My plastic hood is starting to form small holes in places and I’m getting a spot of water in more than I think i used to. It’s a 2000 reg standard 1.6i, now I’m thinking of getting another fitted, because I hear it’s a pig of a job to do - does anyone know where I can get this done in the Staffordshire/Cheshire/Derbyshire area? The closer to Stoke-on-Trent the better, and how much they charge?
I did think about putting a canvas one on but I don’t know if theres an advantage. I mean they look nice but aren’t they a pain to clean bird poo off? And are they any more long-lasting than the plastic one? When I say plastic I mean the hood material, the window is a heated glass one and I would definately want another heated glass window.
It’s going to cost me a lot I’m thinking of trying to patch up the holes, is there any special stuff for doing this? Loads of black kidnapping tape isn’t quite the look I am after… Any suggestions ? Someone said black silicone would do butI’m not too sure about this…
Repair - there are a few kits out there which seem to have a good repuation, but I’ve never personally used any, so I cannot recommend any specific ones, but even Halfords do one which I’ve read good things about.
By Canvas, I assume you mean mohair, which does undeniably look a lot better, and should last a lot longer if cared for properly.
However, if it is not cleaned and re-proofed properly, then it will probably last for less time than your vinyl one.
Cleaning Mohair is not really an issue - just make sure you get any bird droppings as quickly as possible with a wet sponge, and you’ll be fine.
Re-proofing should probably be done every 6 months to year, but there are plenty cars out there that have gone a lot longer and not had any serious issues, but mould/mildue will build up (fairly easily cleaned off though).
The only thing I can think of (other than price) that would put you off is that mohair really needs the toneau/hood cover to be used when the roof is down, since the roof bouncing/moving will wear the material away (the same thing happens on vinyl, but seemingly is less of an issue).
If it was me, and money was not of great concern, I’d get mohair.
I cannot recommend any fitters or suppliers though, sorry.
Might be worth contacting Paul Sheard in Congleton, if they cant do it I’m sure they will know someone who can.
Mazmania in Knutsford (www.mazmania.co.uk) did my new mohair hood in April this year. They did a great job and the hood fits superbly. They may not be the cheapest, but I’d recommend them to anyone.
I will second Peter @ Mazmania, he did a great job of my green mohair.
I too would endorse Mazmania - give them a call for a quote.
Regards
Jim