This section covers hood assemblies, frames, tonneau covers, and associated fixings. The change from two-bow to three-bow during TD production is the key identification point, creating three specifications.
The original factory hood was always biscuit single duck with the frame painted light tan, consistent across all cars regardless of body colour. Black frames are typically replacement.
Hood and Frame Identification
Three hood and frame combinations exist, each with its own hood cover. The two-bow (TC-style) was fitted to early TDs to chassis 20695 RHD / 20373 LHD. The three-bow was introduced from 20696 RHD / 20374 LHD (September/October 1952). The TF uses its own three-bow with different geometry for the steeper windscreen rake.
All three are catalogued. The wooden header rail locates in two sockets on the windscreen frame, secured by two wing bolts.
Hood Materials
Hoods are catalogued in two materials: superior-quality Double Duck canvas (heavier than the original single duck, with improved weather resistance whilst keeping the period appearance) and heavy-duty vinyl. Both come in biscuit (tan) or factory-optional black. The hood has a single rear window of approximately 8" × 24". Frame webbing in tan or black dresses the bows; a three-piece top finisher kit (TD or TF) secures the rear edge.
Sidescreen-to-hood buffer sets (two buffers) stop sidescreens rubbing against the hood. Tan aerosol allows touch-up of the original light tan frame finish.
Tonneau Covers
Both full-length and half tonneau covers are catalogued for both models, in Double Duck or heavy-duty vinyl, in tan or black. The half tonneau (standard TD fitment) tucks over the tonneau rail behind the seats, covering windscreen to seat-back but leaving the seats accessible. The full tonneau extends over the entire cockpit including the seats. It requires additional Lift-the-Dot fasteners on the rear quarter panels, doors, and scuttle (one each side, plus one each side of the mirror).
The tonneau rail arrangement differs significantly between the two models: the TD uses a single tonneau rail mounted on the seat squab at the back of the bench-style seat, painted black per the original factory specification; the TF uses two individual rails, one on each individual bucket seat back, painted tan rather than the TD's black. This rail arrangement is fundamental to how the half tonneau seats correctly on each model.
Durable Dot Fasteners
Durable Dot fasteners provide the primary quick-release closures between hood/tonneau material and bodywork. The female (button-and-socket) is fitted to the underside of the cover, the male stud to the body. Engaging the two creates a snap-fit that holds positively and releases easily. Catalogued sets cover the typical installation, Durable Dot female set of nine pairs and male set of ten pieces, with individual pairs and male studs available.
A dedicated fixing tool is essential for setting the female components cleanly into the material without damaging the fabric.
Lift-the-Dot Fasteners
Lift-the-Dot fasteners are used where more positive retention is needed, particularly on the full tonneau and at the bulkhead-to-hood interface. Sockets are catalogued in a set of four or individually. Studs come in two thread types: machine-screw with 2BA nuts (set of eight or individually) and self-tapping (set of five or individually). Machine-screw studs require a tapped hole or 2BA nut on the back face; self-tapping studs cut their own thread.
Leather Washers and Hood Stud Seating
Leather washers are catalogued for owners restoring the hood stud-to-body interface. The same leather washer is used to seat hood studs against the body and is also used as a sealing washer in other applications elsewhere on the car (notably the oil pressure gauge pipe). The leather provides a soft, weatherproof seating surface that compresses to seal without damaging the surrounding paintwork.
Ordering Considerations
Hood specification is determined by chassis number for TDs (two-bow or three-bow at TD/20695-20696 RHD or TD/20373-20374 LHD) and by model. Material and colour are customer choices, Double Duck is the quality upgrade, tan the original. Frame assembly, header rail, sockets, and wing bolts are catalogued separately for partial replacement. Tonneau cover is by model (TD and TF differ), and the tonneau rail differs (one TD, two TF).
Durable Dot and Lift-the-Dot fasteners are common to both, catalogued individually and in sets. The fixing tool is a one-off purchase.