350i Hood Replacement.

[John042]

The recommisioning of my 350i is progressing but for future consideration the removable roof section will probably need recovering and the rear hood/window section replacing. Past posts recommend suppliers of rear hoods but how difficult is it to fit a new rear hood section onto the vehicle and frame? Past experiences with MGB's etc ended up with the cars being sorted by a company specialising in fitting hoods. Thanks for any advice. J C.

[SEvans]

Hi, from my experience I wouldn't attempt it. I did buy an off the shelf hood to fit myself and it didn't fit. Took it to a trimmers and he said all the cars are different so making a one size fits all doesn't really work. Nothing wrong with the hoods... it's the cars!! Luckily for me the trimmers managed to alter it to make it fit so nothing really lost. Cheers Steve

[John042]

Thanks Steve. Virtually the same experience I had with an MGA hood. Bought off the shelf, tried to fit but ended up taking the car to a car trimmer who fitted the hood maintaining the correct tension in the fabric which I couldn't. Where did you purchase your hood,fabric from please? I think the rear hood and roof section want replacing on mine. Thanks John C.

[SEvans]

Sorry, I can't remember where I bought the hood from it was a good few years ago. I do remember that it was an online seller. But as I've said I wouldn't go down this route...better to find a good trimmer. I'm sure there will be some recommendations along shortly. I used Martrim in Holmes Chapel but they are no longer trading. Cheers Steve

[John042]

Thanks Steve. There are some companies on line advertising hoods for various vehicles but your advice and my past experiences still favours a fitting specialists. Thanks John C.