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Fitting factory hard top with hood on?

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vagt6

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Those of you who have Midgets with factory hard tops: the rear end of my hard top doesn't fit flush with the body. I think it's because of the "hood" (convertible top).

So, question: will the factory hard top fit properly with the hood folded down? Must we remove the hood to make the hard top fit perfectly? BTW, my hood is folded correctly.

I also have brand new, correct seals for the rear of the top (from MacGregor).

Anyone? :confuse:

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MIDGET004.jpg
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I can't help you with the question per say, but I will tell you this.. NEAT CAR!!
 
Beautiful car. Where is the hood interfering? The hard top should fit flush with the hood still on the car. You probably already thought of this, but have you checked the back edge of the top to make sure they sent you the correct one? There are tops made for the 64-66 Midgets with removable hoods and roll up windows and tops made for the 67-80 Midget with the folding hood. They look the same except for the area on the back and don't interchange. If it is indeed the correct top, it may just be a hard or mishapen seal issue.

Do you have any pictures taken from the back?
 
It looks right to me from this angle too, but wasn't sure. I wouldn't think the top would warp, so I wonder if it's not the new seals. It should fit right over the folded soft one.
 
Thanks for the nice comments, guys!

The new seal that MacGregor sent me is a flat one, about 1/2" all way 'round the rear of the top. There's a gap about 1/2" at the rear edge, across the middle of the top. Martin MacGregor knows his stuff, is a former British Leyland interior installer. The seal he sent is for this car, specifically. I guess we may assume it's correct.

Strange. Do any of you guys have a factory "works" hard top? Could you tell me what your rear seal looks like? Is it flat?

Here are photos, one inside, one out. In the bottom photo, you can see the hood folded down with the small gap just above.

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TOP002.jpg
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TOP001.jpg
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If MacGregor is the expert I think I would call him tomorrow. I suspect, and I know nothing, that you got the wrong seal.
 
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