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A call to Mazmania and I am introduced to Peter Jones, everything is set for meeting up at the Lincoln Show Sept 2006. A new Mk3 hood is being fitted to a Mk1 MX5 Owners Club car, B95MAD - and I want to see what the job looks like. The event is being written up for the Owners Club magazine and for those who have a copy; I am the one in the Liverpool FC Shirt looking on with interest. The finished job looks very impressive.
We check that my car will accept the hood around a roll cage and I arrange to travel up to Knutsford from Newcastle-under-Lyme for the fitting in October.
I arrive early so I get the chance to see another hood being finished before mine starts. After a little discussion Peter removes the roll cage with a little ‘hold this’ help from me. It looks better without and I do not intend to race the car in future!
The old leaky vinyl roof is removed in moments, frame checked and drainage channels cleaned, Peter confirms the rain rail is split (It was gaffer taped on one side!). A new rain rail appears along with a new hood and work begins on refitting. Many an anecdote is shared and I watch for what is now the third time, a new roof being fitted.
Help and advice along the way flows easily on any matter about MX5’s and Roadsters, the enthusiasm Peter has for these cars is self evident, the job is carefully and methodically completed and with the frame in place on the car.
The frame is strapped to support the hood as only the front frame clip is used. The one piece front and back panels mean there are fewer seams on the Mk3 hood and a further improvement is a drain channel above the doors – this works well and prevents wet seats on opening the doors in the usual British weather!
Within a couple of hours it is transformed. Gone is the leaky vinyl roof, cloudy original (although replaced) plastic rear screen – hello to new Mk3 mohair hood, heated rear glass screen and good looks! The new hood feels warmer and quieter on the road and having used the car almost daily, it has proved itself in the many months since fitting and the heated screen is a boon.
Looking for a new hood? Mazmania have it covered!
If you want to know how pleased I have been - I have been back on several occasions to have other work on the car which includes new leather seats (as seen at the Lincoln Show), which have further improved the look and feel of the car; new Bilstien suspension and springs to raise the car from the over lowered (for daily use) ride height – still lower by 20mm and new cam belt and servicing arranged.
….and a second car purchased for one of my sons and another satisfied customer!
N.B. This above review was originally completed in February 2007, I have updated the information in June 2008 with the following: -
Now over 20 months (at June 2008) since the hood was fitted, it has been cleaned and re proofed, much as you would expect to do to keep it watertight and in good order. (MX5 Parts recommend every 6 months using their advertised products and this suits the job well). In spite of the ups and downs of the hood in use, it is every bit as good as the day it was fitted.
Several other members of the Owners club have had work completed with Peter since my hood was fitted; including full and partial respray work as well as hoods members have purchased. In every case the feedback has been equally good.
Enjoy!
Andy Bell
M9MXV
freedomfives and MX5 O.C. member
a.g.bell@talk21.com
Rating:  [5 of 5 Stars!] |
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