Windscreen Hood Bows

[martin]

I need to get a hood and have been pricing up the options. Unsurprisingly the Dax item is pretty pricey so I was wondering whether Dax owners have found suitable successful alternatives. I have a Dax windscreen so does that mean I have to use Dax hood bows or are all hood bows interchangeable?

[TINKA]

The screen will make no difference to which hood you end up getting, as they are all the same as far as fitting the hood goes. As for where to get the hood from I remember someone saying there is a good place in, Reddich I think it was which is actually where Dax get theirs made.

[mikey]

The Trim Shop I presume.

I think you will find that they will make the hood itself and that Dax stock the bows etc hence only coming together at dax.

If I were to do a hood again, certainly for the double rollover bar option I would buy the bows etc and have the soft top tailor made to suit the car as the Trim Shop/Dax item is close, but you have to fit off line to get a good fit. If you do it yourself dont be tempted to fit symetrically.

If you are not tailor fitting I would definately go for the Dax, as the price difference becomes negligable in relation to the time effort and overall look of the thing.

If you want a real good laugh, get the Dax Tonneau for the double hoop. I think Trim shop used 5 cans of Boddingtons and a pair of scissors to carry out the job. Forget about gettin a nice tight fit without wrinkles unless you have a wand.

Couple of tips for you on hood fitting.

Make sure its a warm day and put the hood over the radiator for an hour or so before you fit.

Dont assume the car has symetry. The way I did it was to fit the tannax and mark the hood where it wanted to be. Ignore the location of the hoop through the rear windows as if you try to get it equal it will be way out. Just use chalk to mark the position for the fixing in the hood ensuring adequate tension.

Before you run with the hood get the plastic edging changed for proper hood finishing fabric as the plastic stuff tends to rub int the paint with the flexing of the body. The material is less abraisive.


Mike

[martin]

Thanks for the prompt replies guys.. Going along the same thread, has any one got any recommendations regards side screens? I was thinking of the one with a frame rather than the zip in canvas ones. I presume they just slot into 2 ferrules fited into the door, but do they rattle and shake and damage the paint?
As a long shot, has anyone got any spare for sale or to copy?