Fitting a Mohair Hood to Elan DHC

[nico506]

Hi All,
I am about to fit the above hood which is new to my Lotus Elan S3 , and ask if like the everflex and vynyl hoods whether raised temperatures is needed to assist the stretching of the materials during intallation - prior to hood loops being putinto position.

The material seems more fabric based rather than a polyvynl whichexpnds and contracts with changes in temperature - hence the need to install a plastic hood in a warm environment.

Any tips or experiences appreciated

Thanks in advance for help

Nico

[fatboyoz]

Nico,
I fitted a new mohair hood and quarter tonneau (hood cover) in Jan' this year, right in the middle of a hot summer, inside an even hotter shed. The hood cover was actually too small, and no amount of pulling achieved an appreciable amount of stretch. Had to have it cut and resewn to fit. The hood was also a reasonably tight fit (as it should be so that it doesn't sag and flap in the breeze), but has become easier, with time, to put up and down as the material takes a "set". I have actually left the hood up for the last six months to achieve this "set". So, in answer to your question, even in the middle of a hot summer, not much stretch.
Colin.

Hi All,
I am about to fit the above hood which is new to my Lotus Elan S3 , and ask if like the everflex and vynyl hoods whether raised temperatures is needed to assist the stretching of the materials during intallation - prior to hood loops being putinto position.

The material seems more fabric based rather than a polyvynl whichexpnds and contracts with changes in temperature - hence the need to install a plastic hood in a warm environment.

Any tips or experiences appreciated

Thanks in advance for help

Nico

[SADLOTUS]

Ditto what Fatboyoz said, left my hood up for six months too, still very tight. Seems mohair will stretch a tiny bit - allow this when fiting.

[alexblack13]

Mohair is apparently not correct for the car, but I suppose you know that already?

Great fun that hood fitting caper eh?

Alex B....

[TBG]

I have just put my hood - mohair - up for the first time in a couple of years or so. Yes I have got a bit damp on occasion! But it has shrunk. I have tried the heat route but to no avail. This way seems to be working........

[alan.barker]

Very nice,
for me Mohair is the best and a bit of class compared to plastic.
On my 1978 TVR 3000S it has a plastic ragtop and i hate it. The problem is it's in good condition so at the moment i can't justify buying a Mohair one.
Alan

[Seamus]

I concur that there is very little give with mohair hoods and if left down for lengthy periods they can shrink, I have an MGC with a mohair hood and to me it definitely gives both a more luxurious feel and look.

The vinyl roof on my Elan looks cheap by comparison .

[TBG]

The three five litre containers have done the trick!! Much easier to fit now.

[el-saturn]

my top is only in use in winter or NEVER, because it only once got really wet: on vacation to Elba Island when a thunderstorm got to us.otherwise i wait for dry streets...............my cover is mohair, but looks a bit shady due to sunshine sandy