TR2/3/3A TR3 A 1960 adjusting apron

[Tinkerman]

Trying to get all of the sheet metal panels on. Having a problem with the bonnet and the Apron. I cannot get the bonnet fitted. I have the hinges on at the rear. When I try to close the bonnet it lacks about 1/4" for it to close. Is there any wiggle room in the bonnet/apron fitment?
Short of doing some major work on the U shaped channels that the apron sit in is there any way of adjusting the space so that the bonnet would slip in there?

Any thoughts, help, ideas, greatly appreciated. I'm very close to the finish line but I don't need to do anything stupid at this point.

Thanks, Tinkerman

 

[Marvin Gruber]

Dick,
if you can, post us a couple of pictures or email me some.
Marv

 

[TR3driver]

The holes where the hinges mount to both hood and scuttle are slotted (or at least can be) to allow for fore/aft adjustment of the hood. The front apron can be moved by bending the flange where the cross bar mounts to the apron, or by bending the brackets where the cross bar fastens to the inner fenders. They bend pretty easy, I wouldn't call 1/4" "major work".

 

[TexasKnucklehead]

Be sure you have it mounted to the cross brace properly, and tightened to it. The flange of the apron goes toward the rear of the car, not the front. So, when you look inside the hood, you will see the bolt go through the apron flange, then through the cross brace. If you plan to bend the cross brace brackets, be sure to loosen all the bolts that hold the apron to the fronts of the fenders before trying to move it forward. My scuttle hinge holes are slotted as well as my bonnet holes. I had to tweak the cross brace as well as the brackets.

You've come too far to let this stop you. Hang in there, take your time, you will work it out.

 

[Tinkerman]

Thanks all for your encouragement and suggestions.
Through the use of a 3 lb sledge and a piece of hard wood I was able to get the hood to fit, YEA! A little more tinkering and I should be in good shape.

Gotta love the Forum!
Tinkerman