Hardtop question... Spridget related

[anarchy99]

Will a hardtop from a 78 midget fit on a 66 midget/sprite? Came across one and I've been looking for awhile for a hardtop for my 66 sprite. Thanks in advance

 

[JPSmit]

others will wade in, but, fairly certain - no.

 

[anarchy99]

Yeah, I figured it was a stretch... Figured it was worth a try

 

[nomad]

To wade in....definitely not! [I have the early cars and early hardtop]

Kurt.

 

[anarchy99]

I'm not very read in on the different years, would a mid 60s MGB hardtop fit?

 

[HealeyRick]

I'm not very read in on the different years, would a mid 60s MGB hardtop fit?

Nope, nope, nope and nope.

 

[anarchy99]

Yeah, I figured it was worth a try... I'll keep looking I guess. Getting ready to do some touch up paint on the sprite in a few days so a hardtop would be outstanding while I'm at it.

 

[aeronca65t]

A MKIII midget hardtop will fit a 1500, but not a MK II.

The rear cutout is different because the MKII had a completely detachable soft top. All subsequent models had the attached folding top.

This photo (taken from another site) is a good illustration of the difference.

https://www.mgexp.com/phile/3/145205/midget_top_corners.jpg

 

[anarchy99]

so going by that info and this pic, which top should I be looking for, as far as years go? I'd hate to buy the wrong one...

 

[nomad]

Mk2 Midget, Mk3 Sprite. Cars mid 64 with roll up windows through 66 before the permanently attached soft top.

Kurt.

 

[JPSmit]

BTW love that pick - with the shifter and the blower just behind the windshield - ooof!

 

[Billm]

It isn't perfectly correct but the later top will fit and work on the earlier car. the back edge won't seal well but it will stay on at speed and it will keep rain/snow out of the cockpit.
BillM

 

[anarchy99]

I took the blower off and am actually repainting the car as we speak... I got tired of doing wheel stands everywhere. I'm still looking for a hardtop... Maybe another one will pop up sometime.

 

[JPSmit]

I took the blower off and am actually repainting the car as we speak... I got tired of doing wheel stands everywhere. I'm still looking for a hardtop... Maybe another one will pop up sometime.

Hardtops are not especially rare - keep us posted please with pics - I think this is likely the most insane build on BCF - and I love it!

 

[nomad]

Hardtops are not especially rare - keep us posted please with pics - I think this is likely the most insane build on BCF - and I love it!

X2!!

Craigs list and E-bay and I'm sure you will find one. Notice you don't have the cleats for the soft top. Have you got one?? I have a frame if you need it.

Kurt.

 

[anarchy99]

ive got all the old soft top stuff... Its just not really my cup of tea. I'd rather have a hardtop for cold weather times. Plus I think they look better.

 

[anarchy99]

Painted the little car until late last night... Buffing it and putting it back tomorrow.

 

[anarchy99]

Been awhile since I've been in this thread... would a 67 sprite hard top fit on a 64-66 era sprite?

 

[Gerard]

Depends...

Due to the confusion/discrepancies between build date and first registration date, it depends on which it actually is. '66 was a transition year between fold down (removable top) and convertible (permanently attached fold-down top), it's depends on which type top you're considering. The two look similar, but are not interchangeable. If you have pictures of the top or the car it's from, I can help ID it.

The key to the difference is the rear cockpit area; beginning with HAN9 ('66 onward) has the larger opening with the raised cockpit surround, and HAN8 shorter, flat cockpit surround (like yours).

Below is early (fits HAN8) and late (fits HAN9), respectively.

Been awhile since I've been in this thread... would a 67 sprite hard top fit on a 64-66 era sprite?

 

[Pythias]

There's a funny little notch on the Mark III (Sprite) top that's not there on the earlier cars. (to fit around the chrome surround). I have a top I would be willing to part with if you take the car with it! Buy the top for $7000 and get a free car? and a tonneau, and a soft top too. If this post violates selling rules.. my bad. (see my add in the for sale! I was asking $8k)