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MG MGA - MGA Fiberglass Hardtop Restoraton Advice

I have a MGA factory fiberglass hardtop that is in good shape on the outside and the window is fine, but it needs to be restored/redone on the inside (e.g., headliner, seals around the door openings, etc.).

Any suggestions on the best way to get the job accomplished? I live near Philadelpha PA, so if anyone has any suggestions for a company in this area that would take this job on, Id appreciate hearing that as well.

Many thanks to all.

Tom
Tom Going

Tom 30 years ago I used contact cement to attach black ribbed carpet to the underside of my hardtop and it is still in perfect order. I used the same carpet as the original floor material.
Looks great on a white car with the outside of the top covered in black vinyl.
I did the carpet myself but paid for the external vinyl work.
Barry.
Barry Gannon

Finally found the photos.
Barry

Barry Gannon

And the carpet interior (inverted). Also shows a sun visor from a Datsun, very handy.

Barry Gannon

Barry, that's not a factory hardtop - at least not like any of the ones I have ever seen. The headliner is tacked to the top using short nails and tabs along the seams. I used very short staples when restoring mine. For the seals I used some door seals from a breakers yard. Bob West does the windows. I also strongly suggest using the lower seal from a B hardtop rather than the flat strip that the A ones have. It's much more effective and much easier to find.

If the old headliner is still there, then you can use it as a template. It isn't hard to make and install yourself if you are patient. Otherwise use a coupe one as a starting point.

dominic clancy

Dominic, Definitely not a factory hardtop. It is locally made here in Australia many years ago. The telltale feature is the ribbed drip-line above the door.
It originally came with a soft foam liner, glued to the fibreglass, covered with vinyl. I think the carpet is a better option - certainly cheaper, but still effective.
Barry.
Barry Gannon

Thanks all for advice, and the pictures.

Tom
Tom Going

I restored two DynaPlstic hardtops when I lived back East. I used garage door weatherstripping from Home Depot to make the bottom seal, with 3M contact cement adhesive to attach it. You can put partial slits in the weatherstripping to make it curve around the back, anad the lip is angled perfectly for water runoff. You can trim the flat side if it is too wide. You can use turnbuckle hardware to replace the clamps. The end result looked very original.
Ira Spector (PA)

This thread was discussed between 08/11/2013 and 28/11/2013

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