Long two hood

[BarryCambs]

The hood on the car looks to be in very good shape, but unfortunately, over the last 40 years of storage has gone very stiff. It's been stored folded down. I'm reluctant to force it up, in case it causes damage, if it could be saved. I understand these are made of double duck, being a rubber sheet sandwiched between canvas?

I was wondering about removing it and trying to soak it in something to see if it can be softened, but I guess the rubber could have perished. Has anyone had a similar experience? Would a hood restorer be worth trying, or will the rubber have gone? Any advice, much appreciated.

Thanks, Barry

[Forumadmin]

I doubt if the rubber can be revitalised. If you do try opening then do it on a warm day when the material will be more pliable. Obviously try not to damage the hood too much so that it can be used for a pattern and keep it on the frame when sending to hood maker. They will probably also need the car for final fitting.

[BarryCambs]

It's a shame, as it looks in good condition, but if it really is rubber, I guess it probably is lost. Luckily, there's an excellent car upholstery place a mile down the road if it does need replacing. I'm assuming they would be double duck as original?

I really want it on the road ASAP, so I'll worry about replacing the hood later. We are starting work next weekend, so unless we find any major problem, it should be fairly straightforward to recommission. Just need to pray the weather breaks if I can't get the hood up ...... not looking good at the moment.

My local independent tyre place I've used for years had a set of Waymasters on the shelf. Apparently someone ordered them a couple of years ago and never collected. He's happy with £65 each which is a great result - hopefully a good omen!

[Tony Fearn]

Hi Barry.

Have a talk with IP again about the original material for the hood if you want originality.

I've a feeling the hoods in 1929 were not double duck, but I may be wrong.

Tony.

[BarryCambs]

Thanks Tony, I will. Ian has already been fantastically helpful and is "looking forward" to getting my spares list. I wonder if some of the originals were just heavy Canvas.