Fully folding hood for the S

[KentishS2]

Has anyone had a go at modifying their hood yet to make it a fully folding job?

I hope it doesn't rain today as my panels are at home!

Wouldn't it be much easier if the whole hood was soft?

[page3]

I think the panel idea used on the S (and most TVR's) is IMHO one of the best designs I've seen - the advantages of a soft top with many of the advantages of a hard top.

[KentishS2]

I do agree that the standard panel arrangement used on many TVRs is excellent and it reduces scuttle shake when it is on (being rigid) but I'd like the simplicity of being able to pull up quickly or even at traffic lioghts just flip the hood forward when it starts to rain.

I'm thinking of doing something with mine so that I still have the option of using the hard panels or a soft insert.

[shnozz]

well at least one PHer is ditching the roof of their Griff for le mans this year. Since I am spending another week on the continent I'm not so brave.

[RichardR]

Does anyone happen to specifically know what TVR's reason was for going with this design? (They have a patent on the design IIRC)

Presumably it's simpler to engineer and assemble than a fully folding roof? Would a fully folding roof take up more room on the rear deck (but less in the boot mind you)?

[woody]

What about some sort of targa panel replacment? a sort of fold away roof section? (a bit like the lotus elise roof?). This would be ideal for weekends away / trips when the boot is in use!

Might have to ponder on this a while.....


Chris

[KentishS2]

Yes, that's what I want to do with mine - keep the rear section as it is.

I want to make up a folding front section to fit to the rear part of the roof by means of two shaped sections one front to fit around the screen and one rear to fit around the pivoting hoop of the rear roof section. These will be joined front to rear by two hinged side arms bending inward above the side windows. The shape of the roof will be made by two cross pieces sewn into the fabric of the hood attached to the side bars.

SO, from inside the car you would release the front catches as you do with the targa, pull in the pivoted side bars and the whole thing will fold back. That's the plan all I need now is plenty of time and money....