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MG MGB Technical - Installing new top/hood

I'm spending this Memorial Day weekend installing a new top (hood). The new top is a vinal top. The weather is cool, high 60's - low 70's. How tight do I make the top? Does it stretch or shrink with time, heat, etc.?

Bob

(I am a member, but this computer isn't.)
Bob

Bob!

I'll be joining you in spririt - but in Chicago where our weather is supposed to be the same, and my new top should arrive also (73 midget).

If you're doing it in the sun - you'll be fine. I've topped a few cars - and as long as it's not 40 and you're not blowing on your hands to keep warm - it's warm enough. Just take your time and don't rush it, work from the center rear outwards then do the front header rail. I like to measure the top laying flat and chalk the exact half-way point on both the rear and the front. I'm sure your top came with some good instructions too...

The top will stretch - but not a great deal - over time. After a long healthy life they will then begin to shrink - but it will be very obvious and unless you drive it every day and in every weather - it will last a VERY long time - especially if you keep it clean and properly fold it when it's down. I like to put a soft cotton towel over the large clear window as I fold it and the small windows down against it - which really seems to help the life of the plastic windows - and it never hurts to have a towel in an MG!

You really just want to get it tight enough that no wrinkles are present, and it juuuuuust resists you a little bit when you pull it down to engage and lock the catches on the header rail. When you release the catches - it should spring up just a little - maybe an inch or so.

Good luck! Where'd you get yours from?

Tom
MG Tom

Gentlemen;
If you have a choice opt for a warm sunny day and let the sun "cook" the top as you install it. I always get my best fit under those conditions. Otherwise I use a 2KW quartz heater hanging from the ceiling and do several pulls. Vinyl when cool stretches best a little at a time. Bob/International Auto
Bob Thompson

Thanks Bob and Tom. That helps.

I bought my top from Prestige a year ago. It has taken that long to get to this point. When I dug out the instructions I was amused at the 14 day return policy.

Today is sunny and 70. Here goes!

Bob

Bob Walters

This thread was discussed between 23/05/2003 and 24/05/2003

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