Moliver Posted January 17, 2021 Report Share Posted January 17, 2021 Hi there, I am trying to assemble my hood rods and vinyl hood (most likely the still the original vinyl hood). With the rods positioned to meet the hood shape, I cannot reach the window with the hood (2 inch gap). I am wondering, if this is due to a shrunk hood (and may retry at warmer cond) or there is need to correct the rod positions. Can anybody advice on the correct position (e.g middle rod in full upright pos?) and experience with shrink of vinyl hoods? Thanks Oliver Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ralph Whitaker Posted January 17, 2021 Report Share Posted January 17, 2021 They definately do shrink. I had a brand new hood in storage for 10 years, and when I came to use it I had to give in and buy a new one. One of the reasons why they say a convertible should always be stored with the top erected. Ralph. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Drewmotty Posted January 17, 2021 Report Share Posted January 17, 2021 Sounds like you are trying to erect the hood incorrectly. Mine would be 2” short if I left it unclipped. Erect the frame with the over centre section near the body mounting lowered. Fit the roof to the windscreen and tonneau deck leaving the first two studs behind the doors unclipped. Raise the frame into position by straightening the over centre section. Best done with two people reaching in from the side through the unclipped section. Once raised fit the remaining lift the dots. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Moliver Posted January 17, 2021 Author Report Share Posted January 17, 2021 This is the answer I have been afraid of ... If I did replace, I most likely would go for a canvas type. Still shy of the investment especially as being used not too often... nevertheless, input on the rod positions would be appreciated Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Moliver Posted January 17, 2021 Author Report Share Posted January 17, 2021 @Drewmotty: Thanks, this input will help. Will try immediately Quote Link to post Share on other sites
james christie Posted January 17, 2021 Report Share Posted January 17, 2021 Oliver For the adjustment of the hood sticks, try Teri-Ann Wakeman’s site, a mine of information that you don’t find in the books. She very occasionally posts on here, or at least she used tohttp://www.tr3a.info/sticks.htm james Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BlueTR3A-5EKT Posted January 17, 2021 Report Share Posted January 17, 2021 (edited) 1 hour ago, Moliver said: Hi there, I am trying to assemble my hood rods and vinyl hood (most likely the still the original vinyl hood). With the rods positioned to meet the hood shape, I cannot reach the window with the hood (2 inch gap). I am wondering, if this is due to a shrunk hood (and may retry at warmer cond) or there is need to correct the rod positions. Can anybody advice on the correct position (e.g middle rod in full upright pos?) and experience with shrink of vinyl hoods? Thanks Oliver Attach the soft top roof to the car front and back with the hood sticks only partly raised as suggested above. Professional Trimmers Trick. Put and electric fan heater inside the car heating the interior, go for a cup of tea. When the tea is finished the soft top roof will be nice and pliable and easier to erect on the car. Cheers Peter W Edited January 17, 2021 by BlueTR3A-5EKT Quote Link to post Share on other sites
David Owen Posted January 17, 2021 Report Share Posted January 17, 2021 FWIW when I got the car there was a vinyl hood with it. I had a tough time getting it to fit so on a very hot sunny day I put the front of the hood on on and through the day it expanded and I finally managed to all the snaps on and get the sticks into place. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Quicksilver Posted January 18, 2021 Report Share Posted January 18, 2021 +1 for Peter W method. The PVC hood is more practice then a canvas one, if your drives the TR most of the time topless... Marcel. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ralph Whitaker Posted January 19, 2021 Report Share Posted January 19, 2021 The problem I had with my new Vitesse item was the width. I got it on between the windscreen and rear scuttle, but it was 35mm away from the side windows at both sides and there was no way of stretching in that direction. Ralph Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Moliver Posted January 22, 2021 Author Report Share Posted January 22, 2021 Successfully installed today considering all of your input! Thanks a lot to all of you. Cheers Oliver Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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