Hood to cover hood?

[gouldsborough7]

Has anyone come up with an idea to cover the hood (soft-top) of a Berli when in folded down position?

It has often struck me that this is not its best feature, with 4 threads sticking up to the sky, and the un-attractive inside of the fabric showing. I suppose if the latter could be made more presentable, the problem would not be quite so apparent.

If using a fabric tailored to fit like some sort of glove, and folded up in the boot, then it should not have any fold-creases when put into use, and also not flap in the wind. Somehow the 4 threads should be camouflaged as well.

So any ideas guys?
Cheers
Mike

[Dane_Rescueman]

Re: Hood to cover hood?

I bought a couple of yards of thick black vynyl cloth at a show about four years ago. I still have not decided on a sensible shape to make. The folded hood is an unusual shape. Iwould utilise the hood retainer poppers at the rear scuttle and use straps to hold it all in place. The threads, well, I thought that I would include a hidden length of wood in the cover into which the threaded studs would be inserted. I still cannot get the drawings to look nice. I have thought of re-designing the frame so that the whole lot collapses and can be stored in the boot or down behind the seats. The recent engine and gearbox change has put the whole hood problem on the back burner up until now. Anyone got any good ideas? Ideally a full tonneau would be great. This could have ally angle that clips down beside the side door windows. Any water would drain down inside the door and out the drain holes. Once againg, not ideal! Otherwise, I may fit the hardtop with quick release fasteners and Cheryl to follow me around in her estate car! Ah, she says "NO!". Blast!

[tim hawkesworth]

Re: Hood to cover hood?

I have had a hood cover made which is similar to that used on the Hunter/Cabrio. It attaches to the car by the front fixing either side of the body and fits tightly around the fixing lineof the hood to the body, there are then 2 straps that fix it to the rear bulkhead. The 'bag'is tailored to cover the hood but also has a flap which is used to cover luggage etc. on the back seat [ this can also be draped over the headrests/front seat backs if you are brave enough to leave the car topless. [ this flap could be extended forward to form a tonneauwith say velcro fixings to the top of the dashboard and lift the dots along the door cills. If any one is interesred I could [with a little help] post a photo.At least 4 other members have bags of the same design.

[Dane_Rescueman]

Re: Hood to cover hood?

Tim,
It would be great if you could post some pictures. It sounds like just the thing I am looking for.
Do you have separate nuts and bolts for the top rail fixing or do you have permanent studs and wing nuts like my hood?
The studs would have to be covered in some way to avoid perforating the hood cover material in my case.

[csjcarolyn]

Re: Hood to cover hood?

Tim,
I too would be interested in a hood hood. I would alos be interested in a tonneaux and hood hood if there is one out there.

[danny_nelson]

Re: Hood to cover hood?

Gentlemen I have a combined hood bag and tonneau cover. The rear part has no fixings it is shaped and fits over and under the rear edge of the folded hood. The four studs are covered with a length of split pipe lagging before the tonneau is fitted. Ther are stud fixings along the top of the doors and the front has a wheel bag and studs to the dash top. A centre zip keeps everything snug. When not used as a tonneau it covers anything in the back and tucks down behind the seats. The back does not require any fixings. I do not claim this as my idea I got it from the previous owner. I am very impressed with it so much so that I am going to have another made by a local trimmer for the other Berly.

[lizbillings]

Re: Hood to cover hood?

Hi Danny. Will this fit all the Berli hoods? Presume no difference because I would like one if you could let me have details. Arrived back safely on Sun, having coughed and spluttered all the way home. Fuel pump ordered. Regards Liz

[Dane_Rescueman]

Re: Hood to cover hood?

Danny,
When you do have the details, I would be grateful to receive them too. I should have made one years ago!
Thanks

[christel.stockden]

Re: Hood to cover hood?

Gents, Any chance of some pictures to illustrate all the good ideas on this subject of hoods......and in particular of frames, unfolded, if available. Tech Tips shows a plan for a hood frame but I wonder if, over the years, this has been improved upon.
Isolated here in Germany I don't have the pleasure of seeing with my own eyes the improvements other members have made to their Berli's so pictures would help.
Rgds,
Neville

[danny_nelson]

Re: Hood to cover hood?

Hi, Liz glad you made it home okay. Yes this will fit any Berlinetta. I will try to get to your Rally and let you see.

[danny_nelson]

Re: Hood to cover hood?

Dane I will try my best with a photo. Are you going to make your own? I will let you know what I am quoted.
Regards
Danny

[Dane_Rescueman]

Re: Hood to cover hood?

Danny, I may make my own but it depends on the quote for yours (and whether Cheryl doesn't mind me trashing her sewing machine). Your local chap may be open to a discount if a few of us are willing to subscribe.
Thanks for all the info,
Dane

[KitCarGirl]

Re: Hood to cover hood?

Hi All

Tim's pics as promised.

Tim says: "My hood is fixed to the screen surround with s.s. overcentre clips so I do not have the problem of the locating studs/fixing pins"

[gouldsborough7]

Re: Hood to cover hood?

Tim/Sue
Pics look good to me. Thanks for your trouble. I wish my hood didn't have the thread-fixings. Maybe I could cover them up with some form of plastic gubbins from B&Q. There would have to be enough slack in the dimensions of the cover to accommodate.

I have sent an enquiry e-mail to www.softbitsfor seven.co.uk who did me a surry for my sevenesque car a few years back. The trouble is that they would have to either have the car for a measure, or be told the dimensions. No point in "re-inventing the wheel", so I'll wait for Danny's quote.
Cheers
Mike

[tim hawkesworth]

Re: Hood to cover hood?

Mike,Danny,
Danny asked me a few weeks ago for details of who made my hood and bag - the quote may be from the same guy who made mine,he also trimmed my car in leather