MG MGB and MGB GT Tech Talk
Is is worth upgrading the MGB folding top to a more modern style design? One that you can just unlatch and fold back with out having to go through the process of unhooking everything? Also one that has a rain seal underneath across the back so I could do away with the snaps to give the car a more cleaner look. I am looking for any input on the subject.
Thanks,
Tim
That would certainly be a one-off. I've never seen one commercially available.
The MGB is a vintage sportscar......
Here's what you should do;
figure out how to do it, make up a really nice one (black is ok), then give it to me for field testing! :thumbsup:
RS
I will field test one in the high desert environment:beer:
my BMW vert has a top like you describe...But I think it would destroy the charm of the B...
I will let you know when my R&D guys get finished with the prototype.
Tim
The RV8 had such a top, but it was not cheap. I believe it is available from the MGOC in England, but I won't even guess at the price. RAY
I've got one exactly like you describe....and it also seals against the top of the window glass with rubber seals instead relying on the flaps inside the window.
Oops.....sorry.....that one is on the Miata, not the MG :)
Is is worth upgrading the MGB folding top to a more modern style design? Not in my opinion. I think their are few that would pay, as most of us put the top up only when we have to, a few times a year. Putting up the tent, so to speak, is part of the experience.
Don't see how it could be done. But frankly, as one who drives his car every day and lives in a climate that changes if you wait a minute, I would love to have a top that I could flip down on a whim or could just reach back and pull up when it gets a little hot or rain drops suddenly happen.
Great idea.
We here in Upper Oblivion, have rain sporadically and it sure would be nice to have an easy flip 'down & up' top. Especially when your B is a daily driver.
A few guys and myself have looked into this with the idea of retro-fitting a kit to any MGB tourer body.
A real challenge but some say it is do-able.Stay tuned.
I've seen this idea come up a number of times over the past decade but no one has moved beyond the dreaming stage. For those who live in wet climates or prefer the top up on a regular basis, it would be a real treat. My fear is that the cost of such a project would be high, and the product therefore difficult to sell. I'd love to see someone pull it off though.
I had a top made with no corner windows, like the RV8.
I just unclip the two main snaps and throw it back. When it starts to rain I just reach behind me, pull if forward and clip the two snaps. Takes no more than 10 seconds either way. I don't bother with the 4 tab snaps, they don't seem to make a difference. I've even managed to put it up while crossing the west gate bridge (where you can't stop) in peak hour traffic at about 30MPH. The folding frame is the one that came with the car, a 1975. They will fit on earlier cars.
It's the corner windows that are the problem. It makes it hard to get the roof down and if you crease them they last about a month. No modern convertable has those corner windows, so neither do I! I don't miss them at all. Infact I prefer the look without them.
Prestige (amoungst others) do a very nice roof. Just ask for a RV8 style top for an MGB in the material of your choice. No need to get the super expensive insulated/lined top.
I'd advise getting the zip down/out rear window though. Really nice on baking hot summer days. You get the cool breeze without the sun.
The RV8 top will not fit a MGB. While the body is very similar the RV8 uses a windshield that is taller than the B. It may be possible to retro the RV8 top but it would not be easy. For my 67 I got a newer frame and a top with a zip out rear window. Here in sunny Seattle, it several weeks of good weather and the rest of the time the top is up.
Back in the day, this is exactly how I treated the top on my '71. Just flip it back, and if you want the top up reach back and pull it in place. I did end up having new quarter-light windows sewn in a couple of times, though.... :(
The RV8 style is an interesting idea. Plus, the zip-down rear window won't undergo as much folding stress as the sewn-in (glued-in?) kind.
It would certainly be a fairly simple task to modify the B top so it would work the way described here. I probably could do it easily, but haven't done it. I simply do the following:
I dont snap in the front snaps alongside the windscreen, nor do I hook the side windows.I also dont fasten the lift a dot fasteners.
I did put a snap at the bottom of the side window triangle. I do not glue the 'floater bow' to the top. When I put the top down it's quick and easy. Once in a while the side snaps pop open and the side windows flap in the breeze, but it isnt a real problem. f it were, I'd just put one of the twist lock fasteners there, and put a grommet in the top where I put the snap.
http://www.prestigeautotrim.com/uk/mg_home.htm
There's a red top half way down the page
I wouln't go with the glass window cause you can't zip it down/out. I'd get one if you could. I'll never go back to a sewn in rear window.
MGB 1971-80 WITH RV8 STYLE SINGLE REAR ZIP WINDOW
http://www.prestigeautotrim.com/uk/hoods/mgb_cabriolet.htm
near the bottom of the page
