Listers
Food for discussion. 20 years ago I needed to replace the
original top on my MK IA (B382002668). The orginal top was
the black pinpoint vinyl. I ordered the top through a glass/
top dealer from AMCO. When it arrived I discovered it did
not fit. It fit fine front to back, but side to side the
top was at least two inches short. Try as I could I could
not figure out how to lower the frame.
The dealer checked his book and found it listed two velcro
tops. One for the MK IA and one for the MK II. So since
my car was so close to a MK II number, he ordered that. When
it arrived it fit like a glove! When we compared the two
tops besides the width difference, the MK II top had a small
snap on the inside flap that snapped to a stud on the rear
wheel well. I have checked some MK II's and they all have
this snap, while earlier MK IA's did not.
Could it be that Sunbeam changed the frame heighth and thus
the top. One of the enhancements that the MK II heralded was
more head room. I know then changed the angle of the steering
shaft to raise the wheel. But did they also make the frame
taller? It would be an eay way to give more head room and
whould explain why the MK II has a different part listing
in top dealer's catalogues.
Comments anyone?
Dave Johnson
PS. TE/AE has a good tech tip written by Dave Reina on how
to install a new top yourself. Requires a hot sunny day.
Too late in the year for most of us.
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