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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Hardtop fitting

Do I need to remove my soft top and frame to fit a works hardtop to my 1500 Midsget, or can I get away with putting the hood down and fitting it over it?

Thanks.

Les
l snowdon

Yes you will need to remove it as it doesn't go down like the older ones and so will not allow total sitting of the hard top.

Bit early in the year to be changing though .... still warm for a few months yet :)!
rachmacb

Hi!

I have a period Parrish hardtop for my '78, and it fits over the folded soft top very nicely. The rubber around the back of the hardtop mates with the shoulder around the rear cockpit, leaving the soft top untouched.

See pic below...

-:G:-

PS: Rach posted while I was trying to find that photo. Honestly, I didn't need to remove the soft top at all, and the hardtop fits fine. Maybe the factory roof is different in that regard.


Gryf Ketcherside

Les,

The 1500 is the same as the 1275 hoods.

The Owners handbook - que Nigel !!

States 'lower the hood, position the hard top on the car and engage the toggle fastener tongues in their sockets on the windscreen rail'

Taking it off would give a bit more clearance and stowage at the rear.

Never fitted the works one I had - sold it on to Jack from the New Forest who used to frequent this board.

R.
richard boobier

Les,
each to their own, personally I don't understand hardtops on soft top cars as it means you will miss many great top down days or journeys, many winter days are better than summer days for top down driving

if you are fitting a hardtop make sure the soft top is dry before you leave it dropped

the oft mocked owner's Handbook will indeed tell you about fitting a hardtop and much, much more it's only 8, the best investment you'll make with your midget ownership

(Ref: 0058) - http://www.mgocshop.co.uk/catalog/Online_Catalogue_Handbooks_5.html

http://www.amazon.co.uk/MG-Owners-Handbook-Akm3229-Midget/dp/1855200902/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1313851465&sr=1-1

also available -
a DVD with Handbooks, factorty Parts Catalogue and fisches and facory Workshop Manuals - http://www.motoringclassics.co.uk/heritage-range/c380
Nigel At

Thanks everyone!!!!

Rach - I agree it's is a bit early to fit a hardtop, but having bought one I thought it easier to pick it up in the Midsget rather than the family battle wagon.

Gryf - I had a Lenham one about 20 years ago that had a vinyl ( very contemporary) finnich, an heated rear screen and tinted roof panel that was quite nice and fitted with the hood in place. Hopefully the works one will do the same!

Richard - Thanks for the clarification, that's great.

Nigel - I like my top down motoring as much as everyone else, but from November to February I do like the warmth a hard top gives.I think I've got an owners manual somewhere from when I bought the car 30 years ago. I'll try and dig it out

Thanks again.

Les
l snowdon

Dig that book out Les :)

(it shows how to fold the hood too)

I didn't realise it got that cold Avon way, I've clean my heater matrix out (and coolant system too many times but that's another story(ies)) and my cabin gets too hot for me even with a soft top, I have to take some wrappings off as I heat up

mind it can be very mild here - except last two winters!

check you've got the tonneau stick/hardtop brackets bolted to your hood frame bottom hinges before you go to collect :)
Nigel At

But Nigel, sometimes a hardtop is useful in ways other than for just winter motoring.:)

Can you do this with a soft top?


Lawrence Slater

LOL Les - I did that too - but mine was on a B and for a Bermuda top, so didn't have a problem! So that's a perfectly good reason for putting one up now - having said that, I think yesterday was the warmest and sunniest day in months here, so I wasn't that chuffed .........!!!!!!!!!
rachmacb

This thread was discussed between 20/08/2011 and 22/08/2011

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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