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MG TD TF 1500 - Side curtain windows

On to the next issue regarding my canvas: The side curtains I have are in so-so shape. The canvas is salveagable, but it looks to me like I'll need to strip and repaint the metal frames; and the plastic windows are cracked. Can someone point to a good source for replacement plastic? Is this something we should cut ourselves, or does someone sell the plastic ready cut? I could see no plastic windows for sale on Moss as an individual item.
Thanks!
Geoffrey M Baker

What I'd like to do would be to remove the rivets that hold the window plate, repaint the metal plate, and reattach. Can someone tell me the correct rivet size/type etc to use?

Thanks!
Geoffrey M Baker

I can't tell you the correct rivet size but I just used a cheap rivet gun and rivets from ACE Hardware. Bought a box of various sizes and experimented first. Still holding 3 years later. I just drilled the old rivets out. I used old canvas and plastic. Not sure where you would get new?
Have fun,
Ed
efh Haskell

Our local hardware handles a clear plastic that worked well for a back window I made for my 'other' little car... came in two or three thicknesses and i think I used the heaviest....
Comes on a roll and they cut it by the foot.....



gblawson(gordon- TD27667)

moss was selling the rivets..not exactly like originals, but they do/did sell them 2 years ago. regards, tom
tm peterson

I'm thinking I might use a thin plexiglass instead of vinyl. Clearer, better looking, tougher, will last longer. The side curtains don't need to be flexible, after all. Has anybody done this?
Geoffrey M Baker

Geoff, there's an article about just that idea written up by a UK TD'er. Start in TTT2 #16 and follow the links. FYI, TTT2 is at http://ttypes.org/ttt2/ Bud
Bud Krueger

Geoff,

A word of caution. My side curtains were never restored when I purchased the TF from the PO. He did, however, put a new black Stayfast top on the car. The light coloured fabric of the side curtains was badly stained, but in excellent shape, and the plastic windows badly yellowed.

I removed everything from the frames, refinished same, and used exacto knives to cut the stitching that held the plastic windows in, and removed them.

I then coloured the fabric with black shoe stain, to match the top. Then I took the fabric sides to an awning/upholsterery shop and had them stitch in new plastic windows.

Because I didn't specify what plastic to use, they stitched in a hard/thin plastic that isn't flexible, or what is commonly used. It looked great, had no waves in it, and I thought it was the cat's meow.

Until I got the car up to speed with the side curtains installed. That hard plastic is just like a drum head skin, and on windy days or bumpy roads you can hardly keep from going deaf with the booming it makes.

Someday I will purchase new side curtains, but until then I'll live with what I have. I just won't go any distance with them, if I can help it.

Gene

G Burgess

Don't know if you're close to any marina in Arizona, if so, they should know of a canvas shop that can supply the window material.
David Werblow

I've been told that rivets are not in fact period for the car, but that small bolts were used. Does anybody know what size they were and where to get them?
Geoffrey M Baker

Bud, I found some info on solid polycarbonate sheets which would entirely replace the side curtains, but not about putting plexi into the existing side curtains... maybe I am missing something? thanks for the info though...
Geoffrey M Baker

No, Geoff, his approach is to use a solid sheet. Earlier you mentioned "I might use a thin plexiglass instead of vinyl". His is in the extreme, but he keeps them in place year 'round. Bud
Bud Krueger

Thanks, Bud. I don't think I'll go quite as extreme :)
Gene, I suspect that the reason yours is so noisy is that you used thinner hard plastic, which would act exactly like a drum, if it's thin enough. It's the fact that the plastic itself is flexing a little that makes the noise. That leans me to thinking that thicker (perhaps as thick as 1/8) plexiglass might be necessary to avoid that issue.
Geoffrey M Baker

I'm in the process of washing these carefully; overall I think they are salveagable. I'll probably redye them and treat them with Renovo. Amusingly, the drivers side has rivets while the passenger side has a mixture of bolts and different sized nuts. I think I'll replace with flathead bolts with acorn nuts on the inside, it will look better and not require drilling out when replacing in the future. I'm thinking I'll use 1/8 plexiglass, which is very rigid, and drill it out using the metal frame as a model; and then use a bead of silicone to keep the canvas held to the plexiglass (as I can't stitch through it!)
Geoffrey M Baker

Geoffrey: Don't know what size bolts you need but most good hobby shops have a great selection of small bolts and nuts often in brass which won't rust.
John Quilter (TD8986)

Geoff,

You're most likely correct on the drumming issue I have with my side curtains. On another thought, if you choose to go through and use machine screws and nuts to fasten the frames and all, be sure to grind the ends of the screws off flush with the nuts.

I didn't my first time using the car with the curtains in place, and I put a deep scratch in the sleeve of a good leather coat. My Bride was less than pleased with me.

Gene
G Burgess

Gene, I'll use acorn nuts... The ones with domed ends... Save our leather that way !
Geoffrey M Baker

This thread was discussed between 02/02/2014 and 06/02/2014

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