Another Mohair Hood Question

Technical Area Body, Interior & Styling
2

Sorry if this question has been asked a million times. 
I’ve been through the threads I’m still a bit confused about some of the hoods offered.
I have a Mk1 with the original hood, but I did get the back section replaced with a heated glass option some time ago, so electrics are in place.

I’m doing up the car and I need a new hood as it has cracked.
I’ve done searches on the web and the forum and i can see that there are many people who offer hoods.
I want quality mohair, but there is still lots to choose from. 
MX5parts does one which says it does not need a fitting kit and that goes down without needing to undo the zip (which would be nice), but some reviews have said they still need to use the zip. There are loads on ebay, others say that you need a MK1 fitting kit. In the current Mohair thread I see BAS and several others do them as well, but I don’t know if they need a fitting kit, and if so what it is and how much it is.
The prices seem to vary wildly especially on ebay for new items.
I am prepared to fit it myself but I only want to do it once, so I don’t want to get an inferior product.
Without thinking, I had budgeted 500 for the hood which seems reasonable from what people are saying in the forum, but I’ve seen one for 263 which they say are quality mohair.
Questions

  1. Is there a top five suppliers list based on peoples experience?
  2. Can the replacements hoods be folded without unzipping
  3. What does a fitting kit comprise of and why do some hoods not need them. 

     Sorry to bore everyone again with this.

    Cheers
    Pash
3

 Short reply - I’m eating…
JIMparts in S.W. Leicestershire
Jack Smith Trimmers (I think) in Cardiff
Both highly recommended, but there are others…

4

Jack Smith Trimmers of Swansea

Rear of 158 St. Helens Avenue
Swansea
SA1 4NQ

01792 461 022 

Cost me £260 for a mohair top, fitted on a Mk2, last October (2008). He’s cheaper because he reuses the heated rear window (make sure it’s a genuine Mazda original - some others are smaller and he has the top cut and sewn ready to take your glass)

Had just enough time to walk round the bay to the Mumbles lighthouse, have a quick lunch and get the bus back - a good day.

 

5

Just noticed, Pash, that you live in Berkshire too.

It took me under 3 hours each way, but don’t let him get talking or you’ll definitely be late getting home!

6

Can’t help on suppliers because the hood on my car was replaced before I brought it but mine is definatly designed so it can be folded without unzipping.

7

 Thanks guys
Will look into jack smith
Cheers
Phil

8

I got mine from them not so long ago and fitted it myself. Unfortunately, the rear screen split this lunchtime when I was lifting it back up to zip it in place. Can’t fault Raymond at Jack Smith’s, he said post it back and they will replace it.