MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

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 MGF Technical - Hardtop Question

G'day,
Here's a question to those that have done this before.
I need a precise answer not "I guess you could do it".

Ok,
If I were to go and collect a MGF hardtop for my MGF 98', can I, onsite, remove the soft top, store it in the car (empty passenger side) and install the hardtop and then drive home?


Cheers,
Branko.


Branko

Why would you want to "remove" the soft top?
Just fold it down as normal, put the Hardtop on and drive away - easy. I did.
(Or is there a reason you need to remove the soft top ?)
John

As John says Hardtop fits over folded soft top BUT yes you can remove it if you want BUT then you will also be removing the rear brackets that hold the hardtop down.
Ted Newman

Hi Branko,

as said. Dead easy this usual way, isn't it :)

See the red coloured hood fold
http://www.mgfcar.de/hardtop/gw_1511.jpg
Full instructions on site
http://www.mgfcar.de/hardtop/

You may be interested in this when you get back with your new bit.
http://www.mgfcar.de/hardtop/index1.htm

Cheers
Dieter
Dieter

Branko.
Check that you have the hardtop rear brackets fitted on your car.
The OEM Hardtop sits on the rear frame of the Soft Top so you have a gap and no seal if the Soft Top is removed.
If you want a 'GT' without a Soft Top, then I bought a Scrap hood frame and stripped off the rear frame with the mounting brackets. Beware - The pivot bolts are weld locked and will take the skin off your knuckles when the weld/bolt shears.
Geoff F.
G. Farthing

Guys,

Duh,,What was I thinking!!!....

I had forgotten that you don't need to remove the softtop to use the hard top. Just fold down the softtop!

You guys have answered my question %100 and more.




Many Thanks again.

Branko.
Branko

Weather getting to you?.
Andrew Regens

LOL,
Yep, these zero degrees mornings are affecting the blood circulation to my brain.



Branko

Don't forget to unzip the rear window and lay it flat first!
Tony

sold my hardtop to a bloke who also thought the softtop had to come out, he put the rear brackets back in thank goodness ,you cant beat these south pacific tops off head cooling temps thank goodness we are still getting some fine spells as the rain creeps around the door pillar and in unless the windows wound up and i found out that heat from the dash vents flows over you better with windows down (and the top off of course)
b dix

( i found out that heat from the dash vents flows over you better with windows down (and the top off of course) - It's the only way to travel.
Andrew Regens

Tony, thanks for the tip. I will do that.

Well,

I've bought myself a hardtop and will collect it someday soon.

Is there any mods or kit to install to my car to use the hardtop or is it just a matter of puttin' it on?

Andrew, you wouldn't need the heater anymore, now that you have bought your new MG jacket, would you? :-0


Cheers,
Branko.
Branko

Oh, Sorry Geoff, just re-read you post:
<Branko. Check that you have the hardtop rear brackets fitted on your car.>

I don't have any other brackets there except the softtop ones.

Branko

Branko.
They are a separate bracket mounted with the hood support. They are just inboard of the hood bracket (using the same bolts)and have a 1/4 inch curved hook which takes the HardTop Lock T-Bolt.
Geoff F.
G. Farthing

Branko, I have them on my car if you want to see them fitted also you will need the switch and relay for the heated rear window. As I am so warm I just keep the air cond on all the time.
Andrew Regens

Geoff,
If you buy a hardtop new from supplier, does this kit come with it. ie: Switch, relay, mounting brackets?
Are these brackets mounted on the side of the car?

Thanks Andrew, It check yours out next time we meet.

Does anyone have any pics handy for me to see these brackets insitu?



Cheers,
Branko
Branko

Branko, Page 689 of the workshop cd shows the brackets.
Go to the body section then hood then hood assembly page 9, top of page r/h side.
Andrew Regens

Thanks Andrew!

That makes it clearer.



Branko

Is my rear window different to everyone else?

You say to unzip the window and fold it flat.

At the end of my zip is a metal clip (looks like a fat staple) which prevents the window unzipping completely.
With the roof up it's impossible to clip the window on to the tonneau poppers.

Dave :o(

DB Ferris

G'day all,

God gave me 4 eyes to use, it would be good if I did.!
I just had another look at the side mounting area and lo and behold, the brackets are already there. Maybe someone had snuck in at night and installed them for me. (LOL)
Just need to get the realy and switch. Will see if that comes with the hardtop when I pick it up.

Dave,
when you unzip the window it's not supposed to completey get disconnected. The zip is lond enough to allow it to be layed flat.

Cheers,
Branko.
Branko

The HardTop comes without the relay and switch.
The car comes with the harness connections. The HRW connector should be at the LH side of the engine cover carpet.
There are two relay & switch kits for Mk1 or 2 dashes.
Geoff F.
G. Farthing

Dave, the window should unzip completely at the top. If you have the hood down for any extended period the creases in the screen will become permenant :(
I often drive with the hood up but the rear window down on really hot long journeys as you get most of the benefits of a good breeze without the unplanned sunburn!
Tony

G'day all,

Can someone please tell me the hardtop dimensions?
WxLxH and is it about 18kg in weight?

(rainin' out there and I dpn't want to get wet!!) :0


cheers,
Branko.
Branko

This thread was discussed between 25/06/2005 and 01/07/2005

MG MGF Technical index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG MGF Technical BBS now