Hood Rubbing!

[spit]

Just to warn you guys who don't yet know........

One of the tubular braces that supports the hood has a small riveted bracket on each upright (I think it secures the parcel shelf string?).

This bracket doesn't have profiled edges and is likely to rub against the inside of the hood every time its lifted (although the hood falls clear when you're putting it down). You can "finger feel" what I mean when the hood is half-down. Over time this weakens the fabric of the hood.

You'll first notice this weakening as a couple of indentations on the outside of the hood at exactly the point where the bracket contacts during raising. Leave it too long and you could end up with a tear.

The fixes I've seen for this are varied: rounding the profile of the bracket with a file, binding with gaffa tape (both crude and tricky because of strings and linings in the way). I've used two discreet, shaped pieces of wetsuit material to absorb the scuffing. These are practically hidden when the hood is up so looks OK.

I'd be interested to know if any of you have this prob. and how you've fettled it. Or for those with newer roadsters - has MrT changed the design?

[Anonymous]

Dont know will have a look. How old is your car?

[Anonymous]

Just to warn you guys who don't yet know........

One of the tubular braces that supports the hood has a small riveted bracket on each upright (I think it secures the parcel shelf string?).

This bracket doesn't have profiled edges and is likely to rub against the inside of the hood every time its lifted (although the hood falls clear when you're putting it down). You can "finger feel" what I mean when the hood is half-down. Over time this weakens the fabric of the hood.

You'll first notice this weakening as a couple of indentations on the outside of the hood at exactly the point where the bracket contacts during raising. Leave it too long and you could end up with a tear.

The fixes I've seen for this are varied: rounding the profile of the bracket with a file, binding with gaffa tape (both crude and tricky because of strings and linings in the way). I've used two discreet, shaped pieces of wetsuit material to absorb the scuffing. These are practically hidden when the hood is up so looks OK.

I'd be interested to know if any of you have this prob. and how you've fettled it. Or for those with newer roadsters - has MrT changed the design?

Thanks for the tip.  Regarding the new(er) cars, I'll look, but someone else will prob'ly be quicker!

[Anonymous]

Just looked on my 03 I think its the same as yours but no sign of wear.

[spit]

Glad you're OK for now - but keep an eye out - I've seen quite a few parked MRs with those tell-tale dimples starting to appear.

Just to correct meself, guys - its not the top brackets for the shelf strings - although these can also be a bit rough. Its the ones further down each side of the bar that anchor a couple of straps at a jaunty angle. These are the real rubbing culprits.

Mine is a '99 Jap auction MR-S, but its hard-topped with not much softie usage ('specially this summer!  s:cry: :cry: s:cry:  )

[spit]

Found the same prob mentioned a few times in Spyderchat for those who can't follow my description (anyone got a decent cam to post pics of the offending bracket?).

 m http://www.spyderchat.com/phpBB/viewtop ... light=tear m
 m http://www.spyderchat.com/phpBB/viewtop ... light=roof m
 m http://www.spyderchat.com/phpBB/viewtop ... light=roof m