convertible top install

[ceedub]

I have just ordered a new top and would like to tackle the installation. I understand that the install involves not only a glue process but also a re- rivet of the top to the headrail. Apparently, there are no instructions on this install that come with the top and I can't seem to find anywhere on the web a step by step process involved with the install. Can anyone direct me to a suitable web site or give me some guidelines or keys to the install. I hate to admit defeat and have the local upholstery shop do it for an outrageous price.
Thanks
Bill

 

[adam90009]

https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1859606075/themgbexperienc/104-6657927-2426343 this book has a great instalation guide and is pretty usefull. does yours alredy have the rear snaps installed? if it does just attatch all of those and concet the header rail to the top of the windshield and spray contact cement on the header rail and your top where it will go together and line it all up and stretch it tight and gluse it down open up the top a little and then lay the ecess top down in the contours of the header rail and place the retainer for the header seal over the holes and then rivit it in and slide the seal in the retainer. hope that at least gets you started

 

[Bruce74B]

Bill,

I bought a top last year and it came with some instructions which I am sure I still have at home somewhere. But I also found some instructions online, but can't locate them now. I am sure someone else here will be better organized and be able to find it, but if not, email me with a fax number and I will find what I have at home tomorrow and fax it to you or try to scan and email it to you. But as I said, I am sure someone will find a link here for you to follow

BTW, it is not really difficult to do. It takes some patience to line it up evenly on the header and get it stretched to fit tightly. I found that a couple of those rubber padded clamps that Stanley makes held it real well on either end of the headrail and I glued and screwed from the middle outwards. Yes, I said screwed...I tacked every other hole and then screwed the other holes with the screws provided that replace the original rivets.

Oh, and welcome to the the Forum!

Bruce

 

[Bruce74B]

I have searched my entire garage for the instructions that came with my new top and can't seem to locate them...sorry.

But I am sure someone on here has some...WELL GANG???

Bruce

 

[Bugeye58]

There are always the typical British instructions to follow, no matter what.

1. Remove old top.

2. Installation is reverse of removal.
Jeff

 

[timbomath]

I put a new top (Prestige) on my '79 MGB this past weekend and am extremely happy with the results. The instructions are comprised of about half of a narrow page and indeed are basically: "installation is reverse of removal". They do give a couple good tips. After fastening down the back of the top getting the tabs on the top front corners under the screws & cup-washers (next to the blocks on ends of head-rail) in their proper location (front-to-back, and side-to-side) to get started. With the frame dogged down stretch the top and trace the edge of the head-rail on the top with chalk or tape, flip the excess back till almost all of the headrail is exposed, tape the inside of the top (at the fold) to the head-rail, mask everything off and spray contact adhesive on the head-rail and mating part of top. Let it dry then carefully stick down per your line on the outside working from the center to the outside edges. Rivet or screw down the head-rail seal retainer. Trim excess material, install seal. Close top and locate and install snaps at top inside corners of windshield. Voila! After others I've done, this was a walk in the park. This is all of course after sanding and wire-wheeling all rust and loose paint off the old frame and head-rail, and then painting with self-etching primer and top-coat. White-lithium spray-grease all the joints and you're good to go. Take the time to shake all the drilled out rivets out of the hole in the end of the head-rail or you'll wonder what that sound of bb's rolling back and forth is every time you take a corner. Mine's finally quiet! -timbomath

 

[JMACK]

Hi Bill, Motorhead LTD (website) has a great step by step instruction on installing a new top. They also so have a ton of tech. tips. Goodluck. John

 

[Johnny]

Come on Bill, you can do it, it's easy. First, buy the book, or look in the library, seriously, you'd be surprised what you find. The book is, "MGB, guide to purchase & DIY restoration by Lindsay Porter." Inside you'll find the complete step by step procedure to replace the top. One thing I remember is, "find the center line of the top and mark the full length with chalk."
Good Luck

 

[Todd16]

Who has used which tops? I have been looking at getting either a Prestige, Coventry, or Robbins. Any opinions?

Thanks

 

[tony barnhill]

I don't spend a lot on tops as mine are always down (actually in tgrunk)...so, I'd go with whichever was on sale the cheapest!

 

[adam90009]

I used everflex vinal by robins. and i really like the way it feels and looks. but with the lightg tan its really hard to keep it clean.