Hood Frame Refurbishment

[Grayone]

My 1982 SE needs a new hood. But before that it needs a total refub of the frame. This looks a little 'tired' and the 'cross hoops' themselves are covered in vinyl tape, the elastic hangs round my ears! I can't believe this is all original and am considering a total strip down and refinishing with some kind of powder coating. Does anyone have experience of any of this as I don't want to put a new hood, seals etc. on a ropey frame. I am in the West Kent area.

[theelanman]

My 1982 SE needs a new hood.

Blimey......thats one very early elan....must be a prototype....

[RayD]

With regard to the elastic ... see here

Ray

[Grayone]

Hi theelanman

No it's just my age! Silly old fart - that's me not you!

But I would still like to know how best to refurb the hood rails etc. Should I look at powder coating or another process. The cross rails are presently covered in vinyl tape. OK but I'm not sure original. Surely painting will wear off, which is why the rails have been covered in tape? Stainless Steel would be a good option but totally out of the quesation in terms of money.