MGB New top!

[Rut]

I installed my new Robbins top I got from Moss yesterday and finished up with the last 2 snaps on the front this morning. The fit looks good, but the lift a dot fasteners on the drivers side missed their mark by an inch or more. My delimma, return the top because of poor fit or keep what I've got. The install was not too bad, but I wouldn't want to do it again in this heat. I think I'll like the zip out rear window since it offers shade in our 100+* heat, but gives good air flow.
Rut

 

[ShawnC_at_Moss]

Hi Rut,
Can you send me specific photos of the issue and maybe provide me some measurements so we can look into the incorrect placement? I am not sure what reference point to use on either side but let me know what you find. Perhaps either from the leading edge of the top behind the door or from the rear seam coming around to the front.

shawn@mossmotors.com


Shawn

 

[Rut]

Shawn,
hope these pictures are helpful, these are the 1st and 2nd lift a dot studs from the front on the drivers side.
Thanks, Rut

 

[ShawnC_at_Moss]

I see what you are showing but I need a comparison to the other side of the car. Is it possible the studs aren't in the same place on both sides and the top is correct and the studs are wrong?
Just looking for some hard evidence and measurements that points to the top specifically so I can go back to Robbins.

 

[Rut]

Shawn,
Measuring from the front edge of the top attached to the driver B pillar/rear wing the center of the first lift a dot is 55/8", on the passenger side it's 6" to the center of the lift a dot. Measuring from the B pillar edge on both sides the first stud is at 6".
Rut

 

[ShawnC_at_Moss]

Great,
Can you tell me how far back the first lift the dot in the top is so I can tell them how far off it was and have them check their pattern? For both sides please so they know we did our homework.

thanks.

 

[Rut]

Shawn,
Measured from the leading edge of the top its 6" to the center of the first lift a dot on the passenger side and 55/8" on the driver side. The 2nd lift a dot center is off by 1/2" to 5/8" on the driver side as well (lift a dot center is too far forward by a generous 1/2" to 5/8"). This is all after stretching as far as possible in 100* heat, so it might need an additional 1/8" or more.
Thanks, Rut

 

[DrEntropy]

I thought Robbins supplied the tops with the "Lift-A-Dot" fasteners in a bag, to be installed by the person fitting the top. That's how I usually received them. Though I usually bought tops directly from them and that could be the difference.

I've installed MANY tops, many different make of cars. Robbins is the only top i would ever consider for both clients and my own cars. I've a Robbins on the current Alfa and the rear window is still unyellowed after over twelve years in Florida sun. Not garaged, either.

Good choice, Rut. And I'm sure they will sort it. And thanks, Shawn, for getting on this! :thumbsup:

 

[ShawnC_at_Moss]

Rut,
Can you give me an invoice number or customer number so I can send Robbins a copy of the invoice to go along with my inquiry?

Thanks,

Shawn

 

[Rut]

Shawn,
the invoice number is 5-4250735.
Thanks, Rut

 

[PAUL161]

I thought Robbins supplied the tops with the "Lift-A-Dot" fasteners in a bag, to be installed by the person fitting the top. That's how I usually received them. Though I usually bought tops directly from them and that could be the difference.

I've installed MANY tops, many different make of cars. Robbins is the only top i would ever consider for both clients and my own cars. I've a Robbins on the current Alfa and the rear window is still unyellowed after over twelve years in Florida sun. Not garaged, either.

Good choice, Rut. And I'm sure they will sort it. And thanks, Shawn, for getting on this! :thumbsup:

Yup, That's how I want a new top to come. I'll put the fasteners in, mainly due to eliminate the same problem that has arisen here. If a replacement is in order, get it with the snaps in a bag and install them yourself, that way you know they will be where their supposed to be. I'm sure Moss will make it right. PJ

 

[Rut]

Paul,
Moss has always treated me right and I don't think this will be an exception. Shawn joined this post as soon as he read it and is working on a solution.
Rut

 

[Rut]

Shawn,
Any response from Robbins on a potential solution? The more I look at the position of the lift a dot fasteners I'm thinking that new ones positioned in the correct place may be the answer, but don't want to void any potential warranty.
Thanks, Rut

 

[bob67bgt]

Doc,
MGBs have hidden lift the dot fasteners. I am not sure how one would install them on their own. Its in a factory sealed area. Nothing like a MGA as a example.

 

[PAUL161]

When I put a new Mohair top on the 72, I bought it from Prestige in the UK. It came without any fasteners installed and I installed all of them to match the ones on the car. The top came out very well, nice and snug. PJ

 

[Rut]

When I put a new Mohair top on the 72, I bought it from Prestige in the UK. It came without any fasteners installed and I installed all of them to match the ones on the car. The top came out very well, nice and snug. PJ

I think uninstalled fasteners would solve the problem...still waiting to hear back from Shawn.
Rut

 

[DrEntropy]

If ya do need to install the fasteners in the top, this tool is a great help (United-Carr, 9951 in this case):

 

[PAUL161]

If ya do need to install the fasteners in the top, this tool is a great help (United-Carr, 9951 in this case):

I agree if they buy a good one as illustrated. I would stay away from the one from Moss and possibly other common parts sites. Reports are they break easily. Lotta money to have one fall apart. Buy a brand name tool! JMHO. PJ

 

[DrEntropy]

Got mine decades ago, from a marine supply business. ISTR they had to order it.

The marine supplier also sold Lift-a-Dot and Tenax fasteners (for the Triumph guys).