TECHNICAL FITTING A NEW SOFT TOP
The hood fitted to most convertibles is secured to the back of the vehicle and a metal folding framework. This enables it to be opened and closed with ease without having to follow a complicated routine of inserting hoops and pulling the fabric across them. It also means the hood can be watertight when up and folded down with ease.
Replacing the hood fabric means detaching it from the back of the car and the hood frame. This is a relatively skilful job but not as skilful as correctly fitting a new hood, which can go horribly wrong if you don't know what you are doing.
An E-type's hood is held to the framework and bodywork with staples, screws and glue, so it's quite an involved job to change it and realistically it takes at least a couple of days, depending on what other problems are discovered, such as corrosion in the framework. If you are keen to have a go, set aside a long weekend and make sure you have the following weekend free, in case you need it.
The E-type's hood is glued to a metal hood frame and stapled at the rear to a strip of wood (tacking strip) that's secured to the bodywork. Typical problems that can arise include corrosion of the header rail and frame, along with the bodywork where the tacking strip is attached. This wooden tacking strip may need to
