Soft Top (Hood) Installation for MG Midget

An article showing how I installed my new top from Prestige in England.

They have an 800 number, cost less and... they will install a zipper window for Midgets.

Here are some tricks for installing...

Before starting I needed to replace my top webbing on the bows as they were cracked and dry.

I found a place called belting industries in kenilworth NJ 800 843 2358 (800 "the belt")

I have gotten yellow type material for my flat belt metal turning lathe for the 67 Midget, but this time I needed black so I bought BIC-410. It's not cheep (I paid about $60 for enough for 2 cars), but it's cut on the bias and laminated with a smooth side and a rough side (smooth side up to the top).

They will ask what chemicals it is exposed to, or UV rays etc. They are only making sure they give you the right stuff. They stock all sorts of conveyor belting like anti-static for the computer chip and board assembly lines etc.

Replacement webbing for Midget top frame bow

Now back to the top installation!

Step 1 - Install the tenex fasteners first around the back and installing the retainer with the screws and snaps across the back under the rear window. Make sure you have enough material at the header bow first.

Step 2 - Cover the top and back window and interior as you are going to spray the 3M spray glue (for fabric to metal or like product) across the header bow and on the underside of the material where it lays on the bow. Now you can press the material against the header bow, but you have about 15 mins to change your mind and lift off the material to reset it. This gives you an extra set of hands.

Step 3 - Lift the bow back away from the windshield and stick the material under neath the bow.

(of course, you have already drilled out the pop rivets and removed the retainer strip from the header bow and any old material, noting how everything fits.)

Step 4 - I used some 3M trim adhesive in a tube where I will reinstall the retainer strip on the header bow.

Step 5 - Use an awl to locate the rivet holes and start in the center working out to each side with your pop rivet gun. I used an air operated one, but a hand one will do just get them real tight and you will need longer than 1/8 go for the next longer size. Also make sure you are using the steel shank with steel rivet for strength.

Step 6 - Before installing the rubber strip again I use some trim adhesive from the tube on top of the rivets to seal it together. (not that I plan to have this car out in the rain ever again LOL... but it does seal out the rafts as well especially if you are reusing the old rubber sealer)

Finally, trim the excess fabric from behind the bow

Be very careful as I ruined one top when a razor blade skipped (always use fresh blades as old ones skip when a bit dull but they always cut something you didn't want cut). You might want to use blunt scissors.

I did find that on both of my Midget tops from Prestige, that at the valance over each door comes up short on the passenger side for use of the snap at the windshield. Otherwise their tops are great, and the zipper window is wonderful to have.

New MG Midget soft top (hood) installed, with zipper window