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MG MGF Technical - Wierd world of bolts

The bolt which secures the softtop frame to the car is marked M AA 8.8. It is slightly tapered and fits into the threaded softtop frame with no complentary rear nut to secure.

A 10mm nut can fit over the end of the bolt but will only turn so far. I assume these bolts are designed such that they do not need a nut for their main function.

I want to remove the softtop frame but still secure the hardtop bracket to the car(for hardtop fitting).

Has anyone done this by ditching the M AA 8.8 bolt and instead fit a 10mm standard bolt and nut combination? (By doing this a spacer will ot be required)

Would appreciate advise on these M bolts
GJ

Someone did figure out that you can remove the softop and leave the brackets in place. I seem to recall it's quite easy.

Can't remember who or when, but it'll be there in the archives somewhere :-)

Neil.
Neil

8.8 is only the load index for bolts.

Rob Bells www.mgf.ultimatemg.com and also Paul Lathwells site has related documents.
Dead easy job so far.

When you attach the HT to the ST-less car, then take care the HT doesn't scratch the body at the rear section !!

Why do you want to remove the ST ?
I never did in the last 4 years. Unzip the rear screen, fold down and put on the HT.
:o)

Dieter
Dieter K.

Forgive my initial question. I was talking crap. The softtop frame is now removed and a new 10mm nut/bolt easily fixes the hardtop bracket to the body. A simple and quick job (1997 vvc)

I removed the softtop frame because the weight, in combination with the hardtop weight, in my view would be excessive over a full winter.

Someone a little while back was asking how he could reduce the weight of his F in order to get toward Elise performance. Well, ditching the heavy softtop frame is a good start.

If you have replaced your softtop with a hardtop then don't forget to carry plastic sheeting and crocodile clips. Breakdown--raining-- need I say more !!!!!!
GJ

Also thinking about removing my soft-top until next summer, (probably July in this country.)

I am removing it for a number of reasons:

1. Don't have anywhere to store hardtop until next summer, so occasional removal is not possible.
2. Would like to get use of parcel shelf.
3. I am actually enjoying driving the car with the hardtop.

So all i need is a two 10mm nuts then?

Any advice on how to stop it scratch paint work? s heet of thin rubber between hardtop and bodywork, trimmed to fit perhaps?

paul weatherill

Off topic but: I'd be careful about using the 'parcel' shelf unless you have a windstop. Reason being that if you brake hard (or god forbid hit anything), items on the parcel shelf will become effective projectiles.

Hugh
Hugh

hehe good point hugh.

I only use it for soft items like coats.

learnt that mistake when i put a pc on parcel shelf, and it smacked me on the back of the head ;-)

paul weatherill

Having the seat head restraints correctly adjusted would offer some protection from items coming off the 'parcel' shelf and they would also help in the case of a shunt!

It never fails to surprise me how many people do not have these adjusted as they should be - and a rule of thumb is:- the centre (vertically) of the restraint cushion should be in line with your ears. If the cushions are at their lowest position and you are tall or sit high in the seat then in a shunt not only will they not provide the maximum protection against whiplash they may in fact agrivate it by making a nice fulcrum for your neck to snap on!

Ted
Ted Newman

Ted that is a scary thought...
:-(

I can imagine it... and almost feel the pain.
Hanah Kim

MoD says:
hard braking is the easiest way to check the power of a flying laptop in a car. I suggest to roll the car to see what flight route it will take then. You'd wonder where all the loose parts in a car may go while rolling. ;)

Anyway, the head rests can be nicely fixed to the right height by adding distance pieces made from 15mm chrome plated steel pipe to the cheap looking mechanism.
http://www.mgfcar.de/mods/dcp_2157_a.jpg
Availiable at any plumber who sells bathroom boiler equipment.
Dieter K.

Paul,
Buy a two 10mm nut and bolt pack from Halfords (about £1.10). Get the ones length 3cm. (Put the existing softtop bolts to one side)Can only vouch for a 1997 car with 1997 factory hardtop. Take off the T BAR and its then easy to see how it would work.The 1997 hardtops will ot scratch the paintwork. Lots in the archives. Do your research
GJ

Thanks for info GJ.

(you psychic?, i have a 97 car, with a 97 Hardtop.)
paul weatherill

This thread was discussed between 11/10/2002 and 17/10/2002

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