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MG MGA - Hood supplier and a secondary question

Is there a particular supplier for the hood (roof) that you would recommend? Just plain Moss?

Secondary question. When there is a question of getting a particular part from this supplier or that; go to this company for a grille vs. Moss for a grill.

Is there really a difference, aren't they all buying from the same manufacturer? I'm having a hard time believing that someone would tool up for a competing production of something so esoteric as a MGA hood or grille
Tysen McCarthy

Tysen, some parts are created by and/or for specific vendors, Moss & Scarborough Fair in the U.S. come to mind, as does Kilmartin in Australia, and I'm sure there are others in the U.K. and elsewhere. While the parts may be interchangeable, their quality and construction may be different. Take the grill for example, Moss has a nice one, but Scarborough Fair developed a grill based off original blueprints and new tooling (chrome on brass, stainless steel, etc.). There are good new master cylinders and there are bad ones; the same goes for body panels such as door sills. Unfortunately, there will also be some components which are the same, no matter where you buy them. Only way to find the best in class is to ask the question on this forum or others and get some real world responses.
Nick Kopernik

Tysen
Certainly with trim items, and that includes hoods, there are several firms who make their own in the UK. There are two within 10 miles of me!
Other items are also "commissioned" by certain suppliers.
There are, with a bit of a search, many specialist firms who will cast, plate, fabricate and mould etc.. here in the West Midlands.
Look at all the companies making hoses!
Allan Reeling

My experience with Moss hood is that it the centre roof pocket was 1" out of place so I dont use it, plus I cant imagine how it was possible to thread the roof member through it due to the curve.
Also a bit tight and some gaps around the windows.
I had to cut notches in the steel bar that anchors the rear so that it closed the gap at the rear of the sidescreens.
Art Pearse

Art,
Vinyl hoods shrink, so the "tightness" of the fit is, to some extent is determined by when it was made, plus of course the temperature when you erect it.
Pulling it up loosely and sticking a low wattage fan heater in the car usually does the job, and leaving it fully erected over winter is a good idea.
The centre pocket is usually, on black frames anyway, supplied open, to be glued once in place.
Allan Reeling

Allan, the centre pocket was fully closed on mine.
Art Pearse

The trick with the centre pocket it to have it made with a velcro overlap so you can fit easily to the variations of top and car
Dominic Clancy

OK, it sounds like Moss isn't a first choice. Is there another manufacturer in the US?

I suppose I could have one shipped from the UK to me if it came to that.

Dominic it sounds like you had one custom made? True?
Tysen McCarthy

I think motobuild made mine
Dominic Clancy

This thread was discussed between 18/06/2019 and 25/06/2019

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