Bonnet Fit question

[Tom Wilson]

I have a bonnet fit problem I need suggestions on. TC4378 - the bonnet sides when properly fitted are one inch short on the driver side and 1.5 inches short on the passenger side. By short I mean they don't reach down to the bottom where they meet the inner part of the wings. The car has a new tub (English through Abingdon Spares), new wings (Steve Gilbert). We think the bonnet pieces are original. The bonnet hinge line is about 1/8 to 1/4" higher than the scuttle seam, and the fit at the radiator is pretty good. I posted pictures on the Yahoo MG-TABC web site for everyone to look at. Go to http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/mg-tabc/ and select the Photo page after logging in with your user name and password. Go to the TC4378 Bonnet pictures - there are 2 at the end of the group of pics. Other details - the wings and front apron fit up flat to the chassis at the front, and fit is reasonably good. The radiator could be lowered a bit, but certainly not one inch. I can raise the wings and running boards up some, and that looks like the best solution at this point. This is the toughest fit problem so far. But - it didn't affect the trip to the ice cream store this evening - the first time Emily and I went out together in this little red car. Boy it handles well - tight, straight, and smooth. Tom Wilson Indianapolis, IN USA TWilson@Motionwear.com>

[George Arber]

----- Original Message ----- From: "Tom Wilson" twilson@motionwear.com> To: mg-tabc@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Wednesday, May 18, 2005 3:26 AM Subject: [mg-tabc] Bonnet Fit question > I have a bonnet fit problem I need suggestions on. > TC4378 - the bonnet sides when properly fitted are one inch short on the driver side and 1.5 inches short on the passenger side. By short I mean they don't reach down to the bottom where they meet the inner part of the wings.............................. > Tom, The bonnet sides do not come down to a ' fit ' onto the inner flanges of the front wings. I have not seen any TC's that does not have a gap in this area . Probably around 3/4" to 1" is the norm. Both sides should of course be similar. You should concentrate first on getting the radiator inner edges vertical and setting the position of the body tub relative to the bonnet length. The radiator is the ' fixed ' datum. It is important also that the bonnet hinge line lines up visually with the edges of the scuttle and that the front and rear edges of the bonnet fit properly. All these details are clearly described and shown in Mike Sherrell's book , ' TC's Forever '. If you have not got this book then my advice is get one ! George.........TC EXU 7548 Derbyshire England > > Tom Wilson > Indianapolis, IN USA > TWilson@Motionwear.com> > > > > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > > > >