Bonnet supplier differences?

[bcbennett]

Well, folks, it's time for me to bite the bullet and buy a new bonnet since a previous owner ruined the original one. Does anyone know of any real differences between suppliers for this expensive, oversized part?

Thanks in advance,

CB

 

[AltaKnight]

I assume you are referring to a convertible top rather than an "English" bonnet ie the hood over the engine.
I just purchased and installed a blabk Robbins convertible top from TRF that I am very happy with, although installing it is certainly not easy.

 

[bcbennett]

No, I mean the American "hood" that covers the engine...

 

[roofman]

Search ebay, seems like there is always one on there from time to time.Probably alot cheaper.

 

[TR6oldtimer]

As far as I can tell, these parts all come from the same place. $850+ for the part, and an arm and leg for shipping. As suggested, shop around for a used one, or buy a TR6 parts car.

 

[YankeeTR]

You should be able to find a good used one for $150.00 or less...much better than a far-east knock-off. Better steel, better fit and finish.

 

[bcbennett]

Well, I see them from time to time on eBay, but I'm never sure what I'm getting...whether it's also been wrecked, or has warping, etc. I'm a little gunshy to order a used hood that way. Am I just paranoid?

 

[Guest]

Call TRF. Their parts are usually Heritage parts and are of a good quality. Not sure if they have the same supplier as the other vendors. As stated, avoid any body part made in China.

 

[YankeeTR]

Call TRF. Their parts are usually Heritage parts and are of a good quality. Not sure if they have the same supplier as the other vendors. As stated, avoid any body part made in China.

Good advice...a Heritage part will be as good as new...oh yeah, they ARE new...duh!

 

[roofman]

A thousand bucks for a hood ! I guess if you have a pristine TR6 and demand perfection, and have money to burn. Be patient and look around.

 

[TR6oldtimer]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]Good advice...a Heritage part will be as good as new...oh yeah, they ARE new...duh! [/QUOTE]

New yes, but a lot of the 'new' parts are from 30+ year old worn out dies. New, sort of fit best describes a lot of the stuff.

 

[YankeeTR]

good point. I really don't know how well they have maintained their dies over the years.

There are two different materials used for making dies...one is extremly hard and is used for regular production. They can be repaired and dressed (to a point)...I used to haul various dies between the auto plants in Michigan to an outfit in Cincinatti that repaired them.

The other material (I forget the name) is much softer and is generally used on low volume parts. These are what the Taiwan stamping operations ( and other low volume users) use as they are cheaper to produce. The downside is, as the dies wear, they don't produce as sharp of a part as they did when new. More fitting will be required when mounting on the cars or the look may not be 'just right'.

That's why original parts...even used ones...are preferred by many.

Now TR2/3 stuff is a little different since the cars were pretty much handmade. The fenders, front aprons and such that are made in England are still built using the English wheel, the Pullmax and other metalworking machines...

 

[RonMacPherson]

Last part I bought from TRF was a Taiwan made window regulator, drilled and tapped for metric bolts, which were NOT included with the regulator, nor were there any instructions or advice on the thread difference.

So, if they guarantee a Heritage part ??????