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MOTRS

MGF / MG TF

1995-2011 / Roadster / United Kingdom

All MGF / MG TF problems All workshop problems
Common Roof and Hood Issues

Soft Top Fabric Deterioration

Symptoms

The roof fabric fades, becomes porous, and eventually tears. The rear window clouds, yellows, and cracks. Water leaks through seams and stitch holes. The roof no longer sits flat when erected.

Cause

Australian UV is brutal on soft top materials. The PVC or mohair degrades, shrinks, and loses flexibility. The plastic rear window oxidises and becomes opaque.

Fix

  1. 1 A new soft top hood: $500--800 AUD for a quality aftermarket unit. Mohair is more durable and better-looking than PVC but costs more. A glass rear window conversion eliminates the fogging plastic. Professional fitting is recommended -
  2. 2 the roof stretches over the frame and must be aligned correctly to seal properly. Fitting cost: $200--400
Cost mentioned in fix
$500cost: $200

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Other known issues

Minor Roof and Hood Issues

Roof Mechanism Linkage Seizure

The roof is stiff to operate, will not latch in the up position, or will not fold fully into the well behind the seats.
Minor Roof and Hood Issues

TF Hard Top Stress Cracks

Hairline cracks appear around the hard top mounting points and along stress lines in the fibreglass.
Minor Head Gasket Failure (K-Series Engine)

What Happens
Minor Head Gasket Failure (K-Series Engine)

Why It Happens
Minor Head Gasket Failure (K-Series Engine)

How to Fix It
Minor Head Gasket Failure (K-Series Engine)

Severity
All MGF / MG TF problems