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MG MGA - Coupe convertible

I recently purchased a coupe and intend to restore it for my wife. I have been toying with the idea of transforming it into a removeable top coupe. Imaging a roadster with roll up windows and door locks! I am sure this isn't an original thought so... does anyone have any info. or contacts regarding this project?

Randy Myers
'59 roadster
'59 coupe
Randy Myers

Don't coupes have framed windows? If so this would be a bit wierd, unless you were to remove the frames and I don't know what can of worms that would open up. I would look for a roadster with a hard top before cutting up a good coupe, but that's just me. :)
Steve Simmons

Hi Randy, I'm sure the conversion you talk about COULD be done, if one was dedicated. However, the MGA coupe top would be VERY heavy, and would likely require lifting tackle, and extreme care in removal and replacement, to avoid damage to the car's paint. The coupe doors, do indeed have a window frame, and in my opinion the car would look somewhat unusual minus the top, but with window frames sticking up. Many people would suggest that butchering a good coupe in this way is not a good idea. I have always believed that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so if you feel the need to have a coupe/roadster, and believe you can pull it off, I say why not? just my humble opinion. Glenn
Glenn

Don't make the hard top removable. Modify the rear deck to accept an electric retractable soft top. Then cut the window frames at the top and the rear of the door, leaving the quarterlights intact ala mgb roadsters. All custom made wood trimmed interior and Miata seats. 215 motor and the project's complete. Don't think I haven't looked at my Coupe and thought about it. Also, don't think I'd ever do it.

Mark
Mark

Actually, what about a Magnette convertible? Wouldn't that be sweet?
Mark

Randy:

In the UK sometime in the late 'Nineties, the mg specialist Motobuild converted a Coupe into a convertible, with photos appearing in 'Safety Fast' magazine. The main difficulty had apparently been in supporting the windscreen properly - the original Coupe-type screen had been retained.

The end result was unfortunately rather camel-like. It might have looked much better fitted with a properly padded and shaped drophead instead of the single-skinned roadster-style hood used. Nevertheless, a lot of work had gone into it, so everyone was very polite, at least in public! As to what became of this car, I’ve no idea; anyone out there know?

Also, you might like to check out this link:

http://ramblingroadsters.co.uk/the_cars/mga/

A slightly different idea; a Tourer fitted with Coupe doors and window frames.

A Coupe steel top minus glass and windscreen gaskets is not all that heavy; much the same weight as the factory TR3 steel hardtop. I did record the weight of my spare Coupe top once upon a time - it’s the sort of thing a chap has to do - so if you’re interested let me know. HTH.

Alex
A. W. Risk

This is what the Jaguar folks call a DHC or drop-head coupe. Roll -up windows, locking doors with handles, but a soft top.
Ira Spector

Alex, very interesting! I've saved the photos of the "drophead coupe MGA". Thanks!
Steve Simmons

Mark, there is a Magnette convertible. Only one as far as I know.
Dan Smithers

url for magnette
http://www.mgcars.org.uk/mgccz/events/norwich2002/norwich0217.jpg
Dan Smithers

"Imagine a roadster with roll up windows and door locks".....hmmmn...seems to me that was called the MGB. Much easier to find and no need to butcher a coupe to get it. I do think the A roadster with coupe doors does look nice however.
Regards,
GTF
G T Foster

When I started this thread the subject was just a notion and nothing that I was driven to do. I have to admit that the roadster with coupe doors is more intriguing than the idea of cutting up a coupe. After "removing" the coupe top on a computer photo of a coupe, it looked a little awkward so, for now, I'm going to leave the coupe a coupe.

Thanks for all your input and for bring me to my senses.

Randy Myers
59 roadster
59 coupe
Randy Myers

Dan, I've seen that pic of the Magnette and sure would like to see more. I'd really like to see how they did the top on it. It looks great.
Wray

Cutting the roof off a Coupe should be a hanging offence, (death sentence), like sheep stealing in the U K
Terry Drinkwater

Terry,

The difference is that shepherds tend to get VERY close to their flock - in ways not possible with a car!
Joe Cook

Joe, Joe, Joe, now what would that imply about horse thieves in the US?
mike parker

Is there a possibility that he is rearward thinking?or is that supposed to be backward?
Sandy
conrad sanders

Joe, the world is full of all kinds of people. Good bad and downright odd. I wouldn't be too sure about your statement! ;)
Steve Simmons

This thread was discussed between 22/10/2004 and 26/10/2004

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.