I need to replace my dry rotting brake hoods on my 79 Centurion Pro-Tour. I found these hoods on EBay but am not sure if they will fit.

https://cgi.ebay.com/Dia-Compe-Non-Ae...#ht_1453wt_808


Can anyone confirm these hoods are fine or can anyone point me to better ones?

Yup, those are the good old classic Dia-Compe pattern. I believe that Gran-Compes used a different pattern with a longer body but the Cane Creeks will fit the vast majority of Dia-Compe and Weinmann levers.

Can you post a pic of yours or determine what model Dia-Compe they are. Centurion used a lot of Gran Compe as was suggested. I'm assuming they are non-aero.

I bought some from my LBS but the opening at the top is too small and no room for the barrel adjuster. Perhaps my Centurion has the Gran Compes?
Where can I find the correct hoods?

You're not likely to find hoods with those larger holes. Just buy the Cane Creek hoods and enlarge the hole yourself.

+1 to Col.

The Centurion Pro I had used the cane creeks, which fit quite well.

Some CLB and MAFAC levers have larger top holes on their hoods to accommodate cable adjusters. He can check those out too.

Chombi

What is the best way to install the new hoods? Stupid question I'm sure, but I have never replaced hoods like these.

Brute force...there's no graceful way and you don't really want to lubricate them at all...anything that would lube them will also break them down. Levers have to come off the bars, or I always take them off anyway. If I have to change hoods some new tape is generally in order.

I could be doing it the hard way though, wouldn't be the first time

Gonna disagree with KHatfull on this one. I use HOT water and dishsoap. Submerge the hood in hot water. You do not need to remove the lever from the body; you do need to remove the entire assembly from the handlebar. Lubricate the lever body with dishsoap and a bit of water. I install the rear of the lever body into the front of the hood. Then, rinse thoroughly with warm water, let dry and lubricate the pivots with a touch of grease.

Premature breakdown with Dawn and water? Nah.

I used really hot water and dish soap and a lot of force. The hoods I bought turned out to be a non-issue but I was a bit hesitant about tearing the old ones off during removal and the new ones not working at all then I would be in trouble. Thanks to all.
Here is the finished product.

^ Beauty!

I've found on some levers I need to remove a small amount of the hood's underside just behind the lever.

True! I think I will have to do exactly that.

I find a dispenser of brand new razor blades pretty useful around the shop.

Yep, found that out. I got the 'cane creek' ones like the OP, but mine didnt fit as well as his. Mine are the 'gran compe' levers from my '85 Centurian. Seems I read somewhere that hoods for 'Super Record' levers would fit 'gran compe' very well.

As for the installation, it was a breeze. Just spray some 'armourall' on the inside of the hood, then roll the skirts up like you would when you put on bar tape. Feed the lever thru the bottom of the hood, and with the hood skirts doubled up, stretch the hood over the part of the brake body where the cable housing comes out. Worked like a charm for me. Dont even have to remove the brake body from the bars.

I believe you need the Dia Compe 204 hoods. I have a couple NIP pairs in white if you're interested.

Nice Job. glad it worked out for you as period hoods are now getting so expensive with most for better brand/model levers going for over $40 bucks for NOS.
Looked at Cane Creeks before when I was looking for spare hoods for my Spidel levers, but unfortunately I don't like the "Cane Creek" logoes on them "de-Frenchifying" my "Tout Gallic" bikes......"Cane Creek" just sounds to uhmm....too Western US...or something..... Can't these guys just leave the logos off the hoods, maybe put them inside instead?? Specially if they mostly intended these as replacements for C&V bikes. I bet you they'd sell a lot more if they did!

Chombi

Take your Dremel with a sanding disc to them...

or get the black ones, then you can't really see the logo

Appreciate the offer Colonel, but I need brown or black to match up with the bike's color sheme. White would be a little over the top. The original 'dia-compe' 'gran compe' levers are close to mint and has the 'champagne' anodising like the 'royal S calipers.

Thanks for the link

That's why I have them. What was I thinking?

FWIW: The Cane Creek hoods sell on Niagara for $7.99. If you need other stuff from Niagara (tires, cables, housings, and chains are all a pretty good deal on Niagara), then you can offset the shipping charge.


https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...oducts_id=1573

Hey Bill, surprisingly, Niagara's shipping for the hoods by them self is only .61 cents to the west coast by USPS. Another one of Niagara's quirks I guess.

here's a picture of my Azuki with Dia Compe logo hoods on Gran Compe levers. Careful stretching got them over the adjusters without a hitch.