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MG MGB Technical - BGT Sunroof dilemma - update

To keep earlier helpers ( Paul,Gary,Barrie,Andy et al) informed,you might like to know that although I recently stated that I was ready to give the Webasto sunroof a go (via RS Coachbuilt in London),a couple of developments have me wavering : (1)Although they did send me a fitting instruction document (which is very hard to follow), RS have not since then shown much sign of wanting a customer;when I tried to ring them the other day, their rep. took the call while driving, and asked me to ring back next day. For 650 pounds plus, I would have rung the potential customer back asap. Still, we mustn't be churlish. (2)Following a lead from this thread, I contacted Sliding Ragtops in the States; by complete contrast, they have been in daily contact, have clear instructions on their website, and seem interested in having my business.
But here's the rub - Sliding Ragtops have New Old Stock Britax sunroofs to fit BGT, but only the shorter of two models - 27" front to rear I think. My concern about NOS from 1994, is whether the canvas/vinyl and stitching will have been weakened by the lapse of 15 years in a box. I have of course asked Rick at Sliding Ragtops for his opinion on this, but would be very interested in the opinion/experience of thread readers on this point. Thanks again. John.
J.P. Hall

"not since then shown much sign of wanting a customer"

Par for the course for so much British business these days it seems. I was interested in getting some balancing cones from the company that supplies balance machines to a lot of tyre fitters. No replies from the direct numbers, no call backs from messages left with reception, no response to emails.

When my son was about 14 he wrote to the local BMW dealership asking some question about the cars, and including his age. He got a professional reply, with the information, ignoring his age. He was very impressed, and now has two of them.
Paul Hunt 2010

John, I sort of warned you about RSC. Re the stitching etc., don't think you will have any problems...mine has been on the car (mainly in UK weather) for many years, and the only deteriation has been in the interior lining, which I have had replaced locally here on the Gold Coast.
Gary Lock

Hi Gary - you did indeed! It's a shame, 'cause I kinda wanted a Webasto, for old time's sake. Still, if it's to be a Britax, I don't think I'd be losing anything. Tell me this - do you know of a recommended measurement from windscreen trim to front of sunroof frame? Would you mind measuring your own car? - I'm aware that there will need to be room for the standard sunvisors to "open down" and move to the horizontal or above without fouling the wind-deflector which is a must with the Webasto/Britax. Your advice very much appreciated - and your comments about the new old stock. Let's see what happens next week when no doubt Sliding Ragtops will give me their opinion; I guess there would still be a warranty with the product. Regards, John Hall.
J.P. Hall

John, mine measures 8 and 1/4" from the edge of the windscreen rubber to the start of the weathershield trim...obviously the "aperture" will be back from this. I'm sure that the NOS will be perfect, except maybe for the foam backing, which is on the inside, and what I have just replaced....all foam tends to crumble after a few years.
Gary Lock

That's great Gary, thanks - I didn't know there was a foam backing, so I'll look out for that and check with Sliding Ragtops. FYI, see the Sliding Ragtops photo gallery at page 6 and 7 - clear evidence of their product fitted to BGTs. I'll let you know what transpires! Regards, John Hall.
J.P. Hall

Talk about a saga! - Sliding Ragtops only have white-coloured sunroofs;the suggestion is to use a black vinyl dye, but my motor trimmer is not keen on that idea because of the effect of harsh North Queensland sun. Back to the drawing board! More soon. John.
J.P. Hall

Well Gary, Paul et al : couldn't get any support up here (North Queensland) for the idea of buying a 15 year-old sunroof in white vinyl and painting it black! So it's back to R.S. in London, who will this week be despatching the newly-made article. Cost of sunroof: 650 Pounds; cost of freight : 120 pounds. In case it's of interest to other readers, I'll post the safe arrival and, hopefully, installation as it occurs. Regards, John Hall.
J.P. Hall

This thread was discussed between 10/04/2010 and 24/05/2010

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