It so happens that some of the same material physics that cause some hoods to crack - "outgassing" and general drying (not ozone frying) can make otherwise-fine-looking hoods oversize...meaning the material you have today is thinner than it was 20-30 years ago when made. Its a BIG gamble when buying high-price old hoods that otherwise are described as "fresh" or "supple" - and when you consider the anguish (especially after doing a bunch of hand-finishing just to prep the metal parts) of seemingly fresh hoods being loose on your used levers....suddenly the 0hundred-buck levers with hoods already on 'em don't seem like too bad a price (i.m.o.)
Dale Phelps, Longmont CO
Bianca Pratorius <biankita@earthlink.net> wrote: I just sanded and polished out the lever bodies of a Dura Ace brake lever. The pitting came out and now they shine (in some places not original but new ones are up to $100 now on E-bay). When I put what I believe are still very good soft hoods back on, they no longer fit right. They seem to be stretched out. Do I glue them back on, or use some magical formula to get them to contract back on to the bodies?
Garth Libre in Miami Shores Fl.
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Dale B. Phelps, 303 939 6967 303 208 8664 pager
"Never be afraid to try something new. The Ark
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designed by professionals." - R. Buckminister Fuller
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