MGB: Installing a Robins Top?

Right now my frame is off the car. I was wondering if it would be better to attach at the header rail and glue the back bar before putting the frame back on the car. Anyone done it this way? Or does the frame need to be on the car from the beginning?

From the several tops I've done, you want to install with the header rail and frame on the car. That way, you can stretch the precise amount you need, as you will invariably have material you will need to cut before you re-install the top header rail gasket.

Thanks Chris, I guess that was a pretty dumb question. I appreciate your reply.

Mick

I will send you a PM with installation instructions

I no longer have my B (looking for another one), but I've done 3 of them. Not an expert, but know enough to be dangerous. Replacing the top is not really a hard process if you take your time and use the analogy of measure twice, cut once! Not sure if the Robbins tops have the snaps already installed, if so, make sure you are aligned to a center reference on the windshield and the rest is pretty straightforward....

Good luck!

Chris

Thanks guys. Appreciate it.

Put a Robbins pack away top on my 77. Installation was easy and it looks great.

good luck

Glenn

Most definitely install it with the frame in place on the car. Done two of them myself. Not a problem, but you need the rear bar, lift-a-dots and teardrops securely in place to know where the fabric is going to fit at the top of the windscreen. An make sure the centre bar is in position and not flopped down.

Do not install the top on a really hot day because as you stretch the top just prior to glueing ,..(in order to get it looking good) you may find that ( now that it was installed on a hot day) the top is now a bear to erect and attach the snaps on a cold day - the top has cooled off and contracted just enough to make you have to work hard when it comes time to put the time up when temps have dropped

Amen to the last! I did mine on a warm day and got it "drum" tight... only to have the itty bitty holes for the screws become tears once it got chilly overnight (but "boy" was it tight!). As a further caution... I am pretty certain the window tore out early due to being overtight.