Fitting New Hood

[oldelanman]

Thanks Tony, I do have a fan heater I will give that a try.
I'll report back on how it goes.

[TBG]

Old Elan Man - I regret I cannot remember who made my hood but it was one of the usual suspects who make "Mohair" hoods and the end result is jolly good. Getting one in the bare state and getting a trimmer to fit it irons out all the usual stresses and strains. I have not put it up for about three years so I hope it does not rain as I flash off to the Italian lakes in June for my 80th bidet!! D

[1owner69Elan]

I fitted my Sue Miller Everflex hood (top) last year though I had bought the top earlier. I hadn’t had the top up on my car for 40 years as I never drove in the rain during those decades.

However an ultimatum was issued by the wife that she would not accompany me on the 150 mile drive to Monterey Car Week unless the top was up.

My plan was to have it professionally installed but I finally got up the courage and decided to go ahead on my own. I obtained a proper leather punch to make the circular tenax holes.

As indicated above, tension bow down, I marked the center rear tenax and then alternated side to side checking the fit after each pair of installed buttons. Taking my time it was relatively easy and turned out well. No wrinkles.

I also opted to make the top completely removable instead of folding under the rear cover. And, by the way, it stores quite nicely in Sue Miller’s storage sleeve.

[Spyder fan]

I fitted my Sue Miller Everflex hood (top) last year though I had bought the top earlier. I hadn’t had the top up on my car for 40 years as I never drove in the rain during those decades.

However an ultimatum was issued by the wife that she would not accompany me on the 150 mile drive to Monterey Car Week unless the top was up.

SNIP

And, by the way, it stores quite nicely in Sue Miller’s storage sleeve.

Just phoned Sue and she said the storage sleeves were for export only, do you think she's having me on?

[oldelanman]

Update.....

Finally managed to get the new hood fitted today. Had to get it really hot by leaving it draped over the frame in the full sun for a couple of hours and then managed to stretch it enough, with the help of my son, to reach the fixings. I have a roll bar fitted which, although lower than the tensioning hoop, does partially tension the hood and make it more difficult to stretch over the frame. Using a fan heater inside the car didn't get the material hot enough but might well work if you don't have a roll bar fitted. Quite pleased with the result although I do much prefer the way the original hood fitted at the front over the windscreen and folded for stowing. I've made it fully removable so it can be stowed in the boot.

Thanks to all for the advice and reassurance.