I ordered Robbins Top model 2107 from Moss Motors and installed it not realizing I was going to encounter a problem. This top has a "listing" which is a pocket for the first bow behind the header rail. It was listed as a "1955-1960" top, so, since I had the earlier type bows, I thought it would fit. Well, it did go on, but the listing was too far back. I thought perhaps that I had not pulled the top far enough forward, but I could not possibly pull tight enough for it to reach. Besides the fact that the first bow is welded to the frame, so, the listing could not be slipped on to it.

The other problem I found is that the header rail is long enough that the weather edge did not come down over the edge of the side curtains the way it should. It turns out that I had header rail Moss part 453-251 which matches the early 1500 BUT with the exception that the length is too long (what is described in TT-107A). Robbins replaced the top with a Model 2109 which they say is as original for 1955-1960 MGA 1500 and early 1600 without a listing. I think that the fit is going to be bad though because the header rails are all made to the late model length (about 41 1/2" to 42". As in TT-107A I think the only way to make the top fit is to trim the header rail down on the ends.

I restored a MGA 1600 frame and am getting ready to install it. After reading TT-107 I did some more research on header rails and tops. It turns out that Moss part number 453-250 is a better match to the later 1600 and MK-II header rail because of its shape (not tapered toward the front and being inletted in the rear to cover the top of the header rail mounting bar on the frame). The big problem with the header rail is that the socket tab holes are parallel with the front of the rail instead of being angle as required. I think I am still going to have to order a different top (Robbins Model 2177) in order to accommodate the wider header rail.

Here are the specifics of the various top bows I researched:
MGA 1500 (Early): Short slot in frame to mounting bracket, all top bows welded to frame including first top bow. No notches in front header rail mounting bar to accommodate windshield latch. 10" measurement from header rail mounting bar to first top bow. Header rail is tapered toward front and not inletted on the rear face to mount over header rail mounting bar.


MGA 1500: Short slot in frame to mounting bracket, all top bows welded to frame including first top bow. No notches in front header rail mounting bar to accommodate windshield latch. 11" measurement from header rail mounting bar to first top bow. Header rail is tapered toward front and not inletted on the rear face to mount over header rail mounting bar.


MGA 1600 (Early): Short slot in frame to mounting bracket and snaps installed on frame upright. All top bows welded to frame including first top bow. Notches in front header rail mounting bar to accommodate windshield latch. 11" measurement from header rail mounting bar to first top bow. Header rail is tapered toward front and inletted on the rear face to mount over header rail mounting bar.


MGA 1600 after (c) 78248 and MK-II: Long slot in frame to mounting bracket and no snaps in uprights, all top bows welded to frame Except first top bow. Notches in front header rail mounting bar to accommodate windshield latch. 11" measurement from header rail mounting bar to first top bow. Header rail is squared toward front with slight rounding at top edge and inletted on the rear face to mount over header rail mounting bar.


I don't have the pictures of the frame that I restored for my car. It is similar to the green one above, except mine does not have the snaps on the uprights. Please provide your feedback as well as advice whether I should order the Moss Part number 242-960 white top instead of trying to use the Robbins 2019 top. The new header rail should be here in a few days, so I can provide more information once I fit that and try the 2109 top for fit, but I think it is going to be too narrow.