Bonnet Shut Lines

[GV]

My Bonnet sits lower than the front wings on both sides...before I start chopping away to re-shape the front wings has anyone else got the same problem or is there a solution to align the bonnet with the wings? I've looked but cannot see a way to fix other than to re-shape the wings ready for the planned re-spray early next year...

[V8 Fettler]

Can you fit small rubber packing strips where the bonnet sits on the wings? Mine sits unevenly, I've been building up to fitting a couple of rubber strips on one side to level it for a few years now.

If you can summon the energy and time, might be worth starting at the beginning and ensuring that the tub is square and level in the chassis, the isolation compresses over time and I doubt if it was every straight when it left the factory.

[GV]

I looked at doing something like that but to be honest it would be easier to chop and re-shape the wings. It's one of those things that has been bothering me for ages along with the numpty dashboard switches that don't work in the dark lol!

[JVaughan]

GV said:

.. numpty dashboard switches that don't work in the dark lol!

I have some spare 3mm LED's if you can use them ... they transformed my switch illumination !

[shake n bake]

I'm not sure about the wedge but on the chimaera there are two circular things bolted to the side of the bonnet about half way down, I put a strip of rubber round each one and now my bonnet is dead level, does the wedge have anything similar?

[adam quantrill]

Where is it sitting lower?

a) THe leading edge?
b) Near the front along the sides?
c) near the rear along the sides?

Instead of fiddling with the tub it would be much easier to

- adjust the bonnet mounting latch at the rear
- adjust the pivots at the front (especially in the bonnet itself
- buy another bonnet that fits better and spray it up,
or
- make another bonnet off the one you have, then sell your old one.

[V8 Fettler]

If GV is a perfectionist (and that's fine), then he should start with ensuring that the chassis is straight, the suspension is balanced (no odd length shocks), the wheels are correctly aligned, and that the tub sits square and level on the chassis. Then move onto the bonnet.

I'm off out tomorrow morning 0630 in my Wedge with the misaligned bonnet.

[mrzigazaga]

Hi mate..Mine is the same...You can have a look tomorrow or Sunday...Cheers...Ziga

[stevoj]

Mines the same as well, bonnet sits slightly lower on both sides just around where the main shaping of the wing is. I wouldn't start packing them up, this is a weak part of the bonnet to start with and already an area for stress cracks. I don't thinks the 400se has the same problem but could be wrong, now you'll tell me yours is a 400
It annoyed me a little at first but i think even a new bonnet wouldn't guarantee perfection - its a TVR.

[jon haines]

Yes I have the same on both sides but it sits flush along the front, dosent bother me as I can find more things that bug me more than that.

[mrzigazaga]

jon haines said:

I can find more things that bug me more than that.

...Classic.

[GV]

Lol....it's good to know I'm not the only one then with a wonky bonnet. But it's worth sorting before spending money on a paint job IMO...

[JamesMK]

Mine's the same. Level along the front but doesn't even try to follow the curve of the wings. Read hatch fit is just as bad, makes me wonder who signed off the original mould.

[mrzigazaga]

I think its years of heat from under the bonnet that softens the resin and causes the bonnet to loose shape...I'd be careful packing it out to try to sort it as its liable to crack.

Im not too fussed about it TBF....