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MG MGF Technical - Soft Top with Glass Window

Hiya folks ~ new owner and first time posting here. Bought my car around 3 weeks ago, nice car, but the previous owner has not paid much attention to the plastic rear window. So, bought the Renovo plastic screen polish ~ which has done a fairly decent job, but I fear just isn't going to improve much more.

So I thought I'd research into the cost of a replacement ~ and have come across a few suppliers (MGF Centre & Mike Satur) that supply a new soft top with a glass heated rear window ~ which okay is obviously more costly.

So, you veteran MGF owners, was are your thought ~ is it worth paying the extra £s and getting a new hood with the heated glass window ~ or does it not really matter in the end and a replacement plastic screen as long as it's looked after is as good as.

I intend to use my car all year round, so need something that weathers well in all seasons.

Just want to add ~ I so love the MG (T)F's ~ what a fantastic car.

Susan
S Amphlett

I recently got a glass rear screened hood.
The screen is slightly smaller than original, and takes a little getting used to. It's also not compatible (?) whith the MK1 MGR roll hoops.
If you're getting a new hood I'd definately say pay the extra and get a glass screen - it is so much easier, no more having to get out of the car to ensure the screen is folding correctly and on the couple of frosty mornings we had a few weeks ago - I could actually see out of the back window! I'm very impressed I cant really see a downside?
The company I got mine from was BAS in Cwmbran, S'th Wales. I stand to be corrected but I believe they make the hoods for Satur, MGFC & MGR, do a google for their no. and when you ring ask for Steve Evans.
g hampson

Susan,
Welcome aboard !
and welcome from abroad as well. :-)

I love the idea of having the original plastic type rear window. I feel it gives the car a certain type of character.

Practically, it may be better to have a glass rear window as it is clearer to see out of and does not need much maintanance or care at all.


Cheers,
Branko


Branko

Hi Susan,

Welcome aboard, I have the MS version of the Glass rear screen and hood, IMOH it was well worth it, it is also comaptible with MS boxer hoops and wind deflector :-), the reduced screen size is more than re-couped with the improved clarity and demisting properties in the wet, with this fitted a hard top is almost un-required in winter.

Mike N.
Mike

G'day Susan,

I think the first thing you need to assess, is the condition of the hood itself. If the hood is okay, then I'd suggest you don't go to the expense of replacing the hood. As for the rear screen, if you need to replace it, maybe there's someone out there who can fit you a replacement glass screen, but in doing so, you'll need to check whether or not they can also provide the wiring and plug so that you can activate the rear screen heating element. That sai, you may also need to have the switch fitted in the centre console, so some additional work will be required. I would suggest, that you are better off just replacing the rear screen with the same item; it will be far cheaper for you. Then if you get to the situtaion where you do need to replace the the entire hood, then cost-wise, you are better off going for the modified version (ie, with rear glass). Personally, I find having the plstic rear screen no problem and I live with the scratches. In winter, I use the combination of aircon and heater to defog both the front and rear screens.

Anyways, hope this helps.

Phil
Phil

Hi Susan,

Tend to agree with Branko, my patched up screen (caused by no unzipping the screen this winter when putting the roof down) adds a certain "je ne sais quoi".

To be honest I get used to never looking through it, I tend to rely on the wing mirrors, or on most occasions the roof is down anyway. I think if you peruse the archives there are more exciting modifications to consider first!

Graham
Graham Martin

Hiya to everyone & cheers for the feedback and the excellent and quick response.

I think all in all as you say ~ it's perhaps not even worth considering a new hood until way down the line when perhaps I actually need to replace it ~ and yes I have looked on other BBS sites and have realised there are lots of other mods I want to get done. Certainly want to get Mike Satur's Boxer Roll Hoops and a windstop this year if I can.

It was just that looking at a replacement plastic screen costs iro £250 and I have seen a site called Car Hood Warehouse in the South East that fit the hood with the glass screen for £595 all in. So I was thinking it may be a false economy to just change the plastic screen.

Maybe the answer is as Phil & Graham say though ~ I do tend to use the side mirror more anyway, so should just for now live with the scratches ~ plan on having the hood down as much as I can anyway.

Cheers Susan
S Amphlett

Susan,

Try this mob.
Some say they are OK.

http://www.softtopwindows.com/

Cheers,
Branko
Branko

<< replacement plastic screen costs iro £250 >>

No - you can easily get them for less than £150 fitted. Mine was about £130 fitted.

There's a lady called Sonia who is recommended on here, who supplies them at a very reasonable price. I'm sure somebody will be along shortly to provide contact details...

cheers
Fiona :-)
Fiona

Susan
If you're interested, I have the screen, from the hood I replaced. It's in fairly decent condition, clear with only a very small (about 5mm) white mark from where it was folded too "sharply"
Was thinking around 30 pound + of course P&P, would guess that'd be around a tenner?
Post your e-mail address if you're interested.
In fact the offer's open to anyone, but I'll give Susan first refusal.
Gareth
g hampson

Okay ~ again cheers folks for the useful info ~ absolutely amazed at just how much response you get on these BBS, really impressed so likely to be an avid watcher ~ reckon I'll pick up loads of tips.

Gareth, thanks for the offer ~ but I will give it a miss, though tempted I reckon I'll live with what I've got for a while longer. So if anyone else is keen then let Gareth know.

Fiona, yep ~ have done a bit more research and have come across cheaper choices (cheers Branko they are a good option if and when I do change it).

So, thanks again you all.

Susan
S Amphlett

I think £75 is the cheapest I've seen for a rear window (DIY), but £130 will easily get it done for you.

Its only worth getting the glass screen if you need/want a new roof too.
Russell Parslow

Hi again folks ~ on the same topic, but not re replacing the rear window. I've been using the Renovo plastic screen polish, which has improved visibility (got rid of a fair bit of clouding) but not done much re the fine scratches.

Have seen comments re other polishes, namely Autoglym or Greygate (think that's right) ~ has anyone used these products, if so would you say they get better results, or are they all much of a muchness.

Will the scratches fade if I keep polishing (whichever product it used), or are they hear to stay.

Susan
S Amphlett

Branko.
Brilliant advice from the other side of the world. To think that I have been driving around for 2 years with a frost cracked rear window patched up with tape when Soft Top Windows are less than 5 miles from my home.
Thanks
P Eldridge

Susan,
I've used T-Cut on mine for the past five or six years. It removes 'cloudiness' and fine scratches from the screen and still looks good,even now.
Try it sparingly and see how you get on.
HTH,
Mike.
M Atkinson

P Eldridge,
if you are keen to DIY, then here is a good link on how.

http://leisure.prior-it.co.uk/replace-mgf-window.shtml

Just beware of the surprise crack!!

Cheers
Branko


Branko

I bought Greygate to use on my rear window but by the time it arrived the rear window cracked!.
I have used it on the new (2years) and it takes of the little scratchs and marks a treat.
Andrew Regens

This thread was discussed between 02/04/2006 and 05/04/2006

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