Hard Top Headaches

[S67SOK]

I collected my latest ebay purchase yesterday, a fairly nice Hard top, black with grey headlining.

It wouldnt go into the very capacious rear end of my Skoda Superb so it had to go on the roof rack for its 250 trek home.

When unloaded in the very strong rain last evening I noticed to previously taught headlining in the centre section had gone all floppy and when in place on the car it sags. I think as a result of being whizzed along at 70 ish and probably ingesting rain ( though it was the right way up so to speak).

Has anyone had to deal with a saggy headlining, any views on the best way to re tension please?

Also - is there likely to be wiring buried away somewhere in my 2000 my 'F' to suit the heated rear screen, I will have to buy a switch and I guess a relay but if the basic wiring is there thats not an issue - otherwise I may not bother !

[Dingbat]

Hi, there.

The latest issue of FasTForward gives a good "how to" on replacing the hard top lining - well done Nigel and Jo.

The connector for the Heated Rear Window is buried under the rear shelf carpet on the passenger side. All the wiring is (or should be) there and, you're right, you just need a switch and relay.

HTH

Brian

[Rob Bell]

Anyone know where to get headlining that matches the original material? I thought Nigel and Jo's instructions were excellent, but the material they used was a few shades darker than the original. Also, I'd like to trim the B-pillars - they're in nasty black shiney grained plastic as standard - not hugely attractive, but there again, not usually that noticeable.

[S67SOK]

Thanks Brian - ill have a furk about !

[Tipper]

I investigated the correct fabric but couldn't find anything at a good price and was concerned that the adhesive used may stain through. In the end I relined mine with black leather look vinyl. Looks good to me. Easy job too if you don't mind Evostik fumes!

[Softly~Softly]

I investigated the correct fabric but couldn't find anything at a good price and was concerned that the adhesive used may stain through. In the end I relined mine with black leather look vinyl. Looks good to me. Easy job too if you don't mind Evostik fumes!

Have you got any photos please ?

[Rob Bell]

Leather look vinyl's a good idea. Might see whether I can get some pale grey. Where did you get yours? Sometimes see this stuff at car shows...?

[Malcbox]

Something like this, maybe?

I work in aircraft interior refurbishment and we use a product from e-Leather. Natch, being aircraft standard you can add a couple of zeros to the price, but we occasionally swip end of line partial rolls; I might be able to salvage a few meters.

On the downside, the most popular interior trim of a commercial airliner is a shade of blue......

[nigelandjo]

We bought the black as the trader at the NEC Classic Car Show didn't have any grey with them, but they did say that they had grey, so it is available. You just need to track it down... As our interior is black the black matches the rest of the interior.

[Rob Bell]

Something like this, maybe?

I work in aircraft interior refurbishment and we use a product from e-Leather. Natch, being aircraft standard you can add a couple of zeros to the price, but we occasionally swip end of line partial rolls; I might be able to salvage a few meters.

On the downside, the most popular interior trim of a commercial airliner is a shade of blue......

That link is very interesting - there's a navy blue there that could be perfect for re-trimming the seat centres on our Royal Blue coloured ZTT!

I'll contact them and see whether I can get some colour samples

Back to the head lining - if you do ever get some light grey in Malc, then yes, I'd definitely be interested!

We bought the black as the trader at the NEC Classic Car Show didn't have any grey with them, but they did say that they had grey, so it is available. You just need to track it down... As our interior is black the black matches the rest of the interior.

I'll check out the stands at MG Live and see what's available

[Malcbox]

Glad I could help; there's plenty more suppliers out there - Google "Leather Cloth" for a bigger choice.

The only colour we have scheduled to go is a rather milky silver grey; PM me if you want a swatch in an envelope.

And just so it's clear, the typo in the OM is SKIP end of line rolls, not swipe end of line rolls - wouldn't want to give the impression that there was anything illegal going on

[GazMG]

The Range, if you have any of those stores locally guys, does some great leatherette/vinyl stuff at very sensible prices.

[MGBev]

Hi, there.

The latest issue of FasTForward gives a good "how to" on replacing the hard top lining - well done Nigel and Jo.

The connector for the Heated Rear Window is buried under the rear shelf carpet on the passenger side. All the wiring is (or should be) there and, you're right, you just need a switch and relay.

HTH

Brian

Hi Brian
can you get back copies of FasTForward? Not subscribed as yet. My lining has come down a little near one of the catches. It was in the garage hanging up about a fortnight when we had that heatwave earlier in the year. I don't know to the garage roof leaking and it doesn't look like it's had water on it elsewhere, but there is a mark where the lining has come away from the roof. Does that make sense?
cheers
Bev

[Rich in Vancouver]

I recently got a hard top from Japan and it came with a nasty shiny black headliner.
Fitting a grey replacement is on my list of things to do before winter.

[Dingbat]

Hi, Bev.

The headlining article is in the last edition, so you should be able to get a copy.

Try this link:

http://www.mgfregister.org/fastforward/current

You really should subscribe - it's money well spent!

HTH

Brian

[Dingbat]

Just noticed that this link SAYS current issue, but actually illustrates the spring 2011 issue.

Not sure what's going on there.

Brian

[MGBev]

Thanks Brian - will take a look

[Dieter K]

Hi, Bev.

The headlining article is in the last edition, so you should be able to get a copy.

Try this link:

http://www.mgfregister.org/fastforward/current

You really should subscribe - it's money well spent!

HTH

Brian

Current means in this case: Current available on the internet for none subscribers as an appetizer
Would be silly if the MGF Register would spread the stuff FOC on the internet while fellow subscribers like me pay for, isn't ist ?

Come on, get in and share your experiance with us
http://www.mgfregister.org/shop/40-fast ... ption.html

[cath's mg]

Hope this reply is not to late.
We have just relined our hard top and managed to get the Headlining from a local friendly scrap yard ( yep thats right friendly).
Only cost a fiver . Just need to make sure you find a donor car with a big enough roof.
We used Homebase carpet tile spray adhesive which didnt seep through at all, and stuck like s**t to a blanket.

Gary & cath

[S67SOK]

Interesting Idea and thanks.

My plan though now is to putchase some cream material to match door cards and seats ( from a Mk1) and 'do' the whole of the headlining and side pillars. I think that will make it lighter and more 'together'.

all the best jeremy