Convertible hood frame

[TomMull]

This is on my Triumph Herald but I think the concept is similar to many British and other cars. I've been messing with this for months, including a rebuild of the head board and when not satisfied with the fit I bought a new one which fit no better. Now have it adjuster as far forward as it will go and still have a huge gap between it and the top of the windshield at it's "resting" position. I can force it forward but with emphasis on force. It seems obvious that the frame is worn or sprung but I cannot identify any specific problem with it. Here is a picture of the top. Any ideas appreciated.


Tom

 

[Bayless]

Actually I would about bet it is the fabric instead of the frame. They do seem to shrink over time and you are supposed to use a little "effort" stretching it to close. If not it would really flap in the breeze while driving.

 

[JPSmit]

Actually I would about bet it is the fabric instead of the frame. They do seem to shrink over time and you are supposed to use a little "effort" stretching it to close. If not it would really flap in the breeze while driving.

Agreed. Have you tried letting it sit outside in the sun for a couple of hours? Alternately i have head of people putting space heaters in the car to heat up the fabric.

 

[TomMull]

Thanks for the replay. It takes two of us to lock it in place. The top is new. I glued it the the to front headboard with the latches in place but not secured. I did pull it as tight as I could get it in that position. Locking the latches does move it forward a bit, perhaps a quarter inch. But with latches unlocked (the pegs out of the sockets) it likes to sit more than an inch behind the windshield.

It seems quite clear that the frame itself is at fault; adjusted improperly, loose or bent.

Agreed. Have you tried letting it sit outside in the sun for a couple of hours? Alternately i have head of people putting space heaters in the car to heat up the fabric.

We did, JP, had some really warm sunny days, 90+ F last week with bright sun. Seems conditions can't get much better than that. Looks like we will live what is now essentially a sedan. Seem also that this is not uncommon with Heralds and perhaps other cars.

I would think the frame should be fairly rigid in the down position, even when not latched. Is that not the case? Mine moves fore and aft more than an inch. I really didn't think much about this before I put the hood on and only compensated with what little adjustment there was at the headboard. Apparently that should have been a red flag.

I guess I'm in the market for a Herald hood frame. Anybody got one?

Tom