Half hoods .. just roll?

[pkw2704]

Ok so landed my first ever half hood, do we just roll these for storage not fold it's the thunder sports vinyl 

[pkw2704]

[pkw2704]

This one

[David Brown]

Don't know about Thundersports but the SBFS one rolls into a cover attached to the roll bar with the back straps remaining attached. 

[Mrp]

I roll mine and put it in the Thundersports tube. When the car is layed up for winter I tend to put it on the car to keep it in shape.

Mrp

[Golf Juliet Tango]

I fold the sides over, lengthways. So it is one third of the width, then loose folds from the front. It then sits, either in the passenger footwell or behind the driver's seat.

[krisfl]

I've been wondering the same thing. I have a new thunder sports half hood too. Bought mine with the open "wrap" bag which straps got the cage. The "bag" is about 1/3rd of the roof width and open ended. So wondering if you're supposed to do as @gulf Juliet tango does and fold the sides in or roll it as you would the normal hood leaving it hanging out each end of the wrap?? Would rather not have long fold creases along the fabric, which a brief trial seems to have already left! 
 

any wrap bag users out there? 

[john milner]

I have the SFBS cloth version and very rarely roll it up. I fold it up into roughly a square and put it behind the gap between the seats at elbow level. This stops draughts that go under my draught excluder from reaching my upper arm and elbow. I also use the hood almost every time I park to keep leaves, dust and bird sh*t from landing on the seats.

[pugwash]

I have the SBFS cloth SV version.  I fold the sides in and roll it up and at the end of the rolling, roll it into the cloth sleeve and clip it closed.  Then I either clip it to the roll bar or pop it in the boot.

[SM25T]

#9 .... same here

[gileshudson]

Mine always remains with the two main straps left connected at the rear, for instant deployment.
When taking it down, I walk backwards to tighten the square roof for neat rolling.
I tuck the two sides in just past the natural bend either side.
I then start rolling, keeping the square tight as I walk to the car, rolling as I go.
Simply fasten into the little SBFS fabric sleeve and you're good to go...

[Toughie]

I lay mine out and fold it, starting at the rear window end, just using that as the width of each fold, then slip it into the boot.

[tangomikeromeo]

I've had mine folded as per many above but have noticed that when used the rain comes in through crease points at the top of the windscreen. It's all tight and poppered on but there's enough of a fold for rain ingress. 

if I were to buy again I would NOT fold.

edited to add a fundamental NOT. 

[Toughie]

tangomikeromeo, the hoods can be reproofed.  Mine is an Oxted Trimming (Thundersports) one.  I can't remember what they recommended for proofing, but if you contact them they'll be happy t tell you.

[tangomikeromeo]

Thanks but courtesy of SM25T i've learnt the reproofing trick. My point is that by folding the windscreen end of the hood so it fits tidier in the boot I now have 2 very small kinks/creases in the piping that should form a seal at the top of the windscreen. And as such it no longer perfectly seals. 

The solution is check the weather before heading out of stay topless and above 40mph. 

[Mrp]

Hi Will

Leave it out in the sun when its warm and let it get soft to straighten out ?

Then roll it from then on

Mrp

[SLR No.77]

tangomikeromeo, which half hood are you using?  I've always folded my Thundersports version and have had no issues with water ingress at the front. IIRC it's the same setup at the front as the full hood which is also usually folded to store.  
I did previously have an early SB4S half hood which was much more basic at the front, by comparison the Thundersports half hood is a much better quality and fit. I have no experience of later SB4S offerings though.

Stu.

[tangomikeromeo]

Thanks Stu. It is an early SBFS hood and has spent around 15 years folded so I can't be surprised. 

More water comes in through other gaps so it's all part of the experience. I just wouldn't do it again if I were to replace it though. 

[SLR No.77]

"More water comes in through other gaps ..."

Yes, I know what you mean! 

[SM25T]

That's just light drizzle, compared to the drive we had across Switzerland with Tangomikeromeo a few years ago !!