The MGA Interior Upgrades & Alternatives section brings together the components that take the cabin beyond original-correct specification, for owners maintaining a road-driven car who want improved comfort, modernised features or a more sporting feel. Many of the items here were never factory-fitted to the MGA but have become widely accepted as period-sympathetic upgrades that suit the character of the car. This category covers six distinct upgrade routes through the dedicated child sections.
Aftermarket Steering Wheels & Bosses
The most popular MGA interior upgrade, replacing the original three-spoke OE wheel with a smaller-diameter wood or leather rim wheel from one of the established brand families. The supporting boss kits and wheel centres are covered in the same section, allowing a complete wheel change to be specified as a single project.
Chrome & Stainless Interior
Chrome and stainless interior finishers and trim items, the small bright pieces that finish edges, dress switch surrounds and provide a more co-ordinated look across the cabin. These are typically replacement items for original chrome that has corroded, with stainless steel offering a longer-lasting alternative for cars used regularly.
Gearknobs & Gaiters
Gearknob and gaiter options including period-correct MG octagon enamel badges that fit into the centre face of replacement gearknobs, restoring the MG identity to the dashboard area.
Seatbelt Guides & Covers
Seatbelts were never factory-fitted to the MGA, anchorage mounting points were incorporated into the bodyshell on 1600 Mk II cars from chassis 100352 (March 1961), but earlier cars require mounting points to be added. Modern static and inertia-reel belts can be fitted with the appropriate guides (which prevent the belt from chafing on body trim) and covers (which dress the visible parts of the belt installation). This section covers the support items that complete a retro-fit seat belt installation.
Soundproofing
The MGA originally used felt underlay only beneath the front floor and tunnel carpets, soundproofing was minimal by modern standards. Modern materials including Dynamat Xtreme, Dynapad and Dynaliner offer a substantial reduction in cabin noise without altering the look of the interior. The Soundproofing section covers complete tailored kits cut for the MGA layout, sheet materials by the pack, and the application tools needed for a clean installation.
Veneer Dashboards
Wood veneer dashboard inserts or facia overlays provide a more luxury-car appearance than the original painted (1500/1600 roadster) or Vynide-covered (Twin Cam, Mk II, all coupé) facia. These are an inherently non-original modification but a popular one for road-driven cars where the period-correct wooden-dash look, closer to MGB GT or other classic British saloon interiors, is wanted.
Originality vs Practicality
Each upgrade in this category takes the car away from factory-correct specification, which matters for concours-judged restorations but is irrelevant for road-driven cars. Most owners of regularly-used MGAs combine some original-correct items with selected upgrades that improve everyday usability, typically soundproofing, seat belt installation and an aftermarket wheel, while retaining original finish across the rest of the interior. The choice reflects the use the car is being maintained for