has anyone else seen this?

[Nunyas]

https://www.prestigeautotrim.com/usa/usa/mg_home.htm

It seems Prestige has launched a new product. A new convertible top for our MGBs that has a heated glass rear window. I find this to be a neat little accessory, and think it may come in handy for a daily driver. However, I also notice that they are being more aggressive and started selling their own products on eBay ( https://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MGB-Glass...1QQcmdZViewItem ), and this top is set to a 'buy it now' price of $632. Seems like a fair price for a top with a glass window, I suppose.

I'm curious how putting the top down works with that slab of glass in the back. I think I'd be too worried about breaking that rear window to really enjoy/drive the car like I do now.

 

[Steve_S]

That's very interesting and I find the price reasonable for what it is. I don't think it would look very good on an older MGB but the later models are modern enough that it would look appropriate. Regardless, I don't think I would buy one for the very small amount of time I have the top up in my car. The rear window fogs up far less than the windshield anyway, and you can easily reach back and wipe it if needed. In a GT, heated glass was a factory option and can be quite useful since the window is far out of reach.

 

[jlaird]

"we strongly recommend that all wiring modifications should only be undertaken by a professional auto-electrician."

Hay, that's us.

 

[bcliff]

I think I would like it better if it had quarter windows like the standard top.
Bruce

 

[DrEntropy]

I'm with Bruce on that. Hard enuff to see out the back as it is. Taking the quarter lights away would have me nervous the whole time the top was up.

 

[Stewart]

Visibility is actualy not that bad without the quarter lights. My top is the same style. When I do get around to owning a usable top again I think I have found what I'm going to buy. I wonder if the window is removable or not.

 

[jlaird]

That was my thought, tops are great sunshades in the summer without the rear windows.

 

[tony barnhill]

Good idea but it won't fold like the original top - you can't roll glass!!

The RV8 had a top like that...I'm gonna see what I can get them for when I go to the UK in summer.

 

[Nunyas]

Good idea but it won't fold like the original top - you can't roll glass!!.

That's my biggest concern with a top like that. What the heck do you do with that slab-o-glass?

 

[jlaird]

They say it lays flat on the rear wheel tunnel and otherwise folds as normal.

 

[tony barnhill]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]They say it lays flat on the rear wheel tunnel and otherwise folds as normal.[/QUOTE]

So, when the wind gets under it, it becomes a big air brake!! The reason those 2 little straps are on either side of the reaer bulkhead is so that, once the top is rolled up, they keep it from billowing out!

 

[Steve_S]

Does your top really billow out without the straps around the top? Do you not use a tonneau or hood cover? I guess I always assumed the straps were to simply keep the top folded tightly for space savings or to prevent the frame from rattling.

 

[tony barnhill]

Lots of times I don't use the tonneau - & I never use the small hood cover; its too much trouble to put on.....if the top isn't covered with either & strapped down, it can work up as, when properly stowed away, it wraps around the bows & nothing holds it down except the straps.

 

[Steve_S]

Interesting. I guess it's been too long since I had a folding top. I switched to a stow away many years ago and it usually stays home in the garage.

 

[tony barnhill]

I also have switched to them - except in the Vermillion Red '79...its all original.