The MGA roadster's weather equipment is one of the model's most frequently modified and most often-incorrectly-restored areas, and an essential focus for any owner approaching the car for the first time. The original specification is well documented and changed at clear points across the production run, material, colour, sidescreen pattern and hood frame layout all evolved between the 1500 and the 1600. Selecting the correct components depends on identifying the variant and chassis range. This category covers the hood and frame, sidescreens, tonneau cover, wipers, washers and the indoor/outdoor car covers used to protect the car off-road, alongside the upgrades and alternatives that take the original specification beyond factory.
Original Hood and Frame Specification
The MGA roadster carries a three-bow hood frame with a wooden front hoodstick that locates against the windscreen frame, with the rear of the frame attached to the rear quarter side casing behind the doors. On 1500 and early Twin Cam cars, the hood canopy was made from Vynide leathercloth in black or ice blue, and all three transverse hood bows were fabric-covered.
From the start of 1600 production at chassis 68851, the material was changed to Wardle's Everflex in grey, blue or beige (always with tan backing), and the hood frame layout was revised: bows are now bare aluminium except for the front bow, which runs in a channel sewn into the hood cover. Hood quarterlights were introduced in September 1956 (after the first 10,000 cars had been built), hoods without quarterlights are now extremely rare.
Hood Frame Production Changes
The hood frame, canopy and sidescreens were modified at chassis 10501 in November 1955, a relatively early refresh of the original 1500 specification. A more significant change came at chassis 78249 (October 1959, 1600) and Twin Cam chassis 2540 (November 1959): the hood frame and canopy were modified, the sidescreen stowage envelope redesigned, and the battery hatch reshaped to allow the hood to be stowed under the rear tonneau panel rather than across the back of the cabin. This change also improved seat adjustment and is a useful dating detail for late-1959-onwards cars.
Sidescreens
Sidescreens are a critical part of the weather sealing on a 1500 (where they are the flap type with a signalling flap held by a spring-loaded closer) and on 1600 onwards cars (where they were changed to the sliding type with a two-part perspex window, the rear half slides forward inside the front half, with two perspex blocks for finger purchase). The Twin Cam followed the 1500 pattern up to chassis 2192, then changed to the 1600 sliding type from 2193 onwards. Sidescreens are covered in the dedicated Side Screens section.
Tonneau Cover
The tonneau cover was a factory optional extra on all roadsters, supplied in the same material and colour as the hood. On 1500 cars painted black, Tyrolite Green or Glacier Blue, the combination of an ice blue hood and a black tonneau was possible.
From the start of 1600 production (and on the Twin Cam at the same time), tonneau colours changed to match the new grey, blue or beige Everflex hood materials. Tonneau covers and their fixings (lift-the-dot fasteners, scuttle and tonneau panel anchorages) are covered in the Tonneau & Fixings section.
Wipers, Washers and Hood Care
Wiper arms and blades were updated at chassis 12800 (March 1956, LHD) and 13612 (April 1956, RHD) to the 9.5-inch arm with 8-inch blade specification. The wiper wheelbox was modified at chassis 80384 (November 1959). The windscreen washer bottle neck was enlarged from 1 7/16 inch to 2 5/16 inch at chassis 80390 (November 1959), with the control module also modified at the same time.
These items are covered in the Wiper Arms, Blades & Motors and Washer Bottle, Brackets & Jets sections, with hood care products grouped under Hood Care.
Outdoor and Indoor Car Covers
Modern fitted car covers in outdoor and indoor specifications protect the bodywork, hood and trim during off-road storage. Outdoor covers offer water-resistant protection for cars stored outside or under temporary shelter; indoor covers prioritise breathable, soft-lined protection against dust and minor knocks for cars stored in a garage or workshop.
Ordering Considerations
Throughout the Weather Equipment range, the most important identification points are the variant (1500, Twin Cam, 1600 or 1600 Mk II) and, for hoods, sidescreens and tonneaux, the production date or chassis range. The 10501 (1955), 68851 (1600 introduction), 78249 (October 1959) and Twin Cam 2192/2193 transition points all affect which weather equipment specification is correct for the car.