Top [hood] installation

[scoutll]

Does anyone have a link to detailed instructions on installation of a Midget top. preferably a MK I-II Midget or MK I-III Sprite, but any will do. I understand it is a straight forward and relatively simple procedure, especially on the older 58-66 cars, but I would like to read and study pictures and tips before starting.

 

[RickB]

Hi Bryan, I don't have a link handy but I have a couple tips.

Do it somewhere WARM. The material must be warm for the procedure.

Find a friendly helper who has done it before, all the "first timer" rules apply here. Look to your local MG car club (hopefully you have one and are already a member). If none available, possibly a classic car club? I doubt any would be as helpful and friendly as an MG car club but you never can tell. :wink:

 

[spritenut]

A note on warm weather or inside heated top installs....
I have done this a at least a dozen times and usually in the summer or in a heated garage but the problem is when it gets cold out and it's time to put the top up, it's too tight! I can usually get it clamped but my wife and daughter can not get it all snapped up.
So the last few tops I installed I did at about 40* out, now when it's cold, everybody can put the top up by themselves. And in a summer rain storm, it's real easy.
I put a new top on my 67 last February, it was tight so my wife and I used 2 hair dryers to stretch the vinyl and got it all tight and snapped. I ripped it trying to put it up the very first time because it was just too tight and too cold out.
Just my words of BTDT.

 

[WALTER]

I wish the person who installed the top on my 3000 had Spritenut's experience. I can't use my top when I actually need it (when it is cold).

Walter

 

[scoutll]

It's a cloth top, so it should be a lot less prone to the cold weather than the old vinyl top that the car has now. Got a show to go to in Feb and would like to have it replaced by then, so I'll monitor the weather and get ready to heat the garage. If the top is done, I might be able to drive it to the show, if not, it trailer time. It's gotta go, the only British representitive to show the flag amongst hundreds and hundreds of examples of American Iron...

 

[losmorob]

Just finished mine Christmas morning. I did heat my shop and even put a space heater in the car for awhile. But our summer's here hit 110 degrees plus and I'm sure it will stretch more. Yours is cloth, not quite the issue vs vinyl.

I was on my own. Install the back first (of course) and after much testing, I glued the top to the front bow in three steps. I made triple sure that the side to side was close, and I was still just a bit off. I glued each front sides first (step 1 & 2) making sure they were centered and stretched from side to side. I then glued the front center. I used contact cement so I used screwdriver handles to keep the vinyl lifted from the bow while I applied the cement to the vinyl and the front bow. Used Harbor Freight Acid Brushes. Buy them by the bag. Cheap and disposable.

The final gluing I had the top bow resting a bit back from the windshield. Once it was dry, that little extra space made the top drum tight. It's a fine line between too tight and just right. I would think cloth would be an easier install.

I'm not very happy with the new Moss front bow windshield seal. Without it, the top is a snug pull and latch. With it, it's really hard to compress it when latching the top. I'm keeping it up for about a week and I hope that will help compressd it.

 

[scoutll]

I hope mine looks that good when installed. Luckily, I don't have to worry about permanently anchoring the top to the car, just even, straight attachment of anchor hardware..