way you don't have to disconnect the fuel pump.

There is a 'how to' on changing handbrake cables.  It's right at the very top of the list of topics.