Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) easy-fit hood question

Roger
Why do you need a new hood?
I didn't think that it rained in Wales!!

What puzzles me about this arrangement is this:
Simmonds hoods were made by SS and his team. For a dealer to supply Simmonds hoods implies either that they have bought the rights to the name, or the manufacturing is being subcontracted, because one thing is for sure - you need the car to fit the hood. I'm quite interested in the easy up option because although I've got to like the traditional hood, at some point I may decide to go mohair easy up. I'm not too keen on the external A post catches if that what's still the norm, but the rear frame over centre catches are a good solution.

Simon, in Wales it only rains when there's a letter "y" in the day.
Dave, as I understand it, Williams have taken over the stock and supply rights to the Simmonds hoods.

A correction. To be precise, what I was told by Williams was that Simmonds was no longer supplying their hoods but that Williams had "taken over" that supply function. Exactly how that has been arranged I am not in a position to know.

Williams have just taken on a very experienced trim guy from the Morgan factory. The last time I spoke to Steve Simmonds he told me that he was giving up the hoods and tonneau side of his business and concentrating on his steering wheels. A couple of months later he placed a full page ad in Miscellany for his hoods.....so who knows what he is doing!

What intrigues me is what both Allon White and Simmonds/Williams will do on the later models with the cast screen pillars.....they both use the older type of stainless pillar which they have modified. Personally I dislike the clunky external front over centre catches on the Simmonds hood....the Allon White catches are far neater and more secure. I has the AW hood fitted to my previous 4/4 and I much prefer it to my current factory Easyup hood.

This sounds as though it could get expensive Mr S. I hope that a certain Westcountry dealer has not seen your post, or your credit card could get toasted!

Why not get a hood made like the 70th anniversary models, easy up hood but with traditional fasteners on the screen. Best of both worlds

To avoid misunderstanding: No criticism meant of Williams, who (IMHO) are and have always been a super company. (I've had dealings with them for many years)
My comments are jokingly made towards Jays, who seems unable to visit them without spending money!!

it is the spaniels you know the sirens of the morgan world

Excellent description Pete!