Hi all, I am preparing a vvc for Trackdays. I have a hardtop to fit, but that clamps down onto the hood. I was going to remove the hood to save weight, but then the hardtop cannot clamp down.
How do the Competition boys fit their hardtops? Or is it a complete re-work and bolt to the roll cage?
Hardtop for the track
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Not many rules really, this board being aimed at technical issues, it shouldn't fall foul (hopefully) of some of the more personal issues that can affect forums.
Rule 1 - Is that you need to think very carefully before posting anything technical or asking anything technical relating to the security system of the car - See 'Security Issues' sticky for more info.
Rule 2 - We (MGF Register) do not support copyright infringement and therefore references to CD ROM, PDF versions or paper copies of the workshop manual (for instance) should not be posted on the forum. We don't want to get into trouble and we'd rather sell you a genuine hard copy through our Regalia shop anyway!
Because advice is honestly and freely given in this technical section, much of it will be amateur experienced based, so any information is given in good faith and is not guaranteed as correct.
Not many rules really, this board being aimed at technical issues, it shouldn't fall foul (hopefully) of some of the more personal issues that can affect forums.
Rule 1 - Is that you need to think very carefully before posting anything technical or asking anything technical relating to the security system of the car - See 'Security Issues' sticky for more info.
Rule 2 - We (MGF Register) do not support copyright infringement and therefore references to CD ROM, PDF versions or paper copies of the workshop manual (for instance) should not be posted on the forum. We don't want to get into trouble and we'd rather sell you a genuine hard copy through our Regalia shop anyway!
Because advice is honestly and freely given in this technical section, much of it will be amateur experienced based, so any information is given in good faith and is not guaranteed as correct.
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yimpkinwoody
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nigelandjo
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Re: Hardtop for the track
The catches by the head rests will bolt back in once you've removed the soft top.
Nigel May
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Somerset & Dorset Regional Rep, Membership Secretary, Registrar & Archivist
Email: somerset.dorset@mgfregister.org members@mgfregister.org
MGCC Members register here: https://mgfregister.org/?page_id=319
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yimpkinwoody
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Re: Hardtop for the track
Yes, I realise that, but the hardtop rests on the folded down hood. Is it a case of fitting a rubber seal or similar to the lower rear edge of the hardtop and adjusting the catches acordingly?
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mgtfnut
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Re: Hardtop for the track
Very early cars did have hard tops that rested on the hood, but most Fs and certainly TFs use the catches which are attached with the hood fixing bolts.
It sounds like you have the bodywork catches, in which case just remove the hood, replace the catches and fit the hardtop. The hardtop is designed to rest entirely on these "catches" to overcome the original simplified fitment and avoid the rear edge of the hardtop touching the body paintwork. A little fettling will get a goodish fit, try Rimmer's MG-R exploded diagrams to get a better idea. Seals and some fittings are NLA! This is for road going cars.
Possibly ask Rob Bell, as I believe he has hardtops on his competition F for some time now.
It sounds like you have the bodywork catches, in which case just remove the hood, replace the catches and fit the hardtop. The hardtop is designed to rest entirely on these "catches" to overcome the original simplified fitment and avoid the rear edge of the hardtop touching the body paintwork. A little fettling will get a goodish fit, try Rimmer's MG-R exploded diagrams to get a better idea. Seals and some fittings are NLA! This is for road going cars.
Possibly ask Rob Bell, as I believe he has hardtops on his competition F for some time now.
Jerry
MG TF 135 - 100k
Suzuki SJ 413 - 309k
Skoda Yeti SE 110 4x4 - 131k
MG TF 135 - 100k
Suzuki SJ 413 - 309k
Skoda Yeti SE 110 4x4 - 131k
Re: Hardtop for the track
I removed my soft-top, Then bought a scrap frame and mounted the rear rail only for the hardtop to sit on. The clamps hold it down on the rail.
Geoff.F
Geoff.F
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Rob Bell
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Re: Hardtop for the track
Pretty much as you say Jerry. I have a competition hard top from Honeybourne Mouldings, which is a little different, but essentially bolts/ hooks to the standard fitting points with the soft top removed.