Help I`m all cracking up !

[tiggyfudge]

Hi all. I seem to have a rather alarming problem....When I bought my S2 about a year ago, I knew about the starfish crack on the bonnet. It was about the size of a golfball and not really noticeable. However, over the last few months the problem has got much worse, to the extent that, whenever I do my weekly wash, new cracks have appeared! I know how prone to cracking the `S` bonnet is, but surly the rate of deteriation is not that rapid ??! What could be causing this and is their anything I can do to slow the rate of crackness down ??! The car is kept outside with a cover on when not used for a few weeks or so. Also does anybody know of any good priced specialists who deal with these repairs in the Kent area ? Thanks people ! I dearnt wash the car in fear!

[GreenV8S]

Is the bonnet under any strain when closed?

[tiggyfudge]

Errr yeh sort of. About 4 months ago, one of the bonnet hinges snapped off whilst blasting on the motorway. I kind of managed to replace the hinge with a coach nut and bolt. As of yet have been unable to locate a company who supplys new hinge assemblys. As a result, the bonnet can`t be ajusted upwards on one side. I dearn`t ajust the other side incase I snap that one.

[Colin Blues2]

You can get new hinges from David Gerald they usually have them in stock.

It could possibly be a badly repaired bonnet. If it had some kind of damage and it wasn't repaired properly (i.e. just skimmed over with filer) then the cracks will appear again.

Sorry probably not what you want to hear.

Colin

[jims2]

Probably something you have already considered but is the bonnet resting on or fouling the battery terminal/s ?

I found this after fitting a new battery the screws on the battery cables were just a fraction higher and were touching the bonnet.

[F908 Tim]

Only on the bonnet or elsewhere?

I have noticed mine is showing loads more cracks and stress marks than a couple of years ago.
I am also in Kent and put it down to our absolutely crap roads in this County.
Even the boot lit is getting tiny nicks in it that appear from nowhere.

If you find a good firm in Kent please let me know

[tiggyfudge]

F908 Tim said:

Only on the bonnet or elsewhere? I have noticed mine is showing loads more cracks and stress marks than a couple of years ago. I am also in Kent and put it down to our absolutely crap roads in this County. Even the boot lit is getting tiny nicks in it that appear from nowhere. If you find a good firm in Kent please let me know

Yeh. I know what you mean about the roads in Kent! Having uprated suspension all round means I feel the bumps that little bit more! I have a few cracks on the top of the O/S rear wing, but not anywhere near as bad as the bonnet......yet!

[tiggyfudge]

Colin Blues2 said:

You can get new hinges from David Gerald they usually have them in stock. It could possibly be a badly repaired bonnet. If it had some kind of damage and it wasn't repaired properly (i.e. just skimmed over with filer) then the cracks will appear again. Sorry probably not what you want to hear. Colin

Kind of thinking that a brand new bonnet may be a more viable option than having my current one repaired. Do you have a number/website for David Gerald ? Thanks!

[Colin Blues2]

Here it is

www.davidgeraldtvr.com/

01386 793237

Colin