This section covers brightwork-related upgrades and accessories for the MGA, items that sit alongside the factory-original brightwork (bumpers, grille, badges, mirrors) but were typically owner-fit additions or modern enhancements rather than core factory restoration components. The Upgrades & Alternatives section is divided into four sub-categories:
Flyscreens & Visors
Flyscreens and visors covers the small windscreen-mounted aero screens (typically aerofoil-shaped flyscreens fitted to roadsters in place of the full windscreen for competition use or for a period sporting appearance) and the sunvisor accessories that reduce sun glare for the driver. Period sun visors include the type fitted as an optional extra to coupés (a new optional sun visor type introduced for 1600 cars from chassis 81532, December 1959). Flyscreens are typically used as a stylistic choice or for competition preparation, fitted in place of, or alongside, the standard windscreen.
Fuel Caps
Fuel caps covers replacement and upgrade fuel filler caps for the MGA. The factory cap was a chrome-plated screw-on type.
Replacement options include strict factory-pattern caps for restoration, locking caps for additional security against fuel theft (an increasingly common owner concern), and aero/quick-release caps for competition or period-rally appearance.
Tyre Trims
Tyre trims (also known as whitewall trims or tyre rim trims) are decorative bands fitted to the tyre sidewall to give a period whitewall appearance without specifying full whitewall tyres. They allow owners to achieve the visual style of period whitewall tyres while using modern tubeless or radial tyres in standard black sidewall specification. Fitted between the tyre sidewall and the wheel rim during tyre installation.
Tyre Valves
Tyre valves covers replacement valves for the MGA's wheels, typically modern rubber-stem snap-in valves for tubeless conversions, or period-style metal valves for cars retaining their original tubed tyres. Wire-wheeled MGAs typically require inner tubes with their tubed tyres, with valves protruding through the inner tube; bolt-on disc-wheeled cars (Twin Cam, De Luxe) can use modern tubeless valves directly into the wheel rim.
Ordering considerations
These accessories sit outside core restoration scope and depend on the car's intended use and the owner's preferences. For strict factory-original specification, period-correct fuel caps and standard tyre valves are appropriate; flyscreens and tyre trims are non-original and should not be fitted to a concours-restored car. For regular road use or enhanced security, locking fuel caps and modern tubeless tyre valves are practical upgrades. For period-rally or competition appearance, flyscreens and aero fuel caps support the visual style.