cracks in paint...

[jjcc]

Hi guys,
got an s1 111s noticed a few hairline cracks mostly on the bonnet near the vents, was told that tadts due to excessive heat from engine... anyone else got these? also my bonnet is fibreglass is this the case with all 111s models?
many thanks

J

[cuzza]

Do you mean the bonnet as in the lid at the front where the radiator (mine is fibreglass) is or the lid at the back where the engine is (mine is Ali)?

In either way I'd have thought excessive heat was unlikely more like over enthusiastic opening and closing causing it to flex and crack the paint/f'glass

[jjcc]

no i mean the engine bonnet/boot whatever, cracks just where the black mesh vents are, not very noticeable but still there, mine is definately not metal, maybe why my radio reception is crap.
Just wondering will they get worse??

[cuzza]

Nah, the radio reception is just crap

If the cracks are only hairline the I wouldn't worry, just don't lean on the bootlid and be careful when you close it. The only real fix is a new panel which sounds like it would be OTT.

Welcome to Pistonheads by the way!

[aromat]

They'll just be gelcoat cracks (stress fractures)- pretty common on any fibreglass car and even mentioned in the owners handbook IIRC.

Often on "leaned on" parts. Can be repaired - so I disagree it's a new panel or nothing. That said - they're not worth worrying about unless tyhey're really unsightly. Repair is slightyu more than simply a spray job, as if you just paint them they come back.

cheers

[pjevo]

Yep - got them too!
I always assumed that they are due to heat escaping from vents. They are however cosmetic - I wouldn't worry about it!