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MG MGA - Hard top rear seal

Has anyone details of the rear seal that attaches to the bottom of the hard top? I always thought that there would be a flap portion of the seal that sat flat on the body, pointing to the rear of the car. I have bought a new seal from MacGregors, but cannot see how this works or attaches to the top. From some photos on Barneys site, it appears as if the seal sits completely under the top, and does not protrude to the rear. Any photos/advice please.
Gary Lock

Gary,

The first thing that you need to do is determine what type of hardtop that you have. There are two types of factory hardtops, the original aluminium type and the later fibreglass type. Then there are many aftermarket types.
Do you have the Service Parts List showing the two factory types?
Are you are member of the MGA Hardtop website group?

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/mgahardtop/



Mick
Mick Anderson

Sorry, I should have mentioned, its a Universal (thats the brand I think) fibreglass type, commonly used in Australia during the MGA era.
Gary Lock

Gary,

I have attached an image of the seal on a Universal Laminations hardtop. Note that this hardtop is not fitted to a car, but is sitting on a flat surface (ignore the gaps).

Mick


Mick Anderson

Gary,

Genuine Universal Laminations hardtops should have a serial number at the inside centre front (see image).
Does yours have one?

Mick


Mick Anderson

Mick, despite being told it was a "Universal", from the photos it certainly isn't. All I know that it was with the car in 1962, so may have been one of the Australian versions..it is lined, but has a polished white exterior surface. The shape is exactly the same as the factory originals. I'll try and get a photo to show in due course.
Gary Lock

Gary,

I have attached an image of an Australian made fibreglass hardtop on a Twin Cam that I owned. It had a polished top surface, with no vinyl outer covering. The rear seal extended out from the rear edge.

Mick


Mick Anderson

Hi Gary

The original seal is a flat strip that is secured under an aluminium bead. The bead is screwed to the fibreglass top , the screws going through the rubber. It's a very unsatisfactory seal, hard to get to fit, and wrinkles in the tighter corners.

A far better seal is the MGB rear seal. It mounts to the top in teh same way, but it has a lip and seals far better. It's also much easier to fit, and looks better when the top is on. I'd recommend that as the way to go.

If you want pictures, drop me a mail.

Dominic


dominic clancy

Does anyone know who made this top? I bought it used in Kentucky about 1969 ($25.00!) It is fiberglass, black gel coat, is not upholstered but has a sprayed on (disintegrating) foam liner. Note the not functional top center exhaust vent and high front edge. There are screws that clamp to the inside of the windshield and .125" wire hold downs that hook to the soft top upper hinges. Very snug in winter. Sorry about the lurid colors, the picture is pretty old.
Russ


Russ Carnes

This thread was discussed between 14/07/2008 and 17/07/2008

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