1948 TC convertible top replacement

[bergxu]

Gents,

My TC is in need of a new top and so I’ve been gathering info on what I need as far as additional hardware, etc..and from what I gather, I need the 13 tack strip screws for the rear, new webbing, a new wood bow for the front header rail and the two bronze sockets in the header rail as well. My frame is in good shape so I think I’m ok in that department. Anything else I’m missing? I know the group favors tops from a couple vendors in England but I can buy Robbins tops at a discount through a trade contact and being that my car is a driver-level example, I don’t need concours perfection of every minute detail. I’ve used Robbins tops before, and in fact have one on my TR6 now for 10 years and it still looks fantastic.

Also have been looking around on the web for any replacement tutorials but can’t seem to find anything. I’m not averse to doing the top myself, I know it’s time consuming and fiddly as I did my TR6 myself, but a guide is always helpful, at least for a glance.

Thanks in advance!

Aaron

[JonnyP]

I found this fitting instruction from the resources section of this site useful: http://www.mg-tabc.org/library/ta_hood.htm It’s listed as a TA instruction, but they fit the same way. In terms of parts, you’ll also need two sets of Dura-dot fasteners where the front lower corners fit to the body when the top is in place and the set screws, special washers and rubber seals that attach the top to the bows. Also the rubber buffers and fixings that stop the side screens from rubbing on the frame if they aren’t already in place. FTFU sells all of this, including all of the fixings in kits to make it easy. I used them and found the quality to be excellent.

[stephen stierman]

Are you doing the side curtains also? Half of the job of top replacement is getting the top and curtains to line up nicely when everything is installed.

[bergxu]

Jonny/Stephen,

Thanks for the FTFU tip. I’ll check with them for the fittings. Also, appreciate the link to the top procedure, that’ll help for reference.

Stephen, I plan to do the side curtains, yes. And I’ve also heard they can take some work to get to fit right. Hopefully the ones Robbins offer will work.

Cheers,
Aaron

[stephen stierman]

I bought all this from Moss and believe they were made by Robbins for Moss. There were very specific instructions on installation that were helpful. The top should fit to allow a bit of the side rain flap to fit over the side curtain and the front of the side curtain should be against the windshield post. In other words when you get into the car, you reach out through the bottom flap and simply slip the flap over the top edge of the side curtain. Keep in mind that when you install the top it is quite likely that it will stretch out a bit and you may end up pulling it tighter at the front and re tacking it again in a couple of weeks.
I have some fairly decent photos if you are interested of what I think is a decent installation if you are interested.

[bergxu]

Stephen,

Good information, thank you. I’d certainly appreciate the photos. What’s the best way to send them? PM or email?

Aaron

[stephen stierman]

If you would like to give me an email, I would be happy to send you some or I can try to attach them here.

[bergxu]

Ok I’ll send a PM.

[searunner]

The Photos can be a big help this one

MGTD15470_Weather Equipment_Hood Installation.pdf

(200 KiB) Downloaded 343 times

is in 40 step - BY Mr D.Brawn -Is for MG TD but the procedure is exactly the same (I have replaced the TOP on my TD and My TC)
https://www.dbraun99.com/MGTD15470/Weat ... index.html

[bergxu]

The Photos can be a big help this oneMGTD15470_Weather Equipment_Hood Installation.pdf is in 40 step - BY Mr D.Brawn -Is for MG TD but the procedure is exactly the same (I have replaced the TOP on my TD and My TC)
https://www.dbraun99.com/MGTD15470/Weat ... index.html

Many thanks for those! Will most certainly come in handy. I’ve got everything in-hand except the top itself which is coming from topsonline.com and is a Robbins. Should have that any day so will be gearing up soon!

[jddevel]

As a task I`m about to face this is very helpful against what I see as a daunting task. Add the fact that my tub is new the potential difficulties in getting the hood frame fixings right first time. I can see the potential of having numerous screw holes in the body work. How did others go about dealing with this particular problem. Advice will be well received. Thankyou.

[stephen stierman]

First, it is good to do a trial fit up prior to painting the car and then taking it back off, but nobody thinks about that. Assuming you are buying a ready-made kit with instructions. The major issue you are to be concerned about is getting front the side curtains to fit nicely in the top opening so that the rain flap can be pulled over the top edge of the curtain by a small amount. This is typically adjusted by lowering the top frame slightly and the rear mounting is inside the car so that is no problem, but do not mount the interior trim prior to that. The windshield posts adjust this at the front so you may need to raise or lower them slightly and this might require moving holes just a bit. The little snaps on the body are the last thing you need to worry about and should not be done till the top has been on the car for a while and stretched out. You may need to re stretch the top a time or two and this taken up at the front and the nails are covered by the hydem band so this should not be an issue. Assuming new side curtains to match and they can be adjusted slightly when you mount them on the frames up or down to fit the window aperture. Do not mount anything permanently till you are satisfied with the fit up.