Bonnet Fit question
Posted: Tue May 17, 2005 7:26 pm
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>