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Convertible Top
- Thread starter lingo999
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aerog
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I thought they'd switched to fold-down tops by 1971 - in any event, the frames (and tops) are available Victoria British (there are two styles apparently, a newer and older version) - Moss Motors lists the folding top-frames but says they're not available. You'll have to investigate further to see if the actual top you have will fit either of the two frames, otherwise I shouldn't think fitting it to the car would pose much of a problem - the additional fastening hardware for the frame are also available via Moss and VB.
I've heard different opinions (and have seen various results) about installing a top. I've seen loose fitting tops that don't come near sealing around the window (more often than not they "bow" up in the middle of the window), some are just downright baggy, others are perfect. It isnt necessarily a horribly difficult job, but one that might be worth investing on a professional's shop.
[ 08-01-2002: Message edited by: aerog ]</p>
I've heard different opinions (and have seen various results) about installing a top. I've seen loose fitting tops that don't come near sealing around the window (more often than not they "bow" up in the middle of the window), some are just downright baggy, others are perfect. It isnt necessarily a horribly difficult job, but one that might be worth investing on a professional's shop.
[ 08-01-2002: Message edited by: aerog ]</p>
Thought they went to fold ups in '70 or so-our '71 is definitely the folding type. In any event, there are at least two different folding tops for the MGB, possibly three, because I think they had Michellotti design one in the mid 70s. In any event, some drilling and tapping for screws will be necessary, as well as some adjustment of tonneau snaps as well (the studs along the back of the top changed, IIRC). But the size and shape of the top is pretty much the same, so getting the thing to fit shouldn't be too hard.
-Wm.
-Wm.
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The '75 definitely came with a folding frame and top as standard. A previous owner must have replaced it with a stow-away frame, possibly for the added space obtained at the rear of the seats. I seriously doubt that you would have to drill and tap for screw, everything should already be there, if not, then the holes shold be there for the brackets. The roof originally fitted should have the fixed rear window, the zip-out window being introduced in 1976.
The brackets for the stow-away hood (I'm a Brit, so for me the hood belongs over your head on a convertible. Roofs are for houses and saloon cars)
were fitted for the life of the MGB, being used for the tonneau rail. Your best bet would be to take a look at another MGB to see the way that the fold-down hood is installed. You may even be able to pick up a hood and frame second-hand, then you won't have the hassle of installing it.
The brackets for the stow-away hood (I'm a Brit, so for me the hood belongs over your head on a convertible. Roofs are for houses and saloon cars)
were fitted for the life of the MGB, being used for the tonneau rail. Your best bet would be to take a look at another MGB to see the way that the fold-down hood is installed. You may even be able to pick up a hood and frame second-hand, then you won't have the hassle of installing it.
Thank you guys very much for the response. It is greatly appreciated. I'll let you know how it turns out. By the way the holders for the Stowaway top (near your shoulders on the side of the car) don't look they were originally installed the way they are there, poor fit and very loose. Somebody switched to a stowaway at some point and did not do a great job of it.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
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aerog
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<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by lingo999:
Thank you guys very much for the response. It is greatly appreciated. I'll let you know how it turns out. By the way the holders for the Stowaway top (near your shoulders on the side of the car) don't look they were originally installed the way they are there, poor fit and very loose. Somebody switched to a stowaway at some point and did not do a great job of it.
Thanks again.<hr></blockquote>
Just FYI in case you don't know, on the late-model cars there ARE two slip-in "holders" just behind the door (again, at your shoulders) for the tonneau support bar.
Thank you guys very much for the response. It is greatly appreciated. I'll let you know how it turns out. By the way the holders for the Stowaway top (near your shoulders on the side of the car) don't look they were originally installed the way they are there, poor fit and very loose. Somebody switched to a stowaway at some point and did not do a great job of it.
Thanks again.<hr></blockquote>
Just FYI in case you don't know, on the late-model cars there ARE two slip-in "holders" just behind the door (again, at your shoulders) for the tonneau support bar.
Kim de B
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Don't know if this is of any help at all, but I've got a later-model Michelotti fold-down top on my early-model 66B, which originally had a stowaway,
All the frames will fill all the Bs, is my understanding. You just need to make sure you get a top-quality top and get it fitted right.
All the frames will fill all the Bs, is my understanding. You just need to make sure you get a top-quality top and get it fitted right.
Getting the actual vinyl top fitted is probably the hardest part. Did that on the Midget and never ever got it to fit (then the frame broke so it was all academic). The frame on Dad's B is broken as well-it just barely works, so it goes down in spring and up in winter, unless we are dropping it off for a service. The vinyl don't fit right there either. Eventually a new frame will be found and I'll have to do another ragtop.
The actual install ain't hard (lotsa pop rivets), just getting it right side to side is a pain, rather like the botched tonneau cover job i did on the car too.
-William and his ten thumbs
The actual install ain't hard (lotsa pop rivets), just getting it right side to side is a pain, rather like the botched tonneau cover job i did on the car too.
-William and his ten thumbs
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aerog
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I think there's a bit of an art, and a lot of skill in being able to do the fitting "just right". I had a local guy re-cover my airplane seats. We settled on a design I liked, fabric, etc (vinyl and fabric). I watched him make part of the seat covers, then actually put them on the frames --- I could have put pre-made covers on, but the end result was well worth the extra few bucks, he made it look just as simple and easy as can be. I suppose doing it every day helps a bit
