Discussion
Hi all
Finally got around to starting work on my poor old S3. It's in a shocking state after being left standing outside for many years by the previous owner, before I rescued it.
The bonnet does not seem to be original (I assume it must have been replaced by a non-TVR part some time) as it is about half inch wider than the body on both sides and the shut line varies from 0 to 1/4". I suppose I could embark on some serious surgery to modify it so it fits better, but before I do that I wondered if anybody knows the whereabouts of a spare but original bonnet?
Any help or advice gratefully received.
Tony.
Finally got around to starting work on my poor old S3. It's in a shocking state after being left standing outside for many years by the previous owner, before I rescued it.
The bonnet does not seem to be original (I assume it must have been replaced by a non-TVR part some time) as it is about half inch wider than the body on both sides and the shut line varies from 0 to 1/4". I suppose I could embark on some serious surgery to modify it so it fits better, but before I do that I wondered if anybody knows the whereabouts of a spare but original bonnet?
Any help or advice gratefully received.
Tony.
I'll do some photos tomorrow so you can see what I mean. Yes, the shut lines are against the front wing, but the bonnet touches on the wheel arch rim well before it meets the door. I expect some clearance at the door, but was hoping to achieve a more consistent 'gap'. I can fix that, but the width is more tricky.
Tony.
Tony.
mk1fan said:
Could be an S4 or a V8 bonnet. Does it have the scoop over the plenum chamber? Or does it have slit vents (a bit like the Chimera) next to the headlights?
S4 and V8 bonnets were slightly wider to acomodate the wider track of the S4 and V8 (did they not?).
Quite a lot of the "S4" bonnets are fitted to S3Cs so I suspect they are the same width as earlier bonnets. S4 and V8 bonnets were slightly wider to acomodate the wider track of the S4 and V8 (did they not?).
Greymrj has a V8 bonnet on an S1 so again I suspect only one width.
mk1fan said:
I've got an S4 bonnet and it over sails by 1/2-inch either side.
I'm going to go and look at mine now 
Edit - I'm back.
It is a little wider at the wheel arch - but less than 1/4". Follows the line of the body nicely over the wings.
Of course - that doesn't mean they're all the same!
Edited by GadgeS3C on Tuesday 29th April 16:09
Thanks for the comments so far.
In answer to some queries: No V8 bulge and no vents, just a scoop inlet. This is a 1990 S3c so I'm not sure if it should have the 'flat' bonnet.(?)
Here are some pics:
The bonnet measures 1648mm across the end of its wheel arch, and the corresponding part of the wing that it closes against is 1631mm.
If this is normal, so be it, but it looks wrong to me.
I think I can adjust the shut line but the width worries me. Looks like I may end up narrowing it to better fit the body.
In answer to some queries: No V8 bulge and no vents, just a scoop inlet. This is a 1990 S3c so I'm not sure if it should have the 'flat' bonnet.(?)
Here are some pics:
The bonnet measures 1648mm across the end of its wheel arch, and the corresponding part of the wing that it closes against is 1631mm.
If this is normal, so be it, but it looks wrong to me.
I think I can adjust the shut line but the width worries me. Looks like I may end up narrowing it to better fit the body.
Well if it's wider, it's wider. I wouldn't get to worried about it.
You should still be able to adjust the hinges to give a good panel gap and no rubbing. The bible ver II has a 'how to' explanation but, unfortunately, it's a time consumming process. Adjust, check, adjust, check and on.
You should still be able to adjust the hinges to give a good panel gap and no rubbing. The bible ver II has a 'how to' explanation but, unfortunately, it's a time consumming process. Adjust, check, adjust, check and on.
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