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MG MGF Technical - Storing Softtop for winter

Hi.

November was an awesome month for top down motoring here in Portugal. Cold, but sunny and dry. Everyday morning I drove to work that way! Now the rain started for good and it's hardtop time.

Every winter it's the same but this time I want to completely remove the softtop. It will save weight and rear shelf space.

I now it's easy to remove, but is there any cons on doing this? I mean Is it easy to install again? Should I expect rattles afterwards? More water leaks? Is it a common practice for you guys with hardtop? Anything else??

Thanks,

Valter.
Valter

One important question, Which hardtop are you fitting ??
The MG-R HardTop seal sits on the rear Rail of the SofTop. Without the SofTop, there is not a seal and the height adjustment is wrong. I bought a scrap frame from Midland MGF, separated the rear rail and mounting brackets and covered the rail with a cushioned plastic tape.
B&G told me that their HardTop sits on the body which should not be a problem but I would check this first before buying one.
Geoff F.
G. Farthing

I always leave it on the car, finally some more space in the shed (2 ragtops,2 hardtops :( )

Johan
Johan Slagter

Geoff,

I've got the original hardtop. Yes, you're right it doesn't sit on the body. It might a problem if you get water from that area. You went through a big hassle just to make it work!

Honestly, I'm tempted to try it without the soft top...

More opinions?
Valter

>Honestly, I'm tempted to try it without the soft top...

Bear in mind, if you get whyever a breakdown in the rain and have to have access to the engine bay, ...
You have nothing with you to protect the seats and interieur from rain, cause the HT is off and the option to put the soft top up is *missing* ;-)
Dieter K.

Good point there, Dieter!

Never tought about it.

I guess I'm storing the hardtop for a little while more (3/4 days), since it's a magnificent sunshine again! Top down this morning!

Cheers,

Valter.
Valter

>I guess I'm storing the hardtop for a little while more (3/4 days), since it's a magnificent sunshine again! Top down this morning!<

Any spare 'homes' in your part of the world? Its grey, cold, misty and miserable here in London.

Ted
Ted Newman

Ted,

At least you've got a very big MG network for dealers, independent specialists and parts suppliers. Here in Portugal they are miserable and becoming less every year.

It's all about VW group and BMW now... :(

Valter.

Valter

Oh well!

Perhaps I could have the best of both worlds - just coming back to Blighty for service! (The car not me).

Ted
Ted Newman

This thread was discussed between 02/12/2004 and 03/12/2004

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