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MG MGB Technical - Convertible Top Header Bar Question

I am preparing to install a new top onto my 1967 MGB with a stowaway frame. The car didn't have a top when I bought it so I don't how the top wrapped around the header bar....here's my question: Does the vinyl wrap around the front of the header bar and go under the rubber molding retainer strip, or does it just wrap around the front lip of the header bar? The reason I ask is that here is what I was planning to do...
1) secure the top at the back of cockpit.
2) install just the header bar (with rubber molding installed) to the windshield frame and secure it with the two clasps
3) stretch the top and secure it to the header bar with some spray adhesive
4) once I got it where I want it, release the header bar and roll the fabric around the front edge.

Does this sound right? Thanks. -Rod
Rod in WA

Round the header bar and under the sealing strip. Lyndsay Porter has a good description (of this and many other things) in his 'Guide to Purchase and DIY Restoration of the MGB', republished as 'The mgb restoration Manual'.
Paul Hunt

Slightly off topic where did you get the stowaway ?
Did it come with the header? I'm trying to put one together and a stowaway header is hard to find. Are there any threaded holes to the right of the holddown
clamps on the header you are useing ? How many? what thread? What color is the frame?what color is the Header?
One tip you did not mention, get the top warm before you start "leave it in the sun on a July day" It makes a big difference.Tight is right. Ric
Ric

Howdy Rod;
Mount you header in position. Use a spray adhesive "Castle Trim stick" is best. Stretch your top redoing until your happy. Then flip it under and rivet it in place thru the seal holder. Bob
Bob Thompson

Ric: I recently coverted to a stow away on my 69B. I had the right hood sticks that I had been saving for years, and I just used the header from the later Michelotti folding top that I removed. I believe that they were the same, as the earlier cars also had an optional folding "sissors" top that used the same header with three holes on each side. Plus my orignal MkII Owners Handbook (Pub AKD 7059D) clearly shows the three holes (Fig.10. Page 12) on a stow away top header. David Knowles excellent book "MGB" on page 26 shows a pre-production car with a header having three holes to mount a folding frame, in a color matching the frame. So I conclude that the all of the headers had these holes. But, an owner with an early all orignal car may prove me wrong!
Based on Clausager I painted both the hood sticks and the header a light gray. I used ACE Premium Enamel Light Gray 19717.
Andrew Blackley

Rod,

I put a stowaway frame on my 74 1/2 B last year, and used the Header Rail off the original top. It worked fine.

Cheers, Doug
Doug Keene

This thread was discussed between 19/05/2003 and 24/05/2003

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