8 replies to this topic

[1984mini25]

I’ve spent the day picking away at a few scabby bits reappearing (previously filled) along the front of the bonnet hidden by the chrome trim. And it looks like I’m going to need to replace the bottom lip and at least an inch of the leading edge of the bonnet. The rust of which is worse on the inside, probably from the years of condensation forming on the underside of the bonnet.

 

Only looking around for second-hand (or at least good ones) bonnets seem a little thin on the ground (or eBay) and new ones are rather expensive.

 

The one bonnet repair panel I can find (and already have) ironically is completely grot free on my current bonnet, just a shame the same can’t be said for the lip its spot welded to. So was wondering if there was any other bonnet repair panels? As it would make it a lot easier than making a panel from scratch with the compound curves/flange etc. and a lot neater and less welding than a load of patches.

 

 

[1984mini25]

Well after 2 days of using nothing more that a pair of mole grips, some off cuts of wood and a basic hammer I've come up with this.

 

 

 

 

[Stu.]

Hi Mate, Looks like a good home made repair section that. I repaired my bonnet lip in three peices.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I found the hardest bit was trying to stop distortion. If you've not welded it in yet I'd recommend taking it very slow with the mig, and be patient to prevent heat building up.

 

Good luck with it. Mine turned out ok, cost me about £5 for the sheet steel and paint so I saved £175 on a heritage bonnet

[1984mini25]

Thanks, I haven't welded mine yet as I've been waiting for some bits for the welder to turn up. Hence why the temporary welds on my panel are so poor, as the welder was playing silly games with stop start wire feed problems.

 

I'm also pretty certain that once I'd drilled off the trim lip (witch isn't all that rusty), there won't be very much left of the lip of the bonnet to use as a reference. I'm also sure I will have to repair the corner sections of the inner bracing as well.

[mikal]

I can't believe they rust out like that. How?! I know salt is evil but....

(I'm in Oz)

[1984mini25]

My bonnet, that I'm still yet to repair as I've been laid up with a cold (you wait as soon as I feel better it will do nothing but rain) But I can only presume, that mine has rotted out from 32 years worth of condensation forming on the underside of the bonnet during the cold and damp winter months. witch not only drips all over the engine, but also runs and collects along the front inner lip. The stainless trim on the outside is also pretty good at collecting water and dirt behind, witch then further rots out the lower part of the bonnet.

[Stu.]

Water gets trapped behind the skirt trim on the bonnet and corrodes it. It goes unoticed because the trim covers the corrosion damage.

[JonnyAlpha]

Some fantastic repairs here, reckon I'll need to do the same on mine before I spray it :-(

[1984mini25]

This is my bonnet lip now I've removed the bonnet lip trim section... so for now I've got a temporary duct tape bonnet lip.