Fitting Guide • MGB
How to Install an MGB Convertible Top
A practical step-by-step guide to removing your old top, installing the new one, and caring for it.
Precaution
Dry-fit first: Before fitting the soft top, make sure it is the correct item for your car. Insert the rear bar and loosely trial-fit over the frame before making any marks. Tops that have been marked usually cannot be exchanged.
Fit warm: We strongly recommend fitting the soft top in a warm environment so the material is supple. A cold top will feel very tight and is harder to install neatly.
Don’t trap the rear quarters: Take care when working on the front header rail. The rear quarters of the soft top can become trapped in the frame and tear.
Removing the Existing Soft Top
1
Unclip & fold back: Release all fixing points and fold the soft top rearward.
2
Remove header-rail seal: Pull out the rubber seal from the header rail, then drill out the retaining rivets.
Fitting the New Soft Top
Work through these steps carefully for a neat, weather-tight result.
1
Rear bar: Move the rear retaining bar from the old top to the new soft top.
2
Attach rear: Erect the frame and clip the soft top into position at the rear. Roll the draught excluder inward (cockpit-side) before pushing the snaps over the pegs.
3
Position the front (no tension): With the frame unclamped from the windscreen and slightly folded back, position the top without tension. Refit the two self-tapping screws (with cup washers) through the soft-top tabs at the front corners. Ensure correct location around the blocks.
4
Anchor corners: Wrap the front fabric around the header rail and install the alloy retaining channel using only the first rivet on each side. Do not pull the gutter too far forward when wrapping.
5
Close the frame: With the corners fixed, close the frame and leave the excess fabric draped over the windscreen.
6
Glue the front: Apply a good contact adhesive to the front fabric and header rail. Pull the fabric taut over the frame and bond.
7
Rivet & seal: Fit the remaining rivets along the alloy channel and refit the rubber seal. Carefully trim any excess fabric with a sharp craft knife.
8
Rear frame bow (where applicable): If you have a folding frame: Wrap the rear strap around the rear bow. Packaway frames do not require this.
Folding & Care
Always unclip the rear before folding: (As per the owners handbook) Pull the fabric clear of the frame, then fold the fabric over the top of the frame and protect with the cover.
Protect the windows: Frost makes plastic brittle — never fold or touch the rear windows when frozen. Incorrect folding can tear the fabric and scratch or crack the windows.
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