From Moss Motoring 1986
By Conrad Campos Jr. Keizsr, Oregon
A top is a toy and a top is opposite of a bottom. There is the expression ‘to top someone’ and a description such as ‘Top Banana’. There is also the top that is a hood. I was lucky to find one in the boot (olde English) of my MGB, when I bought it. The red hood wasn’t in the best condition but then again it never rains in Southern California.
There is a code among roadster fanatics. The top does not go on unless it is pouring down rain. I am not talking mist here but monsoon, otherwise you might as well drive a Toyota. It may be ten degrees below or a hundred and ten above but the top stays off. It is permissible in a snow storm, something about Lucas electrics.
It was a rare storm that caught me on the L.A. freeway. Roadster people constantly scan the skies and are on the lookout for overpasses. By the time I found one, I was soaked. Roadster tops are not the easiest things to install. The sun was out by the time I had it on.
Tonneaus are great except when some pervert attacks it with a switchblade thinking you have the Crown Jewels under it. This can also be said for tops. Have you ever wondered why BMC put locks on the doors? That’s so some sportscar deviate can abuse your hood with sword and can opener.
With rain being a rare event, the top deteriorated in the boot. Threads separated from the seams and the plastic windows turned a shade of yuck. I started carrying needles and thread in the glove compartment for those wet emergencies.
One day, as the wife and I were driving over San Marcos Pass, the Rains came. We were drenched by the time I pulled over and had the top on. The rain was still coming inside. Needle and thread and a few safety pins helped to keep the water down to a trickle. Back on the road again and the wind blew the top apart. The wife held the separated pieces together until we reached our destination, then her arms promptly fell off.
Rain soon stops in California and I threw the top away and quickly forgot about bad weather. I was staying at a friend’s house, my MG parked behind his Spitfire. During the night, I was awakened by the horn from my MGB. I raced outside to discover that it was raining. *I disconnected the horn wires. I was drenched and my friend was laughing. He had put the top on his car. I found some plastic sheet in the garage and covered my soaked car. When I tried to fix the horn the next morning, I saw the horn button pop off to parts unknown.
I finally purchased a brand new top and it only comes out during monsoons. Now I just frantically wave my hands and dive in and out of traffic screaming ‘honk, honk’!!!
'Roadsterman – “A top is a toy…”' has no comments
Be the first to comment this post!