Tourer/convertible hood

[michael4]

Am I right in thinking that a tourer hood tends to shrink laterally in old age, by old age I mean 25-30 years?

The result is that the gap between hood and the top of windows and door frames tends to grow particularly around the 'B' pillar.

I seem to remember the same problem with a car I had in the '70s.

[svenedin]

It definitely did on my original Everflex hood and its replacement double-duck hood has also shrunk (which is now over 30 years old).

Stephen

[MinorOCD]

This is a good tip that I think I read in Practical Classics some years ago. If it’s a vinyl hood, give it a good dose of baby oil and let it soak in for a few days. Maybe even a couple of applications over a few weeks. Amazingly it does soak in and the material stats to become a lot more supple and will enable you to stretch it back.
I did this on a 16 year old hood and it’s now very supple and water simply runs off it.
I also rejuvenated a hood bag that was 50 yrs old and as stiff as cardboard.
Best regards,
Paul

[michael4]

I wonder what. the active ingredient in baby oil is?

[svenedin]

I looked this up. Apparently baby oil or mineral oil in fact dissolves the plasticiser remaining in the vinyl and redistributes it which temporarily restores shine and flexibility. It's not permanent but hoods are expensive and if this gets a few more years of use out if it why not? The oil will also act as a solvent to remove dirt and grime (like using WD40 to clean metal or painted objects). Remember that vinyl was originally made from petrochemicals derived from crude oil.

Stephen

[michael4]

As you say, looks like it is worth doing to get a few more years out of an old hood.

However I should imagine that any oil will prevent glue sticking should one want to patch any holes or rips.

Not there yet. Our hood is down most of the year so raising and lowering is not an everyday routine..

[svenedin]

True but you would just have to thoroughly degrease if you wanted to glue on a patch. I much prefer double-duck/mohair but it is heavy.

Stephen

[michael4]

For those with a tear or split in the window:

I discovered transparent Gorilla tape a couple of years ago. It is fantastic, it sticks very well and has lasted two winters outside so far (on a boat afloat).

Put on carefully it is hardly noticeable. Not cheap but worth it.

[svenedin]

For those with a tear or split in the window:

I discovered transparent Gorilla tape a couple of years ago. It is fantastic, it sticks very well and has lasted two winters outside so far (on a boat afloat).

Put on carefully it is hardly noticeable. Not cheap but worth it.

Thanks for the tip. I had rear seat belts fitted and unfortunately the reels for these are behind the back seats. That doesn't do the rear screen any good when the hood is folded down. I am going to have to think of a solution to avoid damage to the screen.

Stephen

[ManyMinors]

Thanks for the tip. I had rear seat belts fitted and unfortunately the reels for these are behind the back seats. That doesn't do the rear screen any good when the hood is folded down. I am going to have to think of a solution to avoid damage to the screen.

Stephen

The best solution I found was to fit the reels inside the boot, so the belt comes up through slots cut in the steel rear shelf. That way, the hood can be folded down as before

[svenedin]

Thanks for the tip. I had rear seat belts fitted and unfortunately the reels for these are behind the back seats. That doesn't do the rear screen any good when the hood is folded down. I am going to have to think of a solution to avoid damage to the screen.

Stephen

The best solution I found was to fit the reels inside the boot, so the belt comes up through slots cut in the steel rear shelf. That way, the hood can be folded down as before

Brilliant idea! I will do this

Stephen