MGBV8 Carl Floyd Kingsport, TN (4512 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 11:32PM Main British Car: 1979 MGB Buick 215 |
Re: What do you think?
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rficalora Rob Ficalora Willis, TX (2764 posts) Registered: 10/24/2007 02:46PM Main British Car: '76 MGB w/CB front, Sebring rear, early metal dash Ford 302 |
Re: What do you think?
Actually I saw that one but $950 was out of my range...[www.mgexp.com]. It was definitely a beautiful one though. I have reached out to him to see if he has other leads.
I'm still thinking new seals for the Snugtop while I'm looking. Not sure if I should sand and paint it or just clean it up - not sure if resale value is better with the original finish vs. gloss black. What would you think? |
BlownMGB-V8 Jim Blackwood 9406 Gunpowder Rd., Florence, KY 41042 (6470 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 12:59PM Main British Car: 1971 MGB Blown,Injected,Intercooled Buick 340/AA80E/JagIRS |
Re: What do you think?
Seem to be two schools of thought on tops, basically those who hate the Parrish Plastics design and those who love it. I fall into the later group but it is not without a few issues. Still I feel it compliments the looks of the car better than any other top out there. To me the Snugline comes in second in appearance and while the factory tops might perhaps be the best in terms of quality to me they are pretty ugly. Some will say just the opposite of course so it's purely a matter of personal taste and you should get what you like the best.
Of course mine has sat on the shelf for years. Oddly enough I think the car is actually quieter with the soft top up. That might change the next time it gets painted and relined. Jim |
DC Townsend David Townsend Vermont (406 posts) Registered: 11/21/2007 12:22PM Main British Car: '78 B (almost done) 30-over SBF, dry sump |
Re: What do you think?
Rob, I'd do what was minimally necessary to make the top functional and leave the vinyl. Don't think you'd get any more (or less) out of it for the effort of stripping, filling, sanding, and painting.
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MGBV8 Carl Floyd Kingsport, TN (4512 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 11:32PM Main British Car: 1979 MGB Buick 215 |
Re: What do you think?
I have no idea, Rob. I probably wouldn't put a lot into it. Then again, I've had my B for 26 years & never considered buying a hard top for it.
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BlownMGB-V8 Jim Blackwood 9406 Gunpowder Rd., Florence, KY 41042 (6470 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 12:59PM Main British Car: 1971 MGB Blown,Injected,Intercooled Buick 340/AA80E/JagIRS |
Re: What do you think?
I wouldn't put a lot into it either to start with. I think I spent less than a hundred to have mine painted and then a bit more for new plexiglass and seals but the 'glass had to be trimmed to fit and the rear seal was less than perfect. Running it for awhile as-is will give you a chance to identify the issues you want to fix and decide just how much you like it. Then it doesn't cost you much if you want to try a different top. It's irritating to spend money on it and then find you need to do a repair that will require a respray.
Jim |
rficalora Rob Ficalora Willis, TX (2764 posts) Registered: 10/24/2007 02:46PM Main British Car: '76 MGB w/CB front, Sebring rear, early metal dash Ford 302 |
Re: What do you think?
Thanks. I think I'm going to take the advice and do minimal work which is to replace the base seal, rear window seal, and the door window seals. I've found a match for the rear glass (and side glass in the top too) and have a few options for the base. The door window openings are a bit tougher because thy have to be able to hold up to the friction of the windows going up and down. Hard rubber seals will need to be just the right fit. Sponge (closed cell) rubber seals could be less exact but am thinking they'd wear/tear pretty easily.
Would any of you with a hardtop post pics of the seal your top uses for the door glass? Thinking that may help me find something that will work. |
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BlownMGB-V8 Jim Blackwood 9406 Gunpowder Rd., Florence, KY 41042 (6470 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 12:59PM Main British Car: 1971 MGB Blown,Injected,Intercooled Buick 340/AA80E/JagIRS |
Re: What do you think?
Rob, I think mine uses a bulb type (hollow) foam seal and it had held up just fine.
Jim |