Flip Bonnet conversion (s)

[Whitey]

As I'm sick of taking the bonnet off generally by myself and "almost" scratching the paint everytime, I am keen on getting the bonnet converted to a easy open flip conversion.

I know Biggriff had it done to his, and Speedeight did a slightly different style, see the pics below.

Has anyone else had this done/investigated it or if any bodyshops are reading this, would you like to offer it?

As no paint work is necessary (see speedeights), and with just a few parts required, I don't see why it needs to be expensive to do.

For example if a company was offering this for £499 or less (anymore and I would not bother) and had an example already done to view, and assuming they did not need it for more than a day or two, I would definitely be very keen.

Anyone else?

Biggriff's photos below.







Speedeights photos below.

[da_murphster]

I'm no expert but is there something missing from that last engine bay picture?

Out of interest (having never done it) how long does it take to remove the engine lid?

Assuming about £45/hr for garage labour I wonder if this could pay for itself?!

[Night Rider]

On your own...less than five mins, way less. Four nuts & two crazy clips near the windscreen and a heap of courage to lift it off. Putting the thing on is the part that causes the damage if not careful. I just put some speed tape on the leading edges of the gaurds and then remove after re-fitting the bonnet.

Rob

[ec1 eex]

Night Rider said:

I just put some speed tape on the leading edges ...
Rob

What's speed tape? Will that make my car go faster?
Seriously though, I've never heard of "speed tape"

[Night Rider]

It’s that material based tape about 2' wide. You see the pit crews sticking it on race cars to hold bits of body work on after a prang. That’s what we call it in the colonies anyways.

[Whitey]

I did the same with a bit of bubblewrap a couple of times, now I cant be bothered and just hope for the best and use steady hands, I just want to open the bloody bonnet, easily!

Nightrider, they call it gaffer tape over here, I think McGuyver(TV series) had another name for it!

Is your Tuscan reflex purple? If so, snap.

Cheers
Whitey

[jasongtr]

Night Rider said:

It’s that material based tape about 2' wide. You see the pit crews sticking it on race cars to hold bits of body work on after a prang. That’s what we call it in the colonies anyways.

that'll be gaffer tape then

[custardkid]

been think about this, there are a number of options for the struts with out modifying the car too much, what i'm struggling with is how to mount the hinges with out big modifications.

any one got some pics of the hinges?

custard

[davido140]

ec1 eex said:

Night Rider said:

I just put some speed tape on the leading edges ...
Rob

What's speed tape? Will that make my car go faster?
Seriously though, I've never heard of "speed tape"

I think its in the same product range as "speed holes" (homer with a pickaxe....)

[Whitey]

this is the only other pic I have from speedeights conversion. I know both conversions hinged off a strengthened original/replacement hinge where the lower bonnet hinges.

Maybe biggriff will spot this and be along to comment.

[Night Rider]

Whitey said:

Is your Tuscan reflex purple? If so, snap.

Whitey

Dam’ it. I thought I had the only one. How good does the colour look!!

[so called]

Night Rider said:

Whitey said:

Is your Tuscan reflex purple? If so, snap.

Whitey

Dam’ it. I thought I had the only one. How good does the colour look!!

I must say thats my favourite colour/colours. On my list when I have the money for a respray.

Edited by so called on Friday 7th March 14:55

[Biggriff]

Mine took a long time as it was the first. The garage have now sussed out how to do it quicker and better (Fiat Doblo bonnet hinges).

The original front hinge points for the small inspection bonnet are too small to take the strain of the full bonnet and need reinforcing.

I do miss my TVR.......

I am seriously considering s Z06 engined Sagaris. Not less than 600bhp though

[so called]

Biggriff said:

Mine took a long time as it was the first. The garage have now sussed out how to do it quicker and better (Fiat Doblo bonnet hinges).

The original front hinge points for the small inspection bonnet are too small to take the strain of the full bonnet and need reinforcing.

I do miss my TVR.......

I am seriously considering s Z06 engined Sagaris. Not less than 600bhp though

Hi Biggriff. Who actually did it for you ? I want to get a quote. (looking over shoulder for wife)
Thanks,
Tony.

[Biggriff]

Scole Engineering 01379 740940

They were slow, but then it was their first one. Think they are a bit down on manpower at the moment.

[Ticker]

Big Griff,

sorry to pick up on an old post, do u know whether Scole Engineering have completed any more of these conversions, and if so, is there a standard price yet, or is it too experimental / project based still.

Thanks

Dave

[Sicob]

I'd be interested in getting this done also. Price dependant. Let me know costing if anyone knows!

[Biggriff]

I dont think they did anymore as they concentrated on servicing rather than projects (although my latest one has taken them 3 months....).

They did say that if they did anymore they had now sussed how to do it easier, but I think they are a bit down on manpower as one of their techies left the other week so I suspect they will be reluctant to take on any big projects until they get a new one.

BG

[custardkid]

Holly thread resurection Batman!



any one else done this yet????

Custard

[tuscanx1]

Plasticman did a brilliant conversion on his.