roof supplier and fitter

[Smokey Boyer]

I am in the process of sourcing a roof and organising a fitter to replace both the folding section of my roof and to recover the targa panel. I am aware that it could be a DIY job, but I know I would never get the same level of finish that a professional could achieve.

I have pretty much decided to go for the smaller rectangular back window rather than the original shape as it is supposed to help with folding the rear section down. Given that choice restricts the suppliers somewhat, my current choice of roof supplier is MazdaHoods (AllHoodsLtd) based in Romford but I have yet to place the order.

As for the fitter, I have two choices. A local specialist in Leicester (Classic Car Services) who are on my doorstep and can order the hood from MazdaHoods and fit it, but have quoted a price £125 more than MazdaHoods for the complete job. Alternatively I drive down to Romford for a day out and and save about £80 after petrol, and get MazdaHoods to do the job.

I would welcome some feedback from anyone that has changed to the smaller rear window as to whether it was the right thing to do or not.

Also any feedback, good, bad or indifferent that they could share either publicly or via a PM about the hoods and fitting service from MazdaHoods (AllHoodsLtd) would help my decision. I already have good feedback from local owners about Classic Car Services, but they are more expensive and snowed under with work at the moment (which is a good thing).

[N7GTX]

I'm sure you will get many recommendations. Based on the report by Sheel (Rich) who had his done recently, Car Hoods Northern did an excellent job. The fitter they use comes to your house and does the whole job for £750. That is a new folding part plus recovering the targa panel.

Hopefully Sheel will see this and tell you more.

http://carhoodsnorthern.co.uk/tvr-car-hoods/

[Smokey Boyer]

I did contact the Car Hoods Northern about the roof. Given my garage is not big enough to work in I would need to take it them in Cheshire, and they have been the most expensive, quoting £895 for the job.

[sheel]

Hi smokey,as 7 says mine was done through car hoods northern and I did manage to negotiate and much better price than you have been quoted
The fitter was self employed for them and I may have his card somewhere still,the hood was an original manufacturers and fitted really well albeit with the larger screen, he did do work on an individual basis as well
If it's any help to you you would be welcome to use my workshop,not far from you in rugby if this helps with any decisions to make
Rich

[Smokey Boyer]

That is a very generous offer Rich. I will be in touch via PM, but wanted to thank you publicly.

[sheel]

Your welcome smokey,I'm currently in a Coventry hospice for a week out on Friday so won't pick up any emails till then but it's a genuine offer to help a fellow owner
Rich

[Smokey Boyer]

Just to close up the thread on this on, I opted to have a 'square' windows roof supplied by All Hoods (Mazda Hoods) in Romford. This was fitted by my local trimming specialist, Classic Car Services in Leicester. The fitter at Classic Car Services had not used All Hoods before, but as I wanted their roof with the square window agreed to give them a try. He said the roof was delivered quickly and was relatively easy to fit as the material has a small amount of stretch in it.

All in the job cost me £786, and I am very happy with the quality of work done and the roof provided.

The square window allows the roof to fold down much easier than it did before, and window does not crease or rub on anything when the rear section is lowered. With the roof down I can actually see cars behind me in the rear view mirror.

I have not had any difficulties with visibility through the smaller window. The view out of the rear view mirror is restricted by the mirror rather than the window, and the view over the shoulder is not compromised too much. It does not feel any darker in the cabin either.

Edited by Smokey Boyer on Sunday 17th July 22:11

[mjlloyd]

i have just used all hoods in romford. origanally i was going to have it fitted by them for 550pounds but when i arrived yesterday morning they wanted to keep my car for a few days,i had arranged to use it on sunday so i opted to do it myself it all cost 324 with the glue.fitted it myself bit of a pig of a job especially as the nuts in the boot recess are not captive.