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MG TD TF 1500 - Putting in Side Curtains with issues

I started putting on my new side curtains. I have run into a few issues.

The kit had very minimal instructions. I have also looked at the Moss side curtain installation instructions and neither describes the what curtain (front or rear( the different size trim strips go to.
I found 4 different sizes of trim in the kit.

Anyone have a list of what size goes where?

The plastic area in my rear screen is larger than my metal frame. Any way to measure the screen to determine if they sent me the correct rear screen? (2 bow top). I note in the Moss instructions that the 2 bow screen frame is 17 3/4 long on the bottom lip of the frame and the 3 bow is 18 1/4.

I understand there are a number of variables with why the curtains might not fit exactly. Has it been others experience that the kits do not tend to fit exactly? I note that if I get everything looking good, I have a gap between the windshield and the front curtain.
Bruce Cunha

Try
bobmccluskey.com/Weather%20Equipment.shtml

It's what I used when doing a mates early Mark 2

Ray TF2884
Ray Lee

Ray: That website is a great find.
Christopher Couper

Ray. That web page answers a number of questions. It also does appear that the rear window I have is a 3 bow. My frame does not come anywhere close to the lines in the pictures of that window.
Bruce Cunha

another helpful link

http://www.ttalk.info/Curtains/index.html

I can't find a way to transfer a link in Chromebook, must be an age thing
Ray TF 2884

PS just checked the post and it did it all by itself.

I am changing my email to Dinosaur@large.com ;-}
Ray Lee

Anyone have a set of original side screens?

In Bob McCluskey's web page (bobmccluskey.com/Weather%20Equipment.shtml) he talks about the cut edge of the material at the edge of the frame and at the edge of the trim.

Bob brings up that he does no like the cut look and folded his edge under, sewing it where you cannot see the seam.

I tried the folded edge and found that with the folded material, the screws are not long enough to catch the nut. (The new screws that came with the kit).

Can anyone verify if the factory screens had a cut edge or a folded edge.

I also found that the nuts are large to the point you cannot turn the nuts on the bottom and side of the frame where the angle is. The flat of the nut butts up against the angle on the frame. My take is the original nuts must have been slightly smaller.

I will modify the nuts to the next smaller BA size.


Bruce Cunha

I found the same problem with the new screws.
I cut lengths of tie wrap and slid them between the tee heads and the chrome. This held them hard against the chrome edge allowing me to start the nuts, the material then compressed OK.
On others I have used a hook blade in a box cutter which gives a good clean edge. Any stray threads can be sorted with PVA.
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

"Can anyone verify if the factory screens had a cut edge or a folded edge."

They were folded on the outside, but at the time of manufacture, at least at the corners, but probably the entire screen.




Christopher Couper

It is very difficult to fold the stayfast material to where it is a smooth fold. I tried different approaches and ended up doing a smooth cut that is hidden by the trim and under the edge of the frame.

I am happy with the results.




Bruce Cunha

Bruce: You are doing a great job. Its too bade that the modern curtains are not made like the factory ones with the folded material under the strips and frames like the original ones. You should not have to cut out the material and leave a ragged edge. Oh well. Since nobody knew how the originals were made, it's hard to expect anyone to complain.
Christopher Couper

Thought I would give an update.

I got the right side done. I am ok with the results.

Here is my input on side curtain kits. This is a kit I bought from a UK supplier. I can't say it is the same as the US suppliers, but from input, it appears all kits have similar issues.

The curtains come with material covering the entire curtain. You have to fit the curtain to your individual car. The kits have much wider clear plastic under the material than the originals.

On the original, the inner sewn seam is just about exactly in line with the holes in the frame. In the kits, you cannot use the seams to guide you. You have to fit it to the frame with the frame in the car and the top on.

You then have to mark the curtain through the holes in the frame on the car.

The front edge of the front screens do not align with the edge of the windshield. I had to resew the edge so it fit against the windshield frame

The nuts in this kit are just a bit to large for the two angled sides of the front frames. You cannot turn the nut as it is right against the angle. I had to file the sides of the nuts that go on the angled edges so I could turn the nut to tighten the molding.

It is possible to get a reasonable fit, but expect to spend a lot of time fitting. You most likely will also need to do some sewing to get it to look ok.



Bruce Cunha

This thread was discussed between 03/05/2023 and 14/05/2023

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