Hard Top - Current Status (Jan 2026)

[AJSGSE1990]

Hello all, have been reading about modifying MG hardtops and missing mould shells. Looking around there does not seem to be much beyond that and wanted to check if I am missing something obvious especially considering the demand there may be a secret squirrel group buy somewhere.

In a moment of madness, I thought of buying a tatty used soft-top, soaking it in resin and using it as a plug.

Thanks,

Andrew.

[Simon_P]

Some years ago I looked into making hard tops and did what you are doing - I kept it for ten years and then threw it away about 5 years ago.

The biggest problem is the steep rake of the windscreen a slight change between cars gives a big tolerance, so making something fixed won't fit between one car and the next. Same problem with the side windows although this is easier to fix.

I made my mock-up having spoken to professional moulders and realised it would be time consuming and expensive, I also realised that modifying the MGF hardtop solved the problem above as the areas you need to alter get remade to fit your car.

If I was doing it again I would start with an MGF hardtop and modify that to suit the shape I wanted to achieve and then make a mould from that, the soft top isn't the right shape as a starting point.

Have fun!

[AJSGSE1990]

If I was doing it again I would start with an MGF hardtop and modify that to suit the shape I wanted to achieve and then make a mould from that, the soft top isn't the right shape as a starting point.Have fun!

Understood, thank you for the tips. I have two years to turn this into a daily, so will keep an eye out for an MGF hardtop.

Otherwise, my current plan is simply to block the operation of my spare hood as the issue sits (as far as I understand) with the seals that have to be cut to cope with the movement/folding of the top. If the top does not fold, then I should be able to use continuous top cover to window seals. Also, I should be able to stitch in a glass rear window.

Cheers,

Andrew.