MGF/TF windstops

MGF and TF Windstops are not all the same

Of course they are not, is the immediate response to the title from all that know the MGF and TF. You can indeed get a wide variety of different design windstops and factory look windstops from a range of different suppliers, BUT this short tip is directed to the MG factory windstops, and others with the same dimensions, specifically the fitted height. Not being aware of this tip can have very expensive consequences.

The MG windstop was unchanged for all of the MGF production period and most of the TF production life, at least until the arrival of the glass rear window hoods. Put simply the original design MG windstop is taller than the later design (image) which was lowered very specifically to give clearance to the glass rear window.

Taller MGF windstop

Original MGF windstop is taller than the later design

The two factory winstops are quite different in height

If the older type is used with a hood with a glass rear window then every time you raise or lower the windstop with the hood raised the top edge of the stop will scrape against the inside of the rear window and there is a real risk of damaging the fine heated rear window elements, and/or scratching the glass. The growing use of glass rear windows in replacement hoods on MGF and TFs means that this tip needs to be taken on board by more owners if they are to avoid glass damage and an expensive replacement.

Lower MGTF windstop

The early type of windstop could contact the inside of plastic rear windows on some cars, so the thicker glass, which is heavier and so tends to drag down the hood, means that there is so much more risk of a heavier contact. Being wise after the event when an element or glass is damaged isn’t that helpful so take heed and check clearance beforehand.

When looking at the MG windstops, the later, lower, design is a direct replacement for the earlier one, using the same fixing points and pivots, and remains an effective windstop.