New hood

[southerly95]

We want to have a new hood fitted to our 65 convertible and although I am happy doing the mechanicals and servicing I don't like the look of that particular job.

Can anyone recommend the best people to go to in the east anglian /south east regions?

Many thanks, John

[Peetee]

Try Canterbury Convertibles or East Sussex Minors.
I have the Haynes DIY, purchase and restoration manual that covers the replacement and will be having a go myself soon.
Cross yer fingers

[Willie]

Peetee, just remember that the hood material MUST be warm when you are fitting it. If fitted when cold it will flap against the hood irons within a very short time. I had to release mine from the front bar and start all over again.

[overider]

Peetee, just remember that the hood material MUST be warm when you are fitting it.

How warm dose it have to be are you talking just a sunny day or having to actually warm it up some how?? I will be doing a soft-top replacement soon. Dose this apply to all makes as I was thinking of a mohair replacement.

[Peetee]

Thanks for that Willie. It is covered in the restoration manual - they use a small fan heater inside the car with the hood laid over 'in position'. Warm and 'workable' should do it. Too warm would mean 'stretchy' and once pinned down would probably shrink and peel off at speed!!

[Willie]

Don't know about Mohair hoods but the vinyl type ALL shrink over time. Mine is about 12 years old now and I can hardly close it when it rains.
The fan heater is the more reliable form of heat.