Your new hood should require very little maintenance, but observing the following points will help ensure its long life.

The grey cross-member accommodating the boot hinge is the most vulnerable part of the hood and should be thoroughly rust-proofed. Some cross-members have two holes inside under the back window allowing rust-proofing to be injected into the box section.

Our plain canvas has a Polyurethane coating underneath which helps keep the canvas waterproof. All hoods have the outside treated with waterproofing spray which also helps repel water and seal out dirt. This should be reapplied periodically. The waterproofing can be accidentally removed if the hood is cleaned with the wrong product.

Cleaning Instructions

Most dirt will wash off with water only, but if necessary use Nikwax Tech Wash or ordinary soap flakes (neither of these contains any detergent).

1. Mix up a fairly strong solution which will work into a good lather with a medium grade scrubbing brush.
2. Scrub the hood thoroughly in all directions and rinse with a hose (or gentle pressure wash).
3. Repeat as necessary on stubborn areas. (Nikwax Tech Wash can be used neat on stubborn stains).
4. Rinse at least twice to ensure that all cleaner and loosened dirt has been removed.

On no account should you use car shampoo or detergent based cleaners to clean the hood. If you do accidentally remove the waterproofing spray, the hood should be rinsed extremely thoroughly to remove any trace of the wrong cleaning product and then reproofed (see below).

Reproofing Instructions

We recommend that you use Nikwax UV-Proof Spray-On Waterproofing and UV Blocker. The hood should be reproofed whilst still on the car every 12 months or as necessary, especially if the hood has been accidentally cleaned with detergent. (Any remaining detergent will need to be rinsed off the hood extremely thoroughly before reproofing).

1. Wash the hood thoroughly as above.
2. Wait until the hood is dry or nearly dry.
3. Tuck newspaper under edges of hood and over the windows to protect paintwork and glass from splashes.
4. Spray the UV-Proof evenly over the surface of the hood.
5. Pay particular attention along the front bar and above the rear window.
6. Wait for 2 minutes and then remove any surplus (runs) with a clean damp cloth.
7. Check carefully to ensure that no areas have been missed.
8. Allow to dry completely.

Nikwax Tech Wash and UV-Proof are both available in 300ml bottles from us or good camping shops.
Tech Wash is compatible with silicon-based waterproofers such as Fabsil Gold which can be used if you prefer.