Hood and hood frame patterns.

[Cobra289]

Hi all,

A) Can someone post patterns of the hood for a DAX Cobra?
B) Do you have information how to make the Hood?
C) Where to start? At the Tenax fasteners? 13x Tenax?
D) Some of the Dax Hoods got a flat top (that I don’t like) can you tell me why?
E) Do you have dimensions of the frames?

Thanks in advance

[John Tisbury]

Hi
Sorry no-one has replied to your question before now. My wife and I make the hood and tonneau for our Crendon. It was not an easy job and make sure that you or someone you love is vwey good with a sewing machine.

I've answered your questions in order:
a) Best to make your own patterns as every car will be slightly different shape even one Dax from another. We made ours from brown paper and then used those to make out and cut the mohair.

b)and C) I don't have step by step instructions, but I've posted pictures on my website as we went along. Basically we made and covered the sidescreens, then started at the back of the car and stiched the back window section to the next panel that in turn fitted to the larger front section. By starting at the front you can pull the completed hood into shape before finally fixing it to the windscreen brackets.

d) Not sure on this one.
e) I can get them for you but I don't think they will help you much. Let me know if you want them though.

Hope this helps a bit.
Regs
John

[Cobra289]

Hi John,

It is very kind that you answer to the Topic “Hood and hood frame patterns”.

Like I say on my e-mail I bought from EuropaSpares the required parts. (Hood, frame and side screens)

My old hood was terrible installed and the shape was ridicules, I know now way, the shape of the frame is the key.

The frame that I got from Europa Spares is just the way I like.

At this moment I am developing the way of fixing the “Tenax” fasteners. I will use the aluminum “Blind rivet nuts”.
The reason I will go for this solution is because the gas tank is located in the bonnet and it is difficult to put a nut under the body.

What do you think about this?
Have you see such kind of solutions?

Regards,
Cobra289


Nobody can change your opinion!
If I can bring you to doubt, possible you will change your opinion.

http://home.kabelfoon.nl/~ossay

[Miket]

Hi Cobra289

Funny place to have a gas tank in the bonnet.


Cheers

Mike

[Cobra289]

Hi Mike,
Sorry for the mistake, it should be the “BOOT”
I got difficulties to make a differentiation between “Boot” “Bonnet” “Trunk” “Hood” “Luggage” “Kofferruimte” <- Dutch “Maletero” <- Spanish.

Regards,
Cobra289


Nobody can change your opinion!
If I can bring you to doubt, possible you will change your opinion.

http://home.kabelfoon.nl/~ossay

[Miket]

Not a problem, I wish I could speak and read many languages.


Cheers


Mike

[John Tisbury]

I'm not familiar with the Tenex fasteners so I can't comment either way.

When I fitted my lift the dots I had to remove the petrol tank to get at the rear fixings. So if you don't want to go down that route the Tenex fastners may be a sensible solution. I know Gargner Douglas uses a different method of attaching the hood to the rear of the car. They use removable bolts that are fitted into aluminum bolt holes which in turn are secured into the bodywork. Hopefully that description made some sense. Could be another option.

Regs
John

[maxGD059]

My GD has the aforementioned method of fixing the soft-top. Essentially the mountings are a type of rivnut made in aluminium that the soft top bolts onto. (The top has a moulded glassfibre base attached to it). The whole system is very water & draught proof. However the downside is that complete installation takes a while. IMHO its more like a hardtop that you can put in the boot for convenience & if I'm out & theres a chance of rain, I take a coat & the tonneau or put the hood on first. I suppose its 'horses for courses' as we say. Sorry there's no pictures but I hope this helps

Cheers

Richard
(It'll only be a 5 minute job)

[Cobra289]

Thanks MaxGD059.
Your answer confirms that I was in the right direction.

I have taken a half day off and visited a large nuts and bolts store and I have spent €5 for 20 of the aluminum blind rivnut. (M5)
I am very happy with this solution and it saves a lot of work.

I don't think that I need the molded glassfibre base; my hood form is pretty shaped and follows the DAX contours.
Regards,
Cobra289

Nobody can change your opinion!
If I can bring you to doubt, possible you will change your opinion.

http://home.kabelfoon.nl/~ossay

[Cobra289]

Hi John,

Ok from your description I think that Gardner Douglas use the same “Blind rivet nuts”.
I never show a GD with a hood or the provisions for.
Maybe some GD owner can confirm.
See the picture for more details.

I can remove the gas tank but the problem is that I made a special frame for hinges of the DAX so I got the hinges inside the boot.
I expect a lot of rework if a need to dismantle the frame.

Regards,
Cobra289


Nobody can change your opinion!
If I can bring you to doubt, possible you will change your opinion.

http://home.kabelfoon.nl/~ossay