Fitting the hardtop

[lachiedamn]

Hello there, I have recently purchased a hardtop for the car, however I have not yet tried to fit it as it 147 miles away. Am I right in thinking that I fit it over the rolled down soft top? Is there an idiots guide to doing it anywhere? Thanks in anticipation. Lachie.

[Reckless Rat]

Quick answer is yes it will. Unzip the rear screen and leave it flat before folding back the hood. Be careful this weather - in the cold there's a risk of cracking the rear screen.

There are four clasps - two on the windscreen header rail (same as the soft top) and two on either side which clip onto the base of the hood frame (there are couple of upturned 'U' brackets at the base of the frame) - that's it.

Mind you, you'd be best having someone to give you a hand just in case you drop it - it's heavy.

[Geoff.F]

Behind the passengers seat on the engine cover, there is an electrical cable and connector for the rear window heater. Recover this before folding the roof down.
You may or maynot have the required switch and relay fitted. These parts are dependant on the year model of your car.
Geoff F.

[Malcbox]

As this is a first fit to the car, I would lower the windows before fitting and when done, raise them with doors open (or just open the doors if you have the space!). Gently push the door to and you can ensure that the glass fit to the seals is good. There is some scope for adjustment on all the catches and it may save you chipping the paint of the hardtop if the window glass fouls against it. In my case the window stop was broken but this was not apparent (to me) that the glass was raising too high with the softtop on - you can guess the rest

It is also best if the car is standing on level ground when fitting and making any adjustments to the catches,

[lachiedamn]

Many thanks for the replies, much appreciated.

Lachie.

[Stan_B]

Its pretty obnious when you look at it but you get it in place, adjust the stops at the back so the over centre catch clips nicely, then finally you clip the windscreen catches with the back loose, the top slides along the runners to accomodate this end then you clip the back. Its a lot easier than it sounds.
It is a 2 person job.

[alanrt]

Can't add anything to the above except make sure the heated rear windows wires don't snag on the folded soft top frame as mine did. Has anybody ever managed to reattach an hrw cconnector to the rear window glass?

[*missy*]

jut to add to this, i have recently fitted a hard top to my mgf....has anybody had problems with leaks when it rains?

[Mykel]

Hi sheniene,

if the hardtop is from another car or hasn't been used for quite a while, the latches may need readjustment.

hth
Mykel

[*missy*]

i have tried re adjusting the latches once and havent had any luck so far, could they be too tight?