TVR Tuscan Bonnet conversion

[agentokra]

Hi All
I am looking at getting my bonnet converted on my MK1 Tuscan and I am looking for some recommendations as to whom and where.

I have spoken to my tvr garage and he informs me that there are some pretty bad out there that may look good but restrict access to the important bit

Many thanks in advance

[TR4man]

I had the bonnet on my Mk1 Tuscan converted two weeks ago by Allan Howell and can highly recommend him.

He advertises on the parts section of PH and is based in the NE but will travel to you if you pay his expenses (as I did). https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/parts-and-...

You'll wonder why on earth TVR chose to make the engine so inaccessible is in the first place.

Edited by TR4man on Saturday 7th July 10:11

[agentokra]

His name seems to be the one popping up the most .
may I ask how far away from alan that you live and how much additional on top I.E travelling cost did he charge.

No worries if you do not wish to divulge.

Regards P

[Speed 3]

It's Howell not Heath and many PH'ers have had it done (I haven't) and speak highly of him and the kit. They normally put out a new thread on PH looking for interest in their area to spread his expenses. I think he just charges fuel & hotel as required. Some prior threads:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

and his ad:

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/parts-and-...

and this is him:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/profile.asp?h=...

[TR4man]

Speed 3 said:

It's Howell not Heath

Yes, you're correct!

Just edited my post.

You are also correct about the mileage, it is 25p per mile. I teamed up with another Tuscan owner to minimise the cost. If you contact him, he will give you a quote.

[Malcster]

I've been seriously considering this for a year or so. But what really puts me off is this...



Looking down on the bonnet and it's lovely curves, you see these big steel rivits in the shut lines.

I guess the only alternative would be glue or bonding, which just wouldn't give the strength required.

Anyone come up with a solution? Filler over them and blend then in?

Trying to remember how the Chim has its ball joint for the strut on the bonnet...

[Oneball]

I got a kit from Alan, I think it works well and he's really helpful, get's my thumbs up

I don't think the rivets are noticeable when the bonnet's closed, (excuse the filthy car and the state of nextdoor's fence).

[TR4man]

Malcster said:

I've been seriously considering this for a year or so. But what really puts me off is this...



Looking down on the bonnet and it's lovely curves, you see these big steel rivits in the shut lines.

In reality they are hardly visible.

[Aidan136]

TVR Ecosse Have a hydraulic kit available. Call Barry @ TVR Ecosse.

[Daggsy]

Allan does gas struts and also supplies some TVR independents with 'kits' which they fit.

[Malcster]

How much is the gas strut kit (for a DIY install) delivered?

Also, what's the additinal premium to have the struts in stainless?

[antadkins]

I have recently purchased a kit from Allan, £280 delivered for the kit with gas struts, I found him helpful and friendly, an easy DIY in my opinion.
Don't know about the stainless though.

[Mustang Baz]

I'm about to go with Allan and his bonnet conversion in the coming month or so, but he has requested that I remove the front service bonnet in advance. I'm not that mechanically expert (!) and have seen a few comments about needing to take the radiator grill off first?

Any views or tips from those who have easily removed the front service bonnet and/or worked on this ahead of Allan undertaking the conversion much appreciated so I can ensure I don't cock anything up in advance!

[TR4man]

I was asked to remove my service bonnet prior to Alan coming down. I soaked all the bolts with releasing fluid for a couple of days beforehand and it was quite an easy thing to remove.

You don't have to take anything else off.

[Chim450]

TR4man said:

Malcster said:

I've been seriously considering this for a year or so. But what really puts me off is this...



Looking down on the bonnet and it's lovely curves, you see these big steel rivits in the shut lines.

In reality they are hardly visible.

I’m getting the bonnet conversion done at X-Works and was also concerned about the visible “rivets”. After speaking to the guys there and seeing an example of their work using counter sunk screws it is totally invisible. I’ll post some pictures when I get the car back.

[MattTam]

Also following this as I'm looking to get it done on my Tuscan too

[Chim450]

As promised a picture of my bonnet conversion by X Works. No rivets visible when the bonnet is closed. It may be doesn’t open quite as much as the other conversions by an inch or two, but access to all areas is fine. The gas struts run vertically rather than at an angle as in the other conversions. I’m pleased with it.

[Englishman]

Here is a picture of Allan's kit with gas struts. As others have said, you have to really look hard to see the rivets with the bonnet closed.

[Getsis]

If you countersink the holes and use M5 CSK St. Stl. screws instead of rivets, you don't see them at all when the bonnet is closed, no chance of rubbing either I did this on mine, will post a picture when I'm back home.

[Technoholic]

Englishman said:

Here is a picture of Allan's kit with gas struts. As others have said, you have to really look hard to see the rivets with the bonnet closed.

is it possible to direct replace the manual struts with gas ones? I believe my car came with Alan's conversion and I'd like to put gas on, but what struts are they?