The hood is the most prominent single component on any MGB Roadster, and selecting the correct replacement depends first and foremost on identifying which hood frame is fitted to the car. Hoods for the grey packaway and grey deluxe folding frames used up to 1970 are not interchangeable with hoods for the black Michelotti folding frame fitted from 1971 onwards. Frames that have been repainted over the years can mislead, always confirm the actual frame type before ordering.
OE Vinyl Hoods
Original equipment vinyl hoods are manufactured from OE-type black vinyl, jig-built with the rear retaining bar and header rail ready fitted for ease of installation. The header rail is supplied with its seal but without windscreen catches. Hoods for the grey packaway frame, grey deluxe folding frame, and black folding frame are all distinct specifications. Cars from 1971 to 1976 with the black folding frame can be easily updated to the later zip-out rear window hood, but no other hood designs may be easily interchanged between frame types.
OE hoods may also be ordered without the header rail where the existing rail is serviceable. Club vinyl hoods are available for all three frame types in black with a choice of contrasting coloured bindings and an optional zip-out rear window. While the header rail is not included, every other fastener is factory fitted. All Club hoods incorporate extra-length valances, padded and strengthened for improved durability and weatherproofing.
OE Quality Vinyl Hoods
OE quality vinyl hoods follow the same specification as the Club range but are available in a wider choice of colours in Superior Vinyl or Everflex, with the additional option of a glass heated rear window.
Double Duck Hoods
Double Duck hoods are manufactured from two layers of automotive-grade canvas with a rubberised waterproof membrane sandwiched between, offering strength, durability, and weatherproofing together with a natural fabric appearance. Options include contrasting coloured bindings and zip-out rear window.
Mohair Hoods
Mohair hoods are the premium choice, a tightly woven three-layer fabric comprising an external weather-resistant layer, a central rubberised waterproof membrane, and an interior lining. Mohair is the material used on premium luxury convertibles, and is available in black or a wide choice of colours with options including contrasting bindings, zip-out rear window, and glass heated rear window.
R-Style & Cabrio Hoods
R-Style hoods in Double Duck or mohair feature an arched zip-out rear window without rear quarter windows, following the style of the MG RV8. They fit the black folding frame only. Cabrio hoods add a separate padded headlining with a contrasting interior lining for extra warmth and soundproofing, also for the black folding frame only. On earlier fixed-window cars, the rear window must always be left unfolded before stowing the hood, folding under tension causes permanent crazing of the plastic.