MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Any Hardtop experts here?

I acquired a hardtop which was reportedly removed from a 1965 midget. I have a 1965 Mark II Midget so foolishly assumed this would fit. It had the correct clasps to mount to the windscreen and the side brackets that I think are attached using J-bolts through the sockets that the hood sticks normally go into. But it doesn't fit. It won't go down at the back and won't sit over the shoulders of the wings on the door pillar and the side brackets don't line up with the sockets. The front clasps fit correctly. I've posted a set of photos here to illustrate the problem:

http://www.woodburnguitars.co.uk/Hardtop/Index.htm

Can anyone tell me if I have the correct top for the model of Midget and if I do, how should it fit? Do I need another rubber seal on the outer edge of the top? Has my car's geometry changed over the years due to restoration? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.



Stuart K

sorry that is a hardtop for the mkIII midget with the later fold down hood

will not fit
Onno Könemann

I was afraid of that. I thought the later models had a different way of attaching at the windscreen? Was I wrong?
Stuart K

As Onno says, definitely a Mk3 'top.

As for the windscreen catches, they were the same for all cars with wind-up windows.

At least it is an original 'works' hardtop, although slightly more plentiful in Mk3 guise than the earlier model.
Dave O'Neill 2

Thanks for that. Oh well, back to the drawing board. Looks like I'll have to sell this one on. Needs a good clean first.
Stuart K

Stuart. Onno and Dave have it spot on. The reason you have a gap at the back is not because it needs another seal, but because it would normally sit on the raised part of the rear cockpit where the fold down hood is secured. You, like me have a flat rear deck and there's no way to fit that top properly without a load of aggro. Put it on Ebay and try to find a correct one, as it would be a shame to spoil what looks like a very nice car. BTW. Did you fit the boot rack that way round to stop stuff sliding forward? I've only seen them fitted with the upstand at the back.

Bernie.
b higginson

Did you realise your boot rack is on the wrong way around? The upstand should be near the back to stop luggage etc from falling off.
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

Bernie, Bob
This is where you are wrong there is not supposed to be a boot rack on there anny way! ;P

and just to anticipate the holiday luggage remarks
i can go on a 2 week camping holiday with out one so can you
and if you insist on having one there are removable racks!
Onno Könemann

Bob, you can put it on that way round if you like but don't blame me when you brake hard and decapitate yourself with the thrown forward luggage :)

Stuart K

Staurt I love your logic ... Of dont blame me when you get decapitated

Im pretty sure thats a given.. LOL

Prop
Prop

Stuart,

Just a thought.... yes its the wrong top...But that may not be a ba thing (MAYBE)

do you have a soft top with the cover attached to the car.. I couldnt tell by the photos. If your not overly conserned by exact looks, Id put a seal around the bottom of the hard top and place it directly ontop of the soft top in its stowed away postitin and get 2 turn buckels to tie it down on the sides

Ive done this with mine and it makes a vary tight seal nothing comes in or around the bottom of the hard top, and I never have to deal with unfolding or taking the cover off... Mine fit fine installed as is supposed to be installed, but it sure fits even better as I described above.. give it a try, nothing to lose

the turn buckels area great way to get the right tension to seal agianst moisture (rain/snow) and wind, great for the radio

definatly put a seal at the bottom to save the paint, ither direction you go.

Prop
Prop

If your not overly conserned by exact looks, Id put a seal around the bottom of the car


Last word should read hard top .... NOT "Car"

Prop... 5 minutes is never enough time
Prop

No Prop, it is a stow away top which is what appears to be the problem. This top was made to rest on the fold back one. Live and learn. I'll keep looking.
Stuart K

Stuart,
I might be interested in your hard top as and when you'r ready to move it on.
Matt1275 Bucks

Pity you're in the UK and not over here - I have the exact opposite problem, having just aquired a hardtop for an earlier car and needing one for a later car.
AndrewF

This thread was discussed between 09/05/2010 and 11/05/2010

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.