Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Hood & Tonneau Replacement

Has anyone had these replaced by using the old ones as a template. All the suppliers I have spoken to so far want the car as well. I live in the North of Scotland and have neither the time or inclination for the four trips required to do so.

The issue you are going to crash into is that all of the cars are slightly different.

The last time I changed tonneau, (because I wore it out), I ordered a standard vinyl one from the factory and a local trimmer put in the studs to match the car. The last time I had a hood done, a local trimmer made it up using the old one as a pattern, but they wanted the car for a final fit.

Both Everflex and mohair have some give in them, so it takes a bit of care, (and experience I sadly lack), to tension them correctly first time.

Personally, I think it would be risky to expect a trimmer to get it right without having access to the car.

It wouldn't be a cheap option, but might it be possible to arrange to have the car transported, maybe via Russell Patterson in Perth?

I have one which is fitted to my old +8 and one which has not had any fixings put on. All the fixings are present it just needs fitted. PM me if interested.

Taking the car and leaving it may be better.

Don't use Don hoods in Birmingham.

They took my worn but good hood and destroyed it by cutting it up for patterns.

Then they said the final fitting of the hood was up to me to do.

They are a bunch of cowboys.

Jon the Chief

Expecting a trimmer to produce a hood 'blind' is like asking a tailor to make a bespoke suit from a few measurements.

Morgans are handbuilt and every one has slightly different dimensions. Note the challenge that fitting GRP hardtops present - hardtops produced from molds don't alter, it's the handbuilt nature of the car that's the problem.

Consider visiting a few sailmakers. They will also be practised in making canvas sailbags, sprayhoods and dodgers. They will use UV resistant stitching and will be able to order mohair, etc, etc. Your existing hood will serve as a prototypre even if they don't need to rip it apart.

I'm not bothered about the old one being ripped up, even though it's immaculate. I just don't like the everflex. I want a mohair as it's appearance is far better. I know each car is slightly different, but I don't get it that they need the car. Over the years I have a had hoods made by an old friend of my fathers without the need to have the cars present. Unfortunately though they are both now long gone.

Hi Bob
Thanks for the reply, but I am intending to have both items made to match as near as possible the seat leather.

Have you had a chat with these people?

http://www.classicrestorations.co.uk/

They appear to be reasonably well established and competent and not too far away in Perthshire?

Agreed I have crossed swords with them !