Moss Motors, Ltd

I am trying to decide whether to purchase a "vinyl" or a "cloth" type top.  Without considering costs....which type is the best?  I have heard of all the stories of needing two or more people to help stretch a vinyl top to secure and desire a top a "single" can handle.  Is it worth the extra expense for a cloth top?  Any comments or suggestions are welcome before I make the purchase.

Thanks

Bob Morse (72 MGB Roadster)

Robert,

In my experience a cloth top is more difficult to properly install. The cloth types don't flex and stretch like the vinyl ones will and are generally more obnoxious to work with. They are generally much longer lasting with proper care and so if you have the ability to do the work or are willing to pay a professional installer, you'll have a better top. (my opinion) Remember that with most tops,once you make so much as one snap hole that puppy is YOURS.

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Motorbill
From Lola to Land Rover, If it's British and has wheels, it's likely I've bloodied me knuckles thereupon

i have had both kinds on my e type and miata and the cloth wins hands down on all counts especially looks

I installed a Moss-sourced vinyl top by myself on my TD without any major "Aw *&%&%^%$" moments.  Fortunately, there's several "How-to" guides available for the T-series MGs, and it was quite straightforward with no surprises.  Read the instructions, take your time, measure twice, etc.  I'm sure there's lots of "how-to" info for your ride.  "Classic Motorsports" magazine recently had an DIY article on installing convertable tops on late model MGs.

Cloth or vinyl?  Consider the historical context of your car.  MG's - "Cheap and Cheerful", Big Healeys - definitely upscale manly sporting machine.  In my opinion, high-end cloth tops on MGs goes against the image of the breed, and vinyl on a restored Healey - not right, either.

Other issues to think about - vinyl is much easier to clean, but gets stiffer in cold temperatures.  Cloth looks fabulous, but a pain to clean.  If you leave your LBC parked outside all the time, the vinyl would probably fail sooner, but who does that anymore?  What's the condition of your paint?  Pairing a high-end cloth top with over-the-hill body paint would be a bit much, unless a re-paint is in the near future.

Just my two pence worth!  Whichever top you choose, the car will look good