The Roadster hood evolved through three distinct designs during production, and the hood, frame, and fixings are not interchangeable between them. Identifying which frame is fitted is essential before ordering a replacement hood or associated components. The hood and its fixings, including frame, sticks, webbing straps, press studs, and Lift-the-Dot fasteners, are shared between the contemporary MGB and MGC Roadster.
Pack-Away Hood (1962 to 1970)
The earliest cars from 1962 used a pack-away hood, where the frame was not permanently attached but located into two sockets on either side of the rear compartment behind the doors. The frame split in the middle for stowing in the boot, and the canopy, incorporating the header rail and rear anchor plate, was secured to the windscreen by two over-centre catches, to retaining plates on the rear tonneau panel, and to lift-the-dot fasteners along each side. The pack-away frame was painted grey.
From 1963, a folding hood became available as an improved alternative, and most cars from that point were supplied with this type. The folding frame was permanently attached to the rear inner quarter panels and used a three-bow design connected to the header rail by hinged over-centre links, and was also painted grey. The canopy, frame, and header rail were extensively revised in August 1963 to improve fit.
Black Michelotti Folding Hood (1971 Onwards)
In August 1970, a much-improved folding hood was introduced, redesigned with a stouter frame now painted black, featuring proper scissor links between the front header rail and the three bows. The fit of the hood and fasteners was significantly improved, producing a hood that was easier to handle and more weatherproof.
In June 1976, the canopy gained a zip-out rear window for additional ventilation. Hoods for the grey and black folding frames are not interchangeable, so it is important to correctly identify the frame type before ordering, and owners should be aware that some frames have been repainted over the years, which can lead to incorrect identification.
Hood Materials
Replacement hoods are available in several materials, in colours to match the original trim. Standard vinyl hoods use original equipment type vinyl, jig-built with the rear retaining bar and header rail ready fitted for ease of installation. Beyond vinyl, hoods are offered in double duck, two layers of canvas with a rubberised waterproof layer between, and in mohair, a tightly woven three-layer fabric, both with contrasting bindings, zip-out rear windows, and glass heated rear windows. Mohair provides a more authentic period appearance and superior drape, sitting closer to the frame for a neater profile and less wind noise, though it requires more frequent reproofing.
Vinyl is more practical for everyday use, needing less maintenance and offering better resistance to UV degradation and water penetration without reproofing.
Hood Fitting
Hood fitting is a skilled task and professional installation is recommended for the best result. The fabric must be stretched evenly across the frame to achieve the correct tension, too loose and it will flap and pool water, too tight and it will tear at the fastener points. The press studs and Lift-the-Dot fasteners must align precisely with the mounting points. A poorly fitted hood is the single most common cause of water leaks on a Roadster, and a leaking hood rapidly deteriorates the interior trim, carpets, and floor sections beneath.
When replacing a hood, inspecting and replacing the frame, pivot joints, and webbing at the same time is strongly recommended, as a new hood on a worn frame will not sit properly. The webbing straps at the rear quarter carry much of the hood's tension and are a common failure point.
Header Rail, Catches & Frames
The header rail, seal, and windscreen catches are available as individual replacement items. The header rail seal and its retainer are secured by pop rivets and should be renewed whenever a new hood is fitted. The windscreen head catches differ between pre-1971 chrome-finish and post-1971 satin-finish types. Hood frame assemblies are available for all three types, the grey pack-away pair, the grey folding frame, and the black folding frame, and frame sockets differ between earlier chrome-plated and later black-finished types.
Hood stowage straps, bags, and tonneau support rails are also available individually.
Hood Fasteners & Care
A comprehensive range of hood fasteners is available, including Durable Dot sets, Lift the Dot pegs and fasteners, and all associated screws, rivets, and bases, along with a dedicated Durable Dot fixing tool for owners carrying out their own fitting work. Hood care products including ultraproofers, shampoos, cleaners, colour revivers, and window polish maintain the appearance and weatherproofing of both vinyl and fabric hoods, and are recommended for regular use to extend the life of the canopy.