Hood tears

[Squirtydog]

Apologies for no pics but it is raining outside.
I have what I think are the standard hood tears in the rear corner. I am also developing more at the sides, just in front of the front brace. Is this just one of those Elan things? Am I folding the roof wrong (if that is possible). Apart from a patch on the inside, is there anything I can do to stop this happening? I'll post pics when I can.

[Steve A]

As your roof ages it will start to rub on the framework and wear through, a common deterrent is to glue patches where it mostly
contacts the frame, seat belt material makes a good patch, but it sounds like your roof might be past this prevention stage.

[Steve A]

I knew that there was something one this
http://www.lotuselancentral.com/forum/v ... php?t=9018

[Squirtydog]

Thanks for that. I've got some lengths of baggage strap I bought for another job. I'll try those. My father worked for an adhesive company for years so I'm sure I'll find a suitable durable glue.

Seems it is an inevitable thing. Glad it's not something I've done.

...new hood on the list, after the re spray,, which is after the Mountain chip, ,,,,, after the CAS seal and other oil leak fix,,,, after the front caliper replacement.

[Neill1607]

I've used "Black Witch" to glue my patches. It's designed to stick neoprene wetsuits together, so it's pretty resistant to rain water & remains reasonably flexible.
It's a "contact" adhesive, costs about £5.00 for a tube.

[theelanman]

When I had my new hood fitted.....I was given a booklet by Trim Tech which basically showed you to tuck the corners of the hood over the frame when putting it down.....
most of the tears they say are due to putting it down and then shutting the cover on top.....it stretched the material until it ripped.....

it showed you putting it down without pressure....folding the corners into the car away from the frame and then putting the lid down....
I did post at the time but don't know where its gone...I'll have a look later

[theelanman]

found it
viewtopic.php?f=13&t=7695&hilit=hood

[Squirtydog]

Thanks both. That is a big help.