Minging bonnet and alloys - advice please

[enuff_zed]

Thanks for all the responses and kind offers.

I bit the bullet and ordered one for £200 off ebay, but it is in "very good" condition, and looks blemish free actually. Also saves me the logistical headache of trying to drive somewhere, fit a new one, and somehow dispose of my current one.

Anyway, I have been looking through the older threads relating to bonnets and other google searches, but can't find anything at all that is of much use.

Is it really just two bolts and the washer hoses that hold the bonnet in place? What about the hydraulic lift element? In short, I am scared to mess it all up!

Whilst we are on the same topic, does anyone have any advice for what I should do with the alloys? Will it be better to just buy used ones?

Thanks as always

Very easy to do- just take your time and get a mate to help- the bonnet isn't heavy just awkward

the hydraulics pop off with a screwdriver but don't do that first
undo the 13mm bolts either side that secure the bonnet and loosen the 13mms that locate them- so 4 in total 2 each side
undo the 10mm safety strap
pop the rams off
pull the bonnet toward you

What he said.
If you look at the two hinges you will see two bolts on each one.
The rearmost ones fit a slotted hole on the bonnet section, so you only have to loosen them. When it comes to fitting the new one you can guide them on to those bolts first which takes the weight.

Only thing not been mentioned is the difference between pre- and post-facelift models.
The later ones have two catches on the sides whereas the early one has one in the middle.
However, the fitting for a central catch is still there on the later ones, so you can swap over if needed.

[GengisKaan]

[/quote]

Very easy to do- just take your time and get a mate to help- the bonnet isn't heavy just awkward


[/quote]

Thanks mate, will have a pop once it arrives.

I'm going to order some Plastidip as suggested above, see how I get on with it and let you know.

Do I need to remove the wheels entirely? I don't have enough jackstands for the whole car at once!

[GengisKaan]

Only thing not been mentioned is the difference between pre- and post-facelift models.
The later ones have two catches on the sides whereas the early one has one in the middle.
However, the fitting for a central catch is still there on the later ones, so you can swap over if needed.

Cheers Zed. I'll follow what you guys said so far - sounds simple enough, my housemate will be on hand (he's 6ft 7", so can put those long arms to use!)

I bought one with a central catch only, apparently pre-face lift so should be fine, I hope

[Pondrew]

Do I need to remove the wheels entirely? I don't have enough jackstands for the whole car at once!

Just do one a time. Do one put it back on and do another, and so on.
A deck of old playing cards come in very useful for protecting the tyre from paint.

[GengisKaan]

Alright gang.


Thanks for all the help, new bonnets on.

Definitely didn't drop it and scratch it at all...

Anyway, the difference is night and day - thanks for all the tips, really helped. I now have a lovely crusty bonnet ornament in my room. Anyone know a good way to get rid? Local scrap man?

In any case, here's some pics!

[Pondrew]

Looks like a decent job from the pics. Shut lines seem to be spot on.

[Chris_D]

Looks like a decent job from the pics. Shut lines seem to be spot on.

...if not the diabolical colour-match.
Still..

[GengisKaan]

Looks like a decent job from the pics. Shut lines seem to be spot on.

...if not the diabolical colour-match.
Still..

Do you think the colours off? The street lighting seems to make it look that way, but it looks identical IRL. They're both Titanium Silver, so not sure what would be different...

[Chris_D]

Looks like a decent job from the pics. Shut lines seem to be spot on.

...if not the diabolical colour-match.
Still..

Do you think the colours off? The street lighting seems to make it look that way, but it looks identical IRL. They're both Titanium Silver, so not sure what would be different...

In the first pic it looks like a totally different colour!
2nd pic looks better admittedly.
Throw a photo up taken in daylight, maybe it looks better.

[kis]

I now have a lovely crusty bonnet ornament in my room. Anyone know a good way to get rid? Local scrap man?

If you're in London, leave it outside near your bins. It'll be gone in a day or two.

[raymond.harper]

"Anyway, the difference is night and day - thanks for all the tips, really helped. I now have a lovely crusty bonnet ornament in my room. Anyone know a good way to get rid? Local scrap man?"
Could be aluminum so maybe a scrap metal merchant may want it. Stick it in Facebook Marketplace or here in the for sale section.

[GengisKaan]

Here's the pics in daylight.

I'm very happy with it tbh, couldn't be any worse than before!

Is anyone able to point me in the direction of someone who offers a swap + cash thing for alloys? Read a few posts about it I think..

[patriot66]

Here's the pics in daylight.

I'm very happy with it tbh, couldn't be any worse than before!

Is anyone able to point me in the direction of someone who offers a swap + cash thing for alloys? Read a few posts about it I think..

Looks right enough in the sunshine
First Aid Wheels in West Hampstead do a huge range of exchange refurbished alloys. https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/firstaidwhee ... media=COPY

[GengisKaan]

Update on the wheels:

See pictures below. Firstly, I know it's not very good, I've overshot with the paint in places, and the old lacquer outlines can still be seen below. But, it's infinitely better than it was earlier, and until tonight I'd never held a can of spray paint

But... relatively happy with the results. This was all done for £50 and I think that's a bargain - yes it's nowhere near as good as a refurbishment, but I've spent a tonne already on maintenance and this is all my budget will allow for.

Anyway, some photos of my prep incase any lunatic feels like doing the same