Hood

A 'hood' is the name given to a fabric convertible roof in British-English. Not to be confused with bonnet.

What it means

The hood is the whole folding roof assembly on a convertible or cabriolet. It includes the outer fabric or vinyl skin, stitched seams, frame, hinges, tensioning cables, rear window, inner lining and the rubber seals and gutters around it. On most modern soft tops the hood is fabric or mohair-style material, while some cars have a folding hardtop that is still casually referred to as the hood. When the hood is raised it should keep out rain, wind and noise. When lowered it folds away into a compartment behind the seats or in the boot so you can drive open-top.

Why it matters

• Weather protection and comfort: A sound hood with good seals keeps the cabin dry, reduces wind noise and makes the car usable year round rather than just on sunny days.
• Big part of how the car looks: On a convertible the hood is a large, highly visible area. Green algae, stains and faded fabric can make an otherwise tidy car look very tired.
• Common source of water leaks: Hoods have seams, seals, drains and moving parts, all of which can allow water into the cabin or boot if they are blocked, worn or misaligned.
• Expensive component: Replacing a hood, its rear screen or its mechanism is specialist and costly, so regular cleaning, proofing and maintenance are far more economical.

Where you’ll see it

You will see the term hood used in sales listings, inspection reports and detailing or repair menus for convertibles. Typical notes include hood needs clean and reproof, hood leaking at rear corners, hood mechanism noisy or new hood fitted. In British usage hood usually means the convertible roof, whereas in American usage hood often refers to what we would call the bonnet over the engine, so context is important.

Context

The hood sits at the meeting point between exterior detailing, water leak diagnosis and, on powered roofs, mechanical and electrical repair. Fabric hoods need careful cleaning and a dedicated proofing product to stay waterproof and resist algae. Vinyl hoods are cleaned and dressed differently and do not need the same kind of proofing as woven fabric. Folding hardtop hoods are treated more like body panels and glass, but still rely on seals and drains that need attention. Whatever the construction, a neglected hood can lead to leaks, musty interiors, mould, electrical problems and reduced resale value.

Common mistakes

• Scrubbing the hood with strong TFR, household cleaners or stiff brushes, which can damage the fabric, stitching and waterproof layer.
• Ignoring green growth, stains or slow leaks around the hood until the roof fabric is permanently marked and the interior is damp and musty.
• Assuming a leaking hood always means the fabric has failed, when the real issue is often blocked drains, dirty seals or poor adjustment.
• Operating a powered hood when it is frozen, low on battery voltage or clearly obstructed, risking expensive damage to the frame, rams or motors.

Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 01/12/2025 15:36