Making Hood Straps

Using a cut-off wheel, a small slot—a little larger than the width of the strap—was cut into the hood’s inner lip.

Two holes needed to be drilled in the top of the ’rail for each bracket.

Once drilled, Cotati threaded the holes for the mounting screws.

A test-fit shows the leather strap easily sliding through.

Using some more masking tape, the rest of the kit was “assembled” so the location of the locking lever and spring section could be noted.

Using a hole punch designed for leather, the rivet holes are added to the leather strap.

Even though it’s masking tape, it looks pretty real—right down to the Sharpie marker that was used to locate the brass screw-together rivets that will be used on the strap to secure the solid brass buckles and metal pieces.

On the outside edge of the strap (just above the rivet holes), two notches are cut into the strap where the edge of the buckle will go.

The buckle goes in place and the leather strap is folded over.