Convertible hood

[MikeP]

Does anyone know who can supply and fit a convertible hood for a 1996 Ace Brooklands which has the mechanism but no fabric covering. From what I have found on this forum the hood is from a Peugeot 306. Would  one of these Peugeot hoods fit? Any leads, tips or advice would be most welcome
Thanks
Mike

[AC Ace Bristol]

.
Mike

If you are in the UK,  Give Mike Wheatley  of  Elite Coach Trimming a call.
Mobile number :  07949 980260
land line :  01933 443422

53 Rixon Road
Finedon Road Ind Estate
Wellingborough
Northamptonshire
NN8 4BA

Specialist in Aston Martin, but will do any vehicle........... 
Traditional and Modern material used i.e. Connolly Hide, Wilton Carpet, Mohair Hooding, Woolcloth, Doby lining, Alcantara etc

Keith
.

[paho]

Good tip from Keith. Hope you are one of the lucky one's with working ecu and hydraulic pump.

The hood profile is not the same as a Peugeot 306. The similarities to the Peugeot are that both vehicles use Power Packer control units, hydraulic pumps and have the same opening and closing cycle.
The hydraulic mechanism on the roof frame end does not look the same.
Other posts have stated that the control unit from a 306 does not work. Sofar I hav'nt found a replacement control unit or pump to compare exactly. I have compared the pump using pictures, the only differences I can see are that the manifold on the pump has 12 pipes connected on the Ace, 8 on the 306. I think this maybe because there is an extra rear arch and hood cover hydraulic ram compared to the 306 which would require 4 extra hydraulic feeds but I'm guessing here. The electric motor driving the pump can also have different drive shaft ends that transfer the drive to the pump part. Otherwise the motor looks as if its interchangable. I've stripped down mine after it blew a fuse (water-logged), cleaned and lubricated it and its still going strong.
/Paho

[MikeP]

Thanks guys.Great information.  I will give Mike Wheatley a call. Hopefully he can help and get a car back on the road.
Cheers
Mike

[MikeP]

I have spoken to Mike Wheatley and he can do the hood fabric in mohair for a very reasonable price. So all good. Thanks again for the assistance. It is much appreciated.
Cheers
Mike

[Nev]

Good tip from Keith. Hope you are one of the lucky one's with working ecu and hydraulic pump.
/Paho

The ECU is unique to these, but a 306 one used the same blank unit. I have someone who has designed a new ECU, currently under development...... let me know if interested.

[paho]

Well done Nev.
I've a project to do the same based on the Arduino UNO micro controller, but other things have got in the way so I've only done is 85% of an operation sequence list sofar, plus collected the components I need.
/Paho

Noted that other posts indictated problems sourcing the hydraulic oil used in the pump. The oil is ISO 32 standard mineral hydraulic oil, Peugeot part number is 9735.57 but I use a lighter oil due to colder climate.

[MikeP]

It gets worse. It seems that the hood mechanism is not the original Ac mechanism but is an incorrect mechanism from another car which could not be made to work.
So....... I am looking for a complete hood from a scrapped car if such a thing exists. A bit like finding a golden unicorn but if you don't ask.....
Cheers
Mike

[paho]

Mike, my roof has a manufacturer's label with the following: Detec Gmbh, Hamburg Germany. Type A2 Date 10 06 1995, Serial no. S0020, see attached photo.
I've tried to identify the company without success.
You could try Redline Engineering, they are pretty helpful.
/Paho

[MikeP]

Thanks Paho,
That is a very helpful lead.I will chase that one up to see if any info can be found or even an actual hood!
Cheers
Mike

[Max (Allan)]

According to the story I was told back in 2001 when I bought my car without hood from Duncan Hamilton the German supplier went broke because AC didn't pay for the hoods supplied. If correct think you'll draw a blank with Detec.

I was lucky. My Ace came with all hydraulic & electronic equipment still installed, but minus hood and frame. I managed to pick up a complete hood assembly from contact up North. But as is the way with low volume, hand built cars, frame didn't fit.  To get good fit and operating properly took many frustrating manhours. 

[David S]

Hi Mike,

There are a few of us who need complete hoods, when I last spoke to John Abel on this subject he did tell me that the original manufacturer had refused to make any more until he was the outstanding monies, so not surprised by Max advising he went out of business.
Not sure if John managed to get any further or found a frame from which we could make a copy.

David

[Shamea2]

David

Can you not get someone to make a frame from an existing car with working hood and frame. Mine for example?

Regards

Nigel

[Shamea2]

Well I offered

Nobody replied, pretty much as usual

[paho]

Nigel,
I thought your offer was pretty "d...n" generous, surprised no one took you up on it.
Its worth documenting the dimensions and construction for posterity if nothing else.
It's winter here so I havn't been too keen to go out and examine my roof construction,
but when I do I'll share the info. with you for comparision.

BR /Paho