fisicx Posted August 25, 2014 Report Share Posted August 25, 2014 My wife has just brought a TR7 with a very tired hood. Replacing it isn't the problem, it's just deciding what type to get. The car will be garaged (of course) but will be used regularly to hoof up and down the M3. From what I've seen, mohair is a bit of a challenge to keep clean but looks good. Vinyl is easy to clean and a bit cheaper. Duck is somewhere in between (as was the sort I fitted many years ago when I last owned a wedge). Is there a preference? And where would you buy yours from? Don Hoods do a good deal, and some suppliers charge an awful lot more for the same thing. Or should I just go buy a roll of Duck Tape? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TR8IAN Posted August 27, 2014 Report Share Posted August 27, 2014 Fisicx? I have owned cars with both "double duck" and vinyl, the double duck hood was very faded when I bought the car but I was able to bring it back to life with a treatment called "Maxol" it looked good and lasted well. The three vinyl tops I have owned have done well apart from the latest one which because I didn't take enough care fitting it and its poor quality has developed a split on the front rail. I have heard good things of both S&S and Robsport's supplied hoods and it would be worth speaking to them about what they have to offer. As ever the choice is yours depending on the state of your wallet and what you like the look of. Cheers Ian Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hasbeen Posted August 28, 2014 Report Share Posted August 28, 2014 I have an 8 with a mohair hood. It has seen very little sun, being in the shed, or down under it's cover usually when driving. I have only used it in anger a couple of times. The first time, when it was about 5 years old, I was caught in very heavy not predicted rain, 2 inches in 4 hours. The hood really only slowed the water down. It was dribbling in from every stich line, & pouring in through the rear window stitching. The thing was more bath tub than car. I treated it with 303 hood protectant, which made it slightly shiny, but looked OK. I then had 4 hours of heavy rain a year or so later, while driving 300 kilometers. The only place any water came in was the drivers window which I had down a few inches while driving. It or the hood were wet when I parked & a little water wicked in past it when wound up. I have a 10 year old vinyl hood on my Oz Ford Capri. It still comes up nice & shiny, if that is what you want with AmorAll, & is still watertight. The double duck hood on my Honda S2000 is now 13 years old, has had no treatment other than washing when the car is washed, still looks great, & is totally watertight. I think double duck is the pick for looks & easy care. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted August 29, 2014 Report Share Posted August 29, 2014 When looking at hoods for my TR4 the supplier warned me to be careful of Mohair as it can shrink. Whereas the Double Duck does not shrink (much). The hood on my 4A I thought was mohair and has lasted well (15 years and still going) but I have a nagging feeling that it is also double duck. Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wilfried Posted August 30, 2014 Report Share Posted August 30, 2014 On my TR8 the original vinil hood is still in good condition, but has become a bit "short": closing has become quite difficult, even when warm. The two bolts in front just don't engage. Having read this topic, I am inclined to replace the hood by a double duck one. It is said to shrink less, but how about folding: is it not quite a bit thicker than the original one? Is folding easier or worse than with my old vinil? Wilfried Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TR8IAN Posted August 31, 2014 Report Share Posted August 31, 2014 Wilfried, Greetings! if you still have the original vinyl roof you have done well, if you are struggling to get it to connect with the front rail you may well be able to gain a little help by adjusting the frame slightly. By loosening the two bolts either side of the car (the ones located on the "B" post immediately behind the doors) and lowering the frame just a few mm. Hope this helps Regards Ian Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jothecat Posted September 3, 2014 Report Share Posted September 3, 2014 If money isn't an issue id suggest mohair hood and hood cover. I had revington fit the new hood which I believe came from S&S. No problems, looks great, feels good Jo Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wilfried Posted September 5, 2014 Report Share Posted September 5, 2014 Wilfried, Greetings! if you still have the original vinyl roof you have done well, if you are struggling to get it to connect with the front rail you may well be able to gain a little help by adjusting the frame slightly. By loosening the two bolts either side of the car (the ones located on the "B" post immediately behind the doors) and lowering the frame just a few mm. Hope this helps Regards Ian Yes, the hood is still in good condition, it has just become a bit too short! Ian, I will try first your recommandation before going into a change. Jo, yes mohair looks better. My son has fitted a mohair on his TR6. Lokks very good when closed, but is not watertight. I am told, Double Duck is tight. Wilfried Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DaveR Posted September 6, 2014 Report Share Posted September 6, 2014 My wife had a 2.5 litre GT6 Convertible/Spit 6 for over 12 years with a Double Duck hood. The hood was water proof and warm in the winter. It just needed cleaning and reproofing every 6 years or so. Due to the nature of the car it got lots of use and the hood lasted very well. Dave Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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