Reproduced with permission from Moss Motors (11/7/2007)
Also available as NewMoss.pdf
Direct link to Moss document is
http://www.mossmotors.com/graphics/products/PDF/Side%20Curtain%20Kits_MG%20TC%20TD%20TF.pdf
M:\Product Information\243-768\Docs\243-768_243-778_243-788_243-798_243-818_243-828_243-838_243-848_257-168_257-178_257-
188_257-198_980-271_Side Curtain Kits_MG TC, TD, TF_Instructions.doc
Created on 11/18/2005 4:15:00 PM Created by grantm
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SIDE CURTAIN COVERING KITS for MG TC, TD & TF
Background Information
The hoods (tops) and side curtains for all MG TCs, TDs, and TFs were originally produced by the Coventry Hood
& Sidescreen Company and were supplied fully finished to the MG Factory at Abingdon. Even the hood was fully
attached to the top frame and only needed to be screwed into position at the MG factory. This system, though
very efficient, resulted in less than a perfect fit and was part of the reason that the term “Rag Top” was universally
understood.
Experience has proven beyond doubt that the original side curtain frames did vary to a certain extent and in the
case of TDs and TFs, the mounting position of the side curtain fixing plates also varied. Reproduction frames
have also been produced for many years by numerous makers, which increases the chances for ill fitting weather
equipment. During our careful examination of genuine new old stock factory covers we could clearly see the
pencil line under certain critical stitch lines that were part of the manufacturing process and always insured
consistent accuracy of the covers. Moss utilizes these same manufacturing techniques and our patterns are
identical to factory originals. In essence, the variability is in the frames and the fit to the body, not the covers
themselves. A better fitting side screen can only be achieved by custom trimming.
Careful study of period factory photos clearly shows that even when brand new and photographed for publicity
purposes, the side screens never fit perfectly. These cars were not built to be water or airtight! They also were
not Bentleys!
By carefully reading and understanding the following instructions, it should be possible for the patient amateur to
achieve factory original standards of fit.
Conceptual Overview
We suggest that you purchase the top and side curtain kits at the same time since colors/shades will vary
between production runs, even though the material is ordered for our upholstery shop from the same supplier.
Side curtains frames should ideally be covered only after the convertible top or “hood” has been successfully and
correctly installed. The single most common error in installing new tops/hoods is in incorrectly locating the top
frame to the body tub. The top frame should always be installed in the original holes in the body tub. This typically
becomes a bit of a challenge as new interiors generally precede new hoods. By careful examination of original
wood, it should be possible to determine which holes are truly correct and then by using simple “line of sight”
triangulation methods and the use of an awl, correct frame positioning can be assured.
These instructions are not complete, and for that we apologize.
However, they are at a point where we feel the information contained is valuable enough to include them with our
side curtain frames and side curtain covering kits. As we compile new information and photographs, we will revise
and expand the material in the instructions. We hope that you will find the information useful, and we welcome
your suggestions on how we might improve these instructions.