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MG TD TF 1500 - TF Hood questions.

The next order of business will be to order and install the hood and side screens. Just like other items that we buy to replace and install on our cars, fit and finish, quality of workmanship, and color originality may vary from vendor to vendor. I'm sure this may apply to hood tops as well.

I'd just like this to be an open forum to share your thoughts and recommendations of vendors you experienced with.

I know the final result for a nice tight fitting hood will depend on the installation itself, but what ever you folks can share would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

Frank

TF1414

Frank Cronin

Frank, as you know, the original tops were a tan with a pink hue and a small rear plastic window, the window yellowed fairly quickly. There is some debate on how the top was fastened at the rear. Some say it was tacked in, as it was on the TC and the TD. There is strong evidence to show the top was held in the back with Phillips screws and trim washers. I am a fan of fastening the top with snaps at the rear. They look the part, but add a layer of convience.
I have found the best quality of material and workmanship to be with Robbins tops. They are not correct for a concourse restoration, but short of a well preserved factory top, I don’t know what is available for a concourse restoration. Shop around, prices vary considerably. I have bought my last few Robbins tops from tops online.
With installation it is crucial to have the top frame positioned correctly. I place the top over the frame and let it sit in the sun for a few hours. I cut a small V in the center of the front of the top, and place a small mark on the center of the windshield. I center the rear, and tack it in placee with tacks, starting from the center and working out. I leave the tacks loose, so they can be repositioned. Take time when covering the header bow. The windshield flap needs to be correctly spaced against the windshield for a watertight seal. Now the tricky part. The top needs to be stretched tight, so there are no wrinkles. The side of the top needs to seal correctly against the top of the side screens. Take your time, there are many tinny adjustments and tweaks to make everything line up correctly. Often I will stretch the top, tack it in place, and leave it for a few days.
When everything is lined up, the rear can be fastened, and the top can be stapled. I fold the front so the staples go through two layers of top. Once this is done, the finishing strip can be installed on the front.
D. Sander

I used Don Trimming Co over here in the UK, see donhoods.com. A long established supplier that makes hoods/tops, tonneau and sidescreen covers in a range of materials and colours. Mine were excellent quality and generous enough for a good fit. Order everything at once to make sure the colours match perfectly.
Dave H
Dave Hill

X2 on Don Trimming Co. Excellent quality materials and workmanship.

Dave
DLH Hodson

Can't comment on the actual installation Frank except to say ensure that the stitching on the side curtain windows actually matches the frames. On the Moss curtains I purchased only one was perfectly positioned. The ideal is to ensure that when installed the frames are level and at the same height. This is driven to a large extent by the position of the window stitching, which on completion should be covered both by the frame and the chrome trim piece on the exterior.

Also don't fit the interior trim to the doors and rear quarter panels until you're happy with the position of the frames. Use scrap ply the same thickness of the trim panels and keep repositioning the attachment points until you're happy. Then transfer these locations. I believe this will produce a better result than if you were to follow recommended measurements.

On originality I'm not aware of any maker who treats the edges correctly, although they may exist. Most seem to stitch a "capping" piece all the way around. The correct method is to fold both pieces of material in and stitch along the edge. I saw a video made by Collingburn a while back and was disappointed with the quality. I understand that Collingburn senior had retired and his son had taken over. There is another maker in the States whose video blurb states they are completely original, but who use the capping method for the edges.

Obviously the best method is to use an existing original top and curtains as a template and have it made to measure, ensuring a perfect fit to your curtain frames. Although not original tan Stayfast seems to be the most recommended material. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Frank,

I do favour using tan Stayfast from a roll and then getting a reputable
Upholsterer cutting out carefully and fitting up.

Be warned that many kits ex UK currently have a dreadful 'orangey' coloured material which does not look right on our cars.

When fitting up your metal hood frame, stand behind the car to check for horizontal. Adjust for level if necessary.

One of the more common mistakes is to use the windscreen frame to tension/tighten the hood material. The tension should be put on simply when the hood frame is extended forward within itself ! You should be able to drop the front wood hood bow onto the windscreen 'pegs' with one hand with virtually no force. If there is too much tension on the windscreen, the leading edge of the sidescreen cloth will invariably go past the windscreen frame. Not a good look.

I suspect early TFs had the rear hood window size as 22" x 6". Perhaps
later TFs had the larger 26"x7" ? I can't find any Factory evidence for the window size however someone may have an old,original hood in their attic
to check on the size ! What size were TD windows ? 22"x 6" ?

You are keen on originality so 'snaps' and an over large rear hood window may not be in your gambit.

Cheers
Rob Grantham
TF3719("Aramis"),TF9177("Athos").
Rob Grantham

Frank check the other current thread "Why snaps on the tack strip, back of top". This has a couple of good suggestions from LaVerne. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

I think this is a good representation of the colour of the cover on my TF (Mohair from Don).
Dave H

Dave Hill

This thread was discussed between 02/04/2019 and 04/04/2019

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