Journal: David Shelly's Journal

My '64 MGB arrived with an unusual top frame. The mid-section behind the header rail had "scissors" the collapsed the frame for storage behind the seat.

I saw pictures of the MGB without the top in the cockpit and loved the clean look, so I decided to convert.

Purchasing a set of stowaway frames from a gentleman in Canada, I began assembling the necessary items and material.

Uneasy with the prospect of attempting installation without experience, I offered the task as a technical session with our MG Club D.C. Centre.

April 12, we gathered at my place Saturday morning for coffee & donuts and after introduction...got down to installing one standard soft top on a 1978 MGB and then my 1964 stowaway.

The lesson learned was make sure the top is centered with your windshield.

Assign one individual the sole task of standing at the front of the car and constantly verifying the center line while glueing the center 1/3 first, then the right 1/3 and the left. (We used 3M 08090 spray adhesive)

Otherwise, what can happen is as folks are tugging on either side and lift the top to align...the center may stray. In my case...about a half an inch.

The best way to double check your work is to eyeball the seams (that travel from front to back of the cockpit) to the metal seam on the top of the windshield.

Our rivot gun did not fit the aluminum channel, so we used a pair of electrical pliers to stretch the channel at rivot points, popped the rivots and then used a nail (minus the head) to roll the aluminum back into place.

Check the seams and center line before you cut the excess material.

Personally, I'm very grateful for the help, pleased with the session and happy with the final product.

We'll see how it stands up to 60 mph in the rain!