Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

BarryCambs · Joined: 06 Jul 2012 Posts: 2

I'm in the process of recommissioning a 1929 Jowett Long Two. We believe this car has been in the family since new!

The car has been stored since 1974 in a dry garage and the hood looks in pretty good shape. The car was in regular use and only came off the road when the owner at the time died. However the hood has been stored folded down and has gone very stiff. I'm worried if I force it up, it will damage it. I understand it is double duck - a layer of rubber sandwiched between 2 layers of canvas.

I was wondering if it could be soaked in anything to make it more supple?? I know there are hood treatments on the market like Renovo, but they look to be more about colour and waterproofing. Has anyone had any experience with these?? Any advise would be much appreciated!

Regards, Barry

Salopian · Joined: 05 Jan 2010 Posts: 354 Location: Newport Shropshire

I fear the rubber will break up whatever you do to the canvas Barry - I suspect replacement will be needed but hope you are lucky. There are products available for treating the canvas itself revealed by a google search. I always used tent products.
Duck fades terribly quickly takes ages to dry and is a fairly horrible material but nothing else looks the part on a pre war car. Vinyl for me on anything later!
_________________
Jonathan Butler
Alvis SD 12/50 1928 MG TD 1950

Kelsham · Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2012 8:59 am Post subject:

Salopian is correct, it is unlikely you will save the hood.

The hood on my BSA three wheeler is about twenty five years old. Last time I raised it. It had shrunk and whist pulling it into position the fabric tore.

I have purchased a second hand industrial sewing machine and a new hood has joined the list of jobs for it.

How hard can it be??

regards Kels.

BarryCambs · Joined: 06 Jul 2012 Posts: 2

Thanks for the advice.

Strangely, my father was talking about making hoods for BSA 3 wheelers last weekend. He owned one in the 50s and remembers making up a canvas hood with material from the army surplus!

We have an auto trimmer very close by with a good reputation, so once it's MOT'd I'll run it down for a quote. At least the original is there to show the construction