MGB Roadster Wind Blocker

[JD]

I've designed and made a wind blocker for my MGB and after lots of modifications and testing, it now works quite well. Since taking the first two photos I've added a strut to keep the panel swept-back, so it doesn't cause reflections, and it actually looks better like that! If this is of interest, I can provide a link to the engineering drawings and explain the build and fitting process.

[Scott Costanzo]

Welcome to the forum!! Looks great, I like it!

Scott

[JD]

Thanks Scott!

[JD]

Mk1 version looked good but it was susceptible to buffeting from oncoming trucks. Drilling some vent holes helped to calm things down.

[JD]

In cool weather there was a cold draft on the top of my head, so I extended it a little.

[JD]

The final version incorporated the new shape and after some experimentation, I enlarged the holes from 6 to 8mm.

[JD]

Bracket positions had to be precise, given the tight packaging with the seat fully back. I had made multiple holes for setting the height but for me, the highest setting was best. Also, on the highest setting, the panel could be folded forward, with the centre just resting nicely on the transmission tunnel which is necessary when running with the roof up.

[JD]

One big problem was reflections from the screen when the sun was low. This could light up street sign at 100 yards! Apparently you can get non-reflective polycarbonate, but I wasn't looking forward to making another screen. In the end the solution was simple, just angle the screen back by about 20 degrees. This required a stay to stop the panel blowing forward but, in addition to stopping reflections, it also stopped the screen tapping against the headrest, and it looked better!

[Scott Costanzo]

JD,

So it sounds like buffeting in the passenger compartment was reduced, it that correct? What other benefits have you noticed? I've been considering doing something like this for a while.

Scott

[88v8]

I've designed and made a wind blocker for my MGB and after lots of modifications and testing, it now works quite well.

I had something similar in my TR6.
Funny, isn't it, how in the movies their hair always blows backwards?
But in reality exactly the opposite. When first I bought the TR6 I had a pony tail, and pretty soon I found I was getting flogged to death by my own hair.

The screen I had was made of mesh. One could see through it, but no reflection.
Was made by a Club member (in the UK) as a hobby thing.
 
The fixing brackets sat on top of the wheel arches, using the bolt that attached the seat belt relay. The screen was held on by twist wheels so easy to remove when parked, or when the soft top was up not that it had to be but it was harder to see out the back in the dark.

One thing you might consider, there was a fabric panel that dropped down between the seats, to prevent the draught coming under the screen. Attached to the main assy with velcro. Being fabric, one could push it out of the way to reach back and get stuff off the rear seats.
Overall the screen made a big difference in cabin comfort.

I think Moss still sell something similar for the TR6. In fact, when Moss started selling their screens, they undercut the Club member and put him out of business.

Some pics:







Edit... Moss UK have them, here, hard to see whether they have the drop-down panel.
Still, always nice to be creative and make your own.

[JD]

Scott,
Before I had the wind blocker I found that the buffeting in my left ear was painful above 50mph, and driving with one finger in my ear was not the best solution. Now with the wind blocker I can drive up to 70mph in relative comfort, it's made a huge difference. I had a standard B roadster years ago and I don't remember the buffeting being a problem then but that was without headrests, and I was 45 years younger!
JD

[JD]

Hi 88V8,
Thanks for the info. I did consider buying a Moss screen but just wanted to have a go myself. I used polycarbonate mainly because I wasn't sure how I'd sew the mesh to the frame and make it look neat. Also, not being a welder, i wasn't quite sure how I'd make the frame. I actually quite like the appearance of the polycarbonate although I guess it may not appeal to everyone. That's interesting about the lower flap you used, although I haven't noticed a draught, probably because my panel sits a bit lower.
JD

[BKRMON]

Scott,
Before I had the wind blocker I found that the buffeting in my left ear was painful above 50mph, and driving with one finger in my ear was not the best solution.

Long ago, I started using ear protection when on the highway or Interstate.  The fatigue factor is a real thing when traveling long distance to V8 meets.