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Do I need a new frame to go with new top?

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samcar16

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Hello,

I've had my MG for 13 years now. I've installed several new tops on her but my frame cuts my top (and has on every one, no matter how careful I am). Have I been putting my top down incorrectly or do I need to purchase a new frame?
Any advice would be great! Thanks.
 
I'm going to assume this is on the MGB. Is is cutting the top at one of the cross bars, or elsewhere? I can't remember if there is extra padding anywhere on the 'B' top frame, that may be missing, to account for the problem.
Let us know exactly which car it is, and I'm sure there are a lot of folks here with a bunch more 'B' experience than I, that can help.
Welcome aboard.
Jeff
 
You should have no problem with the frame cutting the top. It is possible the frame ends are bent. If you can, examine another car with the top up and look at the bends of the frame from the outside. Should give you an idea of where the pressure points are supposed to be and at what angle. If your frame is bent, a new one (or used) can be easily found.

What year is your car and what type of frame is it? Perhaps someone here can provide a photo of a similar setup. Good luck!
 
A '79 "B" top frame should be the same as mine and I have never had a problem with the frame cutting the top. Like was said before, tell us where the top is being damaged and maybe we can advise further. Go here if you want to verify you are folding it right: https://www.mgbexperience.com/howto/topdown.html
Bob
 
Sorry, should have specified that... It's a 1979 MGB. I have looked several times and don't see an obvious bend in the frame but yes, it keeps getting cut between the side window (small one) and the window on the driver's door. I've pretty much decided that a new frame couldn't hurt. Is it okay to try to find a used one or are there too many potential problems?
Thanks, Barbra
PS- please forgive my ignorance. I've not ever used a forum before... Feel free to advise me if I should be editing my first message or responding with a second post.
 
I should have said this before. Welcome to the forum and no you don't need to go back and edit the original post. Just add on.
Now, another question. Are you unsnapping the back snaps and folding the back of the top before trying to put the top all the way down? If you are leaving the back snapped and putting it down like you would any other car this is probably your problem. In that case, a new frame would be a waste of money and time. Look at the web site I included in my last post.
Bob
 
Wow! And to think I knew every rattle in my little car! I didn't even know how to put the top down. I'm humbled. I knew to leave the window zipped and that was about it. Thank you so much. Maybe I'll skip the frame and just put the top down correctly from now on. Barb
 
The amusing/sad thing is, the Michelotti top design is the fastest one of the 3 MGB top designs to fold and raise properly.

I was very fortunate that I lived in central Arizona when I had my '65 MGB, so I didn't have to mess with the stow away top much.
The tonau cover seemed to keep the water out well enough during the brief showers we occasionally got. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
The amusing/sad thing is, the Michelotti top design is the fastest one of the 3 MGB top designs to fold and raise properly.

I was very fortunate that I lived in central Arizona when I had my '65 MGB, so I didn't have to mess with the stow away top much.
The tonau cover seemed to keep the water out well enough during the brief showers we occasionally got. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I wore my toneau completely out. I used it so much, the zipper wore a hole in the dash top. During the rainy season, I would start the drive home from work with water driping from the sun visors.
Bob
 
A good tip that I used when installing my top is to put a strip of padding between the frame and top. The 'loop' side of velcro is very soft and durable and can be purchased by the yard at most fabric stores, in black and in the correct width with peel-and-stick adhesive. Cut the ends rounded to discourage loosening and it goes on quick and easy.
 
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