The Midget hood design remained essentially the same from 1967 to 1979, with one minor change in 1969 when a velcro strip replaced the rearmost Tenax fastener on each rear quarter of the hood. The later hood incorporating velcro is the type most widely available today. If fitting this hood to a 1967 or 1968 car, two additional Tenax fasteners must be ordered to fill the positions that the later hood does not cover.
Hood Material Grades
Four grades are offered, all supplied in black as standard. Standard vinyl is the most economical option and provides adequate weather protection. OE specification vinyl uses a thicker, more durable material matching the original factory weight, this is the recommended choice for an authentic restoration. Double duck canvas is a traditional woven fabric offering superior weather resistance to vinyl and developing a characterful appearance over time, though it requires periodic re-proofing to maintain its waterproof properties.
Mohair is the premium option, offering the best combination of appearance, weather resistance, and longevity. Alternative colour options are available on OE specification and mohair hoods at additional cost. All four grades are available with or without a zip-out rear window, and contrasting colour bindings on the hood edges can be specified on all materials when ordering.
Hood Frame and Header Rail
The folding tubular steel hood frame supports the hood when raised and folds flat behind the seats when stowed. The header rail clamps to the windscreen frame via over-centre catches available in chrome and satin finishes. The header rail seal provides the critical weather seal between the hood and the top edge of the windscreen frame, this is a wear item that perishes over time and should be renewed with every new hood. A deteriorated header rail seal will leak regardless of the condition of the hood itself, so fitting a new hood over a worn seal is a false economy.
The seal retainer is riveted to the header rail and secures the seal in position.
Hood Fasteners and Fixings
The hood fastens to the body via a combination of durable-dot press studs along the rear and sides, Tenax twist fasteners securing the hood to the cockpit side rails, and velcro strips (from 1969) at the rear quarters. A retaining strip secures the hood to the rear edge of the cockpit. Durable-dot bases, tops, and buttons are available individually and in packs. Tenax peg kits come in long and short lengths to suit different positions.
Lift-the-dot sockets, twin posts, and pegs are used for the tonneau cover attachment points. All fastener components are stocked individually, so worn or missing items can be replaced without renewing the complete set. A hood frame screw kit provides all fixings in one package.
Hood Fitting Advice
The ambient temperature should be above 10°C when fitting a new hood. In cold conditions, the material should be warmed with an electric fan heater draped over the hood frame to keep it pliable, cold vinyl and canvas are prone to cracking if stretched before they have softened sufficiently.
Hood Care Products
A range of Renovo care products supports all four hood materials. Vinyl hoods benefit from a dedicated vinyl cleaner followed by vinyl ultraproofer to restore UV protection and prevent cracking. A vinyl water repellent spray provides additional protection for vinyl hoods on cars stored outdoors. Canvas and mohair hoods require a fabric hood shampoo for cleaning, a fabric ultraproofer to restore waterproofing, and a fabric hood reviver to restore colour to faded material, the reviver is available in black and navy.
Plastic rear window polish removes the fine scratching and hazing that develops on flexible rear screens over time, restoring clarity without damaging the material.