Bonnet Mounting

[clarenceboddiger]

I intend to cut the bonnet hinge mounting points off my chassis as they are bent beyond repair, I have noticed that the mounting to the bonnet is via Plywood panels bonded into place, these are beginning to split along the ply's so I am considering sandwiching the plywood between 2 stainless steel sheets thus clamping the Ply and hopefully stopping further deterioration.
Has anybody done anything like this or does anyone have a better/easier option,all ideas/comments gratefully accepted.

[steve j]

Is the ply split because of moisture? dry it out and treat it with acetone, then clamp it together and coat it with new fibreglass, that is what is done in boatyards for plywood transoms, the acetone helps preserve the wood, then put your stainless plates on.

[clarenceboddiger]

That was exactly the sort of answer I was hoping for,I Will do it over the winter, and thanks for the advice.

[steve j]

clarenceboddiger said:

That was exactly the sort of answer I was hoping for,I Will do it over the winter, and thanks for the advice.

Happy to help

[F908 Tim]

Take the opportunity to think about some curved hinges to further back on the bonnet,so you get a cantilever effect and much more clearance front end to work on the engine and chassis at the front because the bonnet swings fully upright.

An Idea.

[clarenceboddiger]

True thats worth thinking about,theres a warning here as well ,the other week I raised the front end slightly on a trolley jack (to allow bonnet to open fully) to work on the engine.If you do this make sure the jack doesnt have a slight weep as mine has or it lowers the weight of the car slowly ono the front of the bonnet,My bonnet now has a nice "star" from the stresses imposed.

[F908 Tim]

...And when you have done it post drawings on here so I know how its been achieved without getting my own brain tired!