USED HOOD GOOD OR NOT ?????

hello again i have been offered a new well almost new hood for my mk1 its only been on the car for 200 miles or so guy selling says its really easy to fit as the back window is already in and is the difficult bit ! allegedly i was going to have a new hood fitted proffesionally but could save a lot doing it this way . is it just a case of " a couple of bolts" as he says (its already attached to the frame work, or is there the issue of tensioning cables etc that would be best left to the guys who do this on a daily basis . opinions would be very welcome thanks :dontknow:

Hi, you should post this under Bodywork and Fittings in the Technical section of the Forum, you're more likely to get a response. I've been considering replacing the whole roof on my project cabby so I'll be interested to read the answers.

Moved here so you can get the best response  8)

here a link to the guide

http://www.vwgolfmk1.org.uk/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=12313

this should gove you some idea

the frame is held on with 4 bolts either side, plus the hood rams. its pretty damn easy actually!

Once you release the c pillar trim lift it up and you'll see the 2 tensioning straps these are held to the back of the frame by 2 bolts.  side tension cables dont need to be touched, but be aware they may not have been fitted if the fitter was ignorant/lazy.  the rear tension cable needs to be undone to get the back of the hood off anyway, so if included check the condition of it.

Wonderful thank you for the good advice .  
I have been told today that they came in two different sizes and that  a hood from a late clipper may not fit my early 87 gti
Is this true or just a load of old tosh? as they said, it can differ up to 2 inches from front to back which i doubt as everything vw is too accurate surely?. blimey theres more to this wanting to keep it origial than meets the eye eh ?

hoods same physical size regardless, there were changes to the design of the frame and some of the seals, plus side tension cables were avail in different lengths.

actual car chassis is the same!  Oh and obv power hood not the same as manual, can convert power to manual easy enough but other way requires a lot of extra gubbins in the boot, brackets need welding on etc. also the boot gets a lot smaller!

edit: my 83 cab has a late spec hood on it, from an 88 IIRC? bolted straight on

brilliant thamks  
will keep you informed . cheers andy