Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi folks,
Bit of a newbie to this site, and I apologise in advance about this question, as it does refer to my '53 convertible. Yes I know, a Series 2 and the wrong area to mention such things. (In defence I do have a couple of lowlights though).
Anyway, on to the question....
I'm in need of a new hood. Getting a bit desperate now as the old one has rotted and ripped across most of the header rail. Its actually drier with the hood down if you keep the speed up, as it funnels the rain into the car with the hood up... The old hood is about 7 years old and was fitted by a well known, at that time, Minor specialist. I'm a bit disapointed that it didnt last longer, but then the car did live outside for a few winters. Not being cruel just daily use. It was me on the branch New Years Day run with the hood always down etc...
So, what do I need for a new hood and where to get it. I'd like one with the correct little back window, (the current one has a minor 1000 sized window in it which looks a bit odd, and I'm not fussed about rear view - the hood is either down, or in true Cannonball Run style, 'whats behind you doesnt matter! ).
ESM list both Tan and Beige and I'm not sure of the differnence. The last new hood, looked very bright, almost orangey in the sun, until after the first winter when it looked quite normal, then a bit faded, then tatty etc...
Also, any advice about waterproofing or making it last longer. Other than the obvious 'keep it in a garage'. It is garaged now, since we moved, but the suns shining and I'd want to use it which means moving the two modern cars, a '54 Land Rover and a '65 Minor van, and at least one of those wont start, so generally the convertible needs to be closer to the road.
Any advice?

The best hoods you can get are the double duck ones, I think they last longer too. But doesn't look original.

Try some of the specialists and ask for the possibilities

I'm not 100% sure what double duck is to be honest. Is it 'two layers of canvas with a thin rubber membrane inbetween' or am I getting it wrong. I think that is what I've got on th car now. Mohair ones cost more, but I've never seen these available in beige/tan whatever. And is mohair really better?
I'd guess for longevity, that a vynil one may be better - waterproof material, non fade so better for a car that lives outside most of the time. But just loks so wrong on a '53 car.....

It may be a good idea to speak to the convertible specialist in Kent as they probably have more dealings than anyone else with the hood issues and should be able to advise on the different types and their lifespan.

It was me on the branch New Years Day run with the hood always down etc...

And which Branch run was that as your whereabouts are not given.
I will also move you topic to the correct section as it may get more notice there.

IaininTenbury wrote:I'm not 100% sure what double duck is to be honest. Is it 'two layers of canvas with a thin rubber membrane inbetween' or am I getting it wrong. I think that is what I've got on th car now. Mohair ones cost more, but I've never seen these available in beige/tan whatever. And is mohair really better?
I'd guess for longevity, that a vynil one may be better - waterproof material, non fade so better for a car that lives outside most of the time. But just loks so wrong on a '53 car.....

Two layers of bestest duck hide, shurely?

Right! Off on a duck hunt!



I'll try the convertible specialist you mention and see what they say.
Sorry for not showing my location. Its Tenbury Wells, just north west of Worcester, south east of Ludlow sort of thing. It should show now if I've managed to alter the profile thingy! Having said that, the branch run refered to was a Barnsley Branch one of many years ago now, when i used to live up there. More Malvern Hills area now.

Thanks for moving the topic. Wasnt sure about where to post it. Chose the MM area, as I think its essentially an MM hood I need. But I may be wrong!

if I've managed to alter the profile thingy!

Not so far

Iain, I'll send you a PM with the location info just incase you are having a problem with adding it.

Paul Hurd is very pleased with his hood which was supplied by Don Hoods in the Birmingham area. They make the hood to fit the individual car.
If you contact Paul he will let you know their address. His email is paulhurd@tiscali.co.uk

May be to far for you, but these will do you a bespoke hoods and have more varied colours than you suggested
http://www.polyfacto.co.uk/
Give them a ring ask 4 Les, tell him Jaime sent you!

J

Double duck is the canvas hood. However there are many different qualities of material. The cheap ones will bleach in the sun in a year or two.

I had a custom made hood in best quality material for £800 by a firm in Bradford. The fit is superb.

Innovator wrote:The fit is superb.

The Look of it is pretty wicked too

James

Crikey! For £800 I hope its knife proof!

needs to be for that price unless its gold thead etc

Thanks for that folks. A few options to explore. Not sure that I can run to an £800 hood, but food for thought. The existing hood did fade pretty quickly, and if an £800 one lasts three times longer.....

When I got the car it had a black vynil hood, which I never liked, and was sort of 'grateful' to the lowlife who knifed the back window when it was parked in Bolton once, that it provoked me into having it replaced...

I'll try Don Hoods too. Friend of mine had a Spitfire hood done there a year or too back. never thought of them for Minor stuff...

cheers
Iain

Iainin,
I was reading your post & wondering what was the wash up of all your enquiries?

I am looking for a hood in a similar colour/material for my MM Tourer
and I am thinking of getting one from the UK.

Also I wanted to ask about the removable side screens?
I know your '53 does not have them but I was wondering
how you locals in the UK go about getting them covered to match
as all the MM Spare Parts sites I've looked at have the hoods listed
but nothing about the side screens?

Hi,
to sum up, I haven't got one yet and the car is still off the road (shortly to be remedied after I piled the van up the other week - bit moggyless at the mo).
A friend has just had a hood bag made up for his MM at Don Hoods and it looks really nice. Not cheap though.
ESM will do early hoods with the small rear window but you have to specify that or you'll get a late type one. Two colours avaialable - tan and beige... Not sure of the difference there, I'll have to get samples to see what is most appropriate.
So personally it looks like a choice between the two DH is local and will fit (make) it to the car, amd ESM more of a budget choice for DIY fit.
Regarding side screens, I'd guess that DH may have patterns and should be able to do these, or may be worth trying Newton Commercial? I have seen new ones about on restored MMs so they have been produced.