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MG MGB Technical - New Soft Top

Hi
I'm planning to buy a new soft top for my 73 MGB does anyone have any opinions on...
a) Material: Vinyl/Double Duck/Mohair
b) Fitting, how hard is it, what tools do I need, should I pay somebody else to do it
c) Any recomendations for suppliers/fitters in the UK??
Thanks in Advance
David Hayes
David Hayes

Can't comment on suppliers except to say that I have seen some very poorly-fitting, expensive-looking hoods around. The gutter should reach the top of the side glass all the way along and the weather strip inside lie flat against the glass. Several I have seen do not have enough width of material, the gutters are way above the glass and the weather strip is bowed in, leaving a gap big enough to put your hand in without touching the sides and for wind and rain to blow in. If it comes with header rail fitted it is not much more than three screws each side to secure it to the frame. If without then Lyndsay Porter has a comprehensive description in his 'Guide to Purchase and DIY Restoration of the MGB', republished as 'The mgb restoration manual'. If I were replacing mine I would go for OE or heavy-duty vinyl, the mohair and duck hoods can stain and need treating.
Paul Hunt

I agree with Paul and have gone for heavy duty vinyl. I fitted it myself and it isn't too bad - certainly no worse than some of the "professional" jobs I have seen. The critical area of fitting is the front corners above the quarter windows. Get that right and the rest follows on. The other important bit is to fit it on a really warm day, or, if you can't arrange that, put a 1kw fan heater inside the car to keep the temp of the vinyl up. If you don't do this it will look like an elephant's trousers when it stands in the sun. Do read Porter's instructions - essential.

Mike
Mike Howlett

I have fitted many MGBs (Healeys and TRs too) with new tops, at least twenty cars over the years.
My only experience is with Amco (dating myself...) and Robbins vinyl tops. The Robbins tops might've been considered heavy duty vinyl. They certainly were nicer than the Amco.
They are not difficult to fit, just take your time. Do a trial fit (without contact cement) and use chalk or soapstone to mark the front edge at the header, and especially the centerline. Do this while the top is attached at the rear (those fasteners are usually installed on the top when you get it).
The thing about the warm day is true enough, but just don't get carried away and pull the material too tight. The top will definitely shrink some over the years and you'll be pulling the windshield frame apart trying to latch the header. This may be truer in the hotter climes than where you are (?).
If there is somebody that has posted a procedure outlining the process, do follow it. The instructions that are included with the tops usually amount to little more than "check the box for contents..."
Randy Forbes

Thanks for your responses! I was initially thinking I was going to go for double duck (mohair is far to expensive) but the staining argument is winning me over to Vinyl. What is the difference between the O.E and the heavy duty vinyls?
Thanks again
David Hayes
David Hayes

You would have to see the offerings from individual suppliers as one 'heavy duty' could be lighter than OE and another heavier. Check the OE first, of course.
Paul Hunt

David,

I went for the lined mohair hood from Prestige.....it was awfully expensive and harder to fit than a vinyl hood...but I'm continuously putting the hood up and down and experience has suggested that vinyl doesn't stand too much of that. (and I do a lot of motorway driving and it's much quieter than a conventional hood)


It has discoloured a little (it appears to have absorbed some stains), but in fairness I've never really cleaned it in the 4 years it's been on (other than washing it down with warm water very occasionally)

Mike
Michael barnfather

I've found somebody local to me who is willing to supply and fit a MGOC standard vinyl hood with zip out rear window for 160GBP, think I'm going to pay them a visit this weekend, they are an MGOC reccomended supplier too.
www.mgbreakers.com

No financial interest etc...
David Hayes

Here in the States the Little British Car Company offer a hood made in the UK with Everflex, which is used some manufacturers (like Morgan I think) as OEM.
I inquired, and in addition to having a correct grain pattern it has has a gray underside, like the originals. Best of all you can get it as a zip out for the stow-away. The US price is $235, or about 150GBP.
No clue as to who makes it, tho'.
Andrew Blackley

Can somone enlighten me, what does OE stand for? I'm sure it will be obvious
Martin

"Original Equipment" i.e. what came on the car from the factory. You'll also see "OEM", which is "Original Equipment Manufacturer", which typically means "made by the company that made it for the car company (MG, or Ford, or whomever...)"

HTH!
Rob Edwards

While we're on the topic, has anyone purchased/installed the vinyl tops from a.a. best co (www.aabestco.com)? They offer a vinyl top for $149 and a 5 year warranty. Just curious, as I need a new one for the 'less than arid' weather here in the NW

PS...Hello to BOB THOMPSON in NC...we made it! -Rod
RJR Rayl

Getting a hood put on by someone called 'mgbreakers'? Make sure it is all there when you take it away.
Paul Hunt

This thread was discussed between 31/03/2003 and 02/04/2003

MG MGB Technical index

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