28 replies to this topic

[minisilverbullet]

I am thinking about drilling four holes at the front of my bonnet 4 x 50mm in diameter. Bonnet is fiberglass.

 

Will these let lots of water into the engine bay? 

 

Also, any ideas how I might finish the hole, instead of just having paint. i was thinking of buying some cheap ram pipes and cutting the end off and use that to finish the hole. not sure how I would bond/fiix them to the bonnet. 

 

 

[Ethel]

Aluminium doesn't bond too well to fibreglass, but they'd probably stick well enough if roughed up to provide a mechanical bond - or use sikaflex type goop.

 

Sure some creative web hunting could turn something up -  a ceiling downlighter could provide a chrome plaggy ring to trim down perhaps?

[nicklouse]

Make an alloy plate with the holes in. Finish the holes as you like. Attach plate to bonnet.

[minisilverbullet]

Thinking more about this and I want to try and have chrome or alloy rings.

 

I am thankful for any ideas.  

[nicklouse]

Will not be easy as you are not going onto a flat surface.

You have some spare bonnets?

The first thing I would be doing is finding one of these Swedes that inhabit garages in the middle of nowhere and play with tig welders creating alloy goodness.

My first thoughts are some alloy tube. Cut into 4 lengths. And then four rings cut out of some sheet. these then welded to the tube.

The issue is they will not be rings and they will all be different as will be the cut end of the tubes.

This is where I would make sketches of what you want then mark the area on the old steel bonnet. Then go of to the tig wizard And return later with some vodka and cash.

[minisilverbullet]

Cheers Nick! 

 

Similar to what I was thinking, but I though of using some velocity stacks /ram pipes. Cut the flange of and cut to length. 

 

 

I am not sure how to actually attach them though. Some sort of sealent / adhesive around the outside diameter of the "tube"  and the inside of the bonnet. 

[nicklouse]

Not a good idea they will not look good as they will look like they are pointing all over the place.

Time to go Blue Peter with loo roll and cardboard sheet and sticky back plastic.

[minisilverbullet]

I planned on only having the lip protruding, just to neaten the hole

[nicklouse]

I would not as they will look odd.

Cut out four cardboard discs and put them in the area where you are thinking.

The bonnet is a complex curve in that area, well in he area that I am thinking.

But I have just thought where are you thinking?

I have been thinking along the same lines but for allowing air to the top of my front mounted rad so they would all be to one side.

[Midas Mk1]

Why not just cut the holes then use the flexible self adhesive motorbike visor trim you can get? Would work and being careful enough you'd get a seamless joint.

[minisilverbullet]

I would not as they will look odd.

Cut out four cardboard discs and put them in the area where you are thinking.

The bonnet is a complex curve in that area, well in he area that I am thinking.

But I have just thought where are you thinking?

I have been thinking along the same lines but for allowing air to the top of my front mounted rad so they would all be to one side.

Cheers Nick! 

 

I should have been more clear. I thought about having 4 holes approx. 60mm in diameter in the centre of the bonnet. Since I have a 16v bonnet it is quite flat there. 

 

[minisilverbullet]

I also wonder if having holes in the front of the bonnet draws in lots of dirt and water? 

[nicklouse]

Yes especially when following other cars. I would be wanting to put a baffle in there.

[minisilverbullet]

I am now thinking of have just 4 holes in a line or 2 ovals and then have the bonnet painted. 

 

I am thinking of having a fiberglass panel which i can fit over the holes in poor weather, maybe attach it with two dsuz fasteners. 

[nicklouse]

The problem with that is you will be left with the mounting holes visible.

Maybe panels you can swap out.