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MG TD TF 1500 - Hood fixings

Although my car was a stalled restoration work had been completed on the hood. However recently the canvass had separated from the timber rail used to attach the hood to the windscreen.Although I tried initially to use further the normal furniture tacks to reattach this was unsuccessful. So the canvass was removed and it was discovered that although the timber was in good condition it was badly cracked around the area the tacks would no longer secure the canvass. Now to the real issue although capable of replacing the timber work I was surprised at how rusty the tacks were.I don't believe the car has been excessively used in wet weather but I've failed to find any stainless steel tacks which to me would be an ideal replacement for fixings. What have others used to avoid this problem?
JK Mazgaj

Marine copper tacks, if still available, would do it. Normally the Hidem band and S/S pins hold it.
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

Brass canoe tacks work well, and do not stain. Good woodworking supply should have them.
.. CR
C.R. Tyrell

If the wood is still in great shape you can try this stuff to bind it all together again.

http://www.amazon.com/Abatron-LiquidWood-Epoxy-Wood-Consolidant/dp/B0011T6U3A/

You will still need to take the wood out so it may not be super cost effective vs a new piece but something to consider.

Just normal humidity will probably cause the rust you have observed. Even if the tacks were blued it does not last forever.
Christopher Couper

There has been some debate on one of the forums before about replacing this particular piece of wood. If your PO used oak then the corrosion of the tacks is probably down to the oxalic acid content of the wood. If it is oak and you reuse it then brass tacks would help or maybe stainless staples. If replacing go for the original ash.
Chris
C I Twidle

Thanks for all the advice. Will replace the wood and search out some copper/brass fixings.
JK Mazgaj

This thread was discussed between 23/02/2020 and 24/02/2020

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