BigSkyBrad Posted March 14, 2023 Share Posted March 14, 2023 Hmm, I prefer a healthier fold-over than that when sewing it freestyle (without a binding attachment) - that way there is a resistance at the fold around the parent material, and gives a consistent width on the top side. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuart Davis (fatblokestu) AO - Devon & Somerset Posted March 14, 2023 Author Share Posted March 14, 2023 30 minutes ago, BigSkyBrad said: Hmm, I prefer a healthier fold-over than that when sewing it freestyle (without a binding attachment) - that way there is a resistance at the fold around the parent material, and gives a consistent width on the top side. I see what you mean. Is all this stuff pre folded? I’ve got some more coming from another supplier which may not be so I could create a bigger fold, but I just imagine that could be a whole load of fun keeping consistent and in place whilst stitching. Any thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flying Carrot Steve Posted March 18, 2023 Share Posted March 18, 2023 Do half hoods actually stay on? All I can envisage is it being ripped to shreds as you are driving around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman Posted March 21, 2023 Share Posted March 21, 2023 On 18/03/2023 at 16:00, Flying Carrot Steve said: Do half hoods actually stay on? All I can envisage is it being ripped to shreds as you are driving around. Yes. I used mine many a time when on the motorway, just to stop luggage and things blowing round in the car. Never had the slightest issue. (Though without bracing bars above your head, they can be a bit "flappy"!) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuart Davis (fatblokestu) AO - Devon & Somerset Posted March 25, 2023 Author Share Posted March 25, 2023 Some great progress today. I’ve got all the main machining done to create the shape, plus four straps and their anchor points. Pretty pleased with it I must confess. The sewing is a bit rough in places but actually it all looks fine. I will cut a rear window in as the proper ones have, and add angled straps as well. Then some finishing edging to make it look a bit more professional. I may also add easy access zips as it is a bit tricky getting in as it is. I took it out for a run this afternoon and it’s great! It might be my imagination but it seems to help the aerodynamics a bit so it feels a bit quicker accelerating above sixty odd. It felt very solid though, the roof bars really help, as does the single hoop which I’ve used; this adds height and tensions the hood really well so there is no flapping at all. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Parker (Red Spider) - Yorkshire AO Posted March 25, 2023 Share Posted March 25, 2023 That looks great, now do you want to pop up to Leeds and do mine please. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flying Carrot Steve Posted March 25, 2023 Share Posted March 25, 2023 That really does look a proper job, well done! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman Posted March 26, 2023 Share Posted March 26, 2023 That looks a great job! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuart Davis (fatblokestu) AO - Devon & Somerset Posted March 27, 2023 Author Share Posted March 27, 2023 Did some more over the weekend, mainly adding the diagonal straps, reinforcing the holes for the roll bar bolts and putting in the rear window. I made a bit of a hash first time round, and it didn’t look very good as the window wasn’t tensioned enough. I then got some double sided sticky tape which held things in place much better and allow me to finish it off nicely. My stitching is more akin to a slalom course than a straight sprint, but it does the job 🤪 First attempt….wrinkly! 🥴 Second go…. better! 😊 View through the rear view mirror now… 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benrobson2999 - Kent AO Posted March 27, 2023 Share Posted March 27, 2023 Great job 👏🏼 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuart Davis (fatblokestu) AO - Devon & Somerset Posted March 28, 2023 Author Share Posted March 28, 2023 Made up a couple of little stays from old fibreglass tent poles, to keep the rear section of the hood tensioned. Will only use them if the hood is going to be on for a long journey or the weather is looking bad for a while, but think it looks better with them. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuart Davis (fatblokestu) AO - Devon & Somerset Posted April 1, 2023 Author Share Posted April 1, 2023 Last night I was up late, finishing of some trimming round the sides of the hood and also making and attaching some little covers to hide might dodgy stitching where the webbing is attached. All looking good now, just the easy access zips to go now. I carbon wrapped the two little stays for the sides as they were a rather vivid green colour. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Parker (Red Spider) - Yorkshire AO Posted April 1, 2023 Share Posted April 1, 2023 Having a mess around this morning. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuart Davis (fatblokestu) AO - Devon & Somerset Posted April 1, 2023 Author Share Posted April 1, 2023 4 hours ago, Robin Parker (Red Spider) - Yorkshire AO said: Having a mess around this morning. Looks nice. I started by tucking it up underneath to roughly get what I was after and tensioned it with clips and rope. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McFrancis Posted April 11, 2023 Share Posted April 11, 2023 Here is my version of a cut down hood converted to a half hood. Because I live in Scotland I have a full roof, but on occasion when it stops raining heavily a half hood is good. I decided to utilise the frame as I'm quite tall l, to keep the roof from hitting my head. The hood velcros around the rear part of the frame. The rear straps then loop round the rear frame to allow me to tension the whole roof. Generally I'm quite happy with it, and I've used it a few times, both with and without doors. It looks a bit Flintstone like as the hood has no depth, but it does the job. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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