Refurbishing hood and frame.

[MLCstag]

After the first solo closing of the hood after removing the long standing hardtop my frame was found to be a slightly out and didn't want to close on the front or rear catches. Being keen to make it work properly (particularly after watching the 30 second you tube clip!), I have embarked on a frame and hood refurbishment.

The Mk1 frame was stripped down with many photos taken to help with the reconstruction and I have begun the straightening process. It's in good condition generally just one broken bolt and a little play in the joints but operates nice and loose now. However, as it's been a little cold and the frame is temporarily back on the car work has halted and the better half has me fitting a new bathroom floor. None the less I'm looking ahead and trying to secure the parts I need for the refit and would appreciate a little guidance.

Can anyone advise where the fabric used to cover the frame can be purchased. I also need to locate something to replace the foam that covered the inside edge of the front hoop, under the frame fabric. Any suggestions where I can get this? I have attached a rather poor quality picture of the foam and fabric.

A last and slightly dumb question for now; as I intend to get the frame stripped and powder coated and have no experience of powder coating, how can the front hinge joints be protected during the coating process, as I don't want them to get chocked up with paint.

Thanks
Brian

[StokeyStag]

Brian,

Have a look here https://www.stag.org.uk/forum/showth...immers-parts"] as Richard has a brand new hood cover for sale.

Mark

[MLCstag]

Thanks, I had a look but was too late. Sold as a job lot.

[MLCstag]

Looking at hood options now.

Has anyone fitted a Paddocks hood they are described as "German mohair", but not much detail. SE trimmers hoods also look well received by forum members. So much choice and interested in any comments.

Thanks

[Rubce]

Hi Brian

I can highly recommend Brian Turner for a refurbished frame and new hood. He makes the hoods himself and they fit better than the ready made ones that everyone else appears to fit.

PM me if you what his contact details.

Regards

Bruce

[MLCstag]

Thanks Bruce,

pm sent

Brian

[paul.twyman]

Hi all,

Paul here from Cambridge.

This is a thread I was intending to start but you beat me to it Brian.

I have a MK2 hood that is somewhat bent. It folds down lopsided and is a bit of a bugger to get behind the rear seat. It is even harder to get it out again, the hood that is. I have had a few looks at the frame and replaced nearly all of the bolts/pins but it is fairly obvious it is bent out of shape. I do have a hard top but that is coming off as soon as the three days of summer get here.

My question is: does any one have any any dimensional drawings or sketches that I can use to help me straighten the frame assy. I could get it to someone who knows what they are doing but I like a challenge.

I look forward to any replies and thank you in advance.

Paul

[Nauts]

Hi Brian

I can highly recommend Brian Turner for a refurbished frame and new hood. He makes the hoods himself and they fit better than the ready made ones that everyone else appears to fit.

PM me if you what his contact details.

Regards

Bruce

Hi Bruce,

Could you pm me with Brians contact numbers etc as well please

Paul.

[Rubce]

Hi Paul

PM sent

Regards

Bruce

[StokeyStag]

Hi Brian

I can highly recommend Brian Turner for a refurbished frame and new hood. He makes the hoods himself and they fit better than the ready made ones that everyone else appears to fit.

PM me if you what his contact details.

Regards

Bruce

Ditto - I got a refurbed frame and Mk1 hood from Brian a couple of weeks ago. Raising & lowering the hood is now so much easier and it looks the dogs' wotsits when up. Brian is a font of all knowledge when it comes to the frame & hood - there's more to it that what's printed on that sticker on the driver's sun visor. Quality costs but this was worth it. As I recall Brian advertises within the Club and his details can be found in the members' area.

Mark

[Rubce]

If of interest.

http://www.stag.org.uk/forum/showthread.php?13145-Off-to-get-a-recon-frame-and-new-hood-fitted-this-weekend!&highlight=brian+turner

Regards

Bruce

[MLCstag]

Hi Mark, Thanks for the feedback.

Interesting to see you went for the Mk1, I'm still considering an upgrade to a single window as the creases in the side windows on my old hood are a bit brutal. What made you go for the Mk1, was it an originality decision?

Brian

[StokeyStag]

Hi Brian,

The two rear quarter light windows on a Mk1 hood do get the worst of it, particularly as they're so small. I asked Brian Turner if it was possible to put a zip on them (similar to the main window) to ease the problem but apparently this is a non-starter. Originality was a driver in choosing a Mk1 hood but as I like to use my car all year round and on all road types I was concerned at the lack of rear / over-the-shoulder visibility when changing lanes or joining dual-carriageways etc. This problem isn't helped by the limited usefulness of the door mirrors or with a Mk2 hood.

When I told Brian T that I wanted a Mk1 hood he did ask why and made sure that I knew of the pitfall (lets face it, there is only one !) but he was more than happy to make one up for me on the basis of a phone call and without a deposit - top man, although don't expect this if you want any colour other than black, he'll want some reassurance by means of a deposit if anyone orders a coloured hood. Brian T is more than happy to talk, sorry I'd better re-phrase that, more than happy to answer any questions (within reason) about hoods and frames even it you aren't a customer of his.

I have a cunning plan to help preserve my rear quarter lights but it depends on getting the frilly bits on my hard top fixed (- can anyone recommend a good body shop/person in my area ?). Quite simply I intend, against Brian T's advice, removing the hood and frame before fitting the hard top for the winter and storing the hood is an erect / semi-erect position so that the quarter light windows aren't creased. The following spring I'll re-fit the hood and frame and store the hard top - simples !!.

Knowing my luck someone will come along in a minute and give a damn good reason why this plan won't work

Finally, you asked about refurbishing your frame and getting it powder coated, there is no real way to protect the hinge joints during the powder coating process and the nyloc nuts will also be knackered by the heat. The only way to avoid these problems is to dismantle the frame into its component parts before powder coating and re-assembling it again afterwards. The interior of my car is now bright and airy and rear view visibility is as good as a modern motor, as I'm not too far from Chester we can always meet up if you want to cast you eye over my hood and frame.

Mark

[MLCstag]

Taking my time as always.... I have now fitted the freshly powder coated frame back on the car with new twill covering and cant rail rubbers etc. I'm about to fit the new cover from Brian Turner (it's very smart) and am trying to build up the confidence to put glue to material. My plan is to work from the back and follow the general advice from a previous thread (Australian?) where there are some good instructions.

However, I have two questions for those who are experienced in fitting new covers:-

1) Should I glue the slam panel (centre) first or the B post cross rail?
2) How should the cross rails be glued (B post, above rear window, between B post and header); Should they be glued tight up to the cover or should they allow for movement. This question follows a comment I read in yet another thread about leaving room for movement in the rail above the rear window? Unfortunately, in all the many pictures I took on dismantling, I didn't include any of the cross rails showing how they were glued. Can anyone offer some close up pictures?

Many Thanks
Brian