The MGA coupé is fitted with an off-white headlining and (where ordered) one or two sun visors above the windscreen. Both items are coupé-only, the open roadster has no headlining or factory sun visors. This category covers the complete coupé headlining kit and the small fixings used to fit it.
Original Headlining Specification
The MGA coupé headlining is finished in an off-white material that runs across the cabin roof from the windscreen header rail back to the rear window upper rail. The same off-white material lines the map pockets fitted to the scuttle side casings on each side of the coupé interior, providing a co-ordinated finish. The headlining is one of the items that distinguishes a properly trimmed coupé interior from a partially restored one, a stained, sagging or missing headlining detracts immediately from the cabin appearance, even where the rest of the trim has been renewed.
Coupé Headlining Kit
The reproduction coupé headlining kit is supplied as a complete cut-and-stitched panel ready for fitting to the roof framework. The original off-white specification is reproduced. Fitting requires the windscreen and rear window to be removed (or at least the trim glasses to be released) so that the headlining can be installed under the surrounding trim and chrome finishers. The work is normally undertaken with the rest of the interior out of the car, since adhesive overspray and trimming offcuts will otherwise contaminate the seats and carpet.
Sun Visors, Coupé Only
Sun visors were available as an optional extra on coupé models throughout production, supplied as one or two visors as ordered by the original purchaser. A new pattern of optional sun visor was introduced during 1959 (at coupé chassis 81532 in December 1959, and on Twin Cam coupés from chassis 2061 in May 1959), so two distinct types exist. Visors were never fitted to roadsters at the factory and are not part of any roadster's correct specification.
Self-Tapping Fixings
The headlining and visors are retained at their fixing points by self-tapping screws (No. 8 x 3/4, recessed raised countersunk head). These are typically renewed as a matter of course when the headlining is being fitted, since the original screws are usually corroded into the surrounding trim or have been removed and discarded during stripping.
Ordering Considerations
Confirming that the car is a coupé before ordering is essential, neither the headlining nor the sun visors apply to the roadster. For sun visors, the production-change point at late 1959 means an early 1500 or 1600 coupé up to chassis 81532 should carry the earlier-pattern visor, while a coupé from 81532 onwards (or a Twin Cam coupé from 2061 onwards) will carry the later pattern.
Where the original visors are present and being retained, the headlining can be ordered in isolation; where the visors are missing or being added, the correct pattern for the car's chassis range should be specified.