Securing Bugeye Fiberglass Bonnet

[Editor_Reid]

So, if a guy had a rear-hinged fiberglass bonnet on his Bugeye (it's not me - really!), and the front of it is just resting on the front bumper brackets, and he wanted to install some kind of latch to hold it down securely, what might he do?

Is there some kind of standard latch or "best solution" to this situation?

Installing short belts on the sides of the bonnet, just aft of the wheel openings, is not a favored technique here - is there something better?

Thanks.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Does this bonnet already have the air box (duct) for the radiator built into it?

 

[Editor_Reid]

Does this bonnet already have the air box (duct) for the radiator built into it?

No, not so's you'd notice.

 

[nomad]

It kinda need's that ducting and if it were there I would think a couple pieces of strap iron bolted through the glassed in duct-work could be used to attach the front as the Healeys did. With the original turn handle and linkage.

Kurt.

 

[Editor_Reid]

It kinda need's that ducting and if it were there I would think a couple pieces of strap iron bolted through the glassed in duct-work could be used to attach the front as the Healeys did. With the original turn handle and linkage.

Kurt.

Yes, there's certainly no provision for any kind of latching now. Really makes you wonder about the manufacturer (whoever that might be). Did they really think that you'd rely solely on gravity to hold the front of the bonnet down? And having it rest on the bumper brackets would be OK? Gosh, I guess no engineers were involved.

Anyway, I'm trying to come up with a solution for a friend for this. If all else fails I guess we'll put some rubber pads on the bumper brackets and attach an I-bolt and wing nut arrangement of some kind. Pretty inelegant though.

 

[Rut]

I don't recall seeing a fiberglass Bugeye bonnet designed to hinge from the rear...all I've seen are front tilt.
Rut

 

[nomad]

Knocking up a temporary mold to form a fiberglass radiator duct wouldn't be difficult. Glass it in and you would have your attachment points and better cooling. Fiberglass isn't difficult to work with after a bit of practice.

Kurt.

 

[Gerard]

I don't recall seeing a fiberglass Bugeye bonnet designed to hinge from the rear...all I've seen are front tilt.
Rut

They are out there. The one I formerly had on my vintage racer was constructed that way. I don't know if any are made that way anymore, but "old school" ones were.

Somebody makes formed aluminum shrouds for the radiator ducting too.

 

[Editor_Reid]

Knocking up a temporary mold to form a fiberglass radiator duct wouldn't be difficult. Glass it in and you would have your attachment points and better cooling. Fiberglass isn't difficult to work with after a bit of practice.

Kurt.

Thanks, but this is for a customer car. (The customer is Keith Martin, publisher of Sports Car Market and American Car Collector magazines), and it's in my shop (Commonwealth Classics, 1613 East 4th Street, Vancouver WA 98661, 360.694.7464 <-- plug for shop not-so-subtly inserted).

Getting into fabricating fiberglass is beyond what we do and beyond what the owner wants to do. We're thinking ... Velcro. (Just kidding!)

 

[nomad]

You know.....Velcro has possibilities! They used it for the top on later Midgets.

Kurt.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

It may be possible to attach an aluminum panel to the lower lip of the bonnet using adhesive and machine screws. Then you can more easily configure a spring clasp similar to the safety catch. ... just thinking out loud.

 

[Bayless]

If I were running professional shop I would seriously consider the liability of doing a less than professional job like that. If the owner wouldn't loose the money to do it right,m I would probably send him elsewhere.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

I did not got into elaborate detail, but I feel that a properly designed aluminum panel attached with both adhesive and machine screws would strengthen the bonnet and spread the load to allow for a secure latch.

 

[apbos]

Reid
It seems the resting point is now the bumper brackets. If everything is aligned well, the the non-stock method would be to secure the bonnet to the bumper brackets. A door hinge with a U bolt or welded to the bumper bracket and the other half bolted to the bonnet. Use a ring locking pin to allow quick release. My Speedwell bonnet tilts forward with a similar method.
Regards
Paul

 

[Editor_Reid]

Reid
It seems the resting point is now the bumper brackets. If everything is aligned well, the the non-stock method would be to secure the bonnet to the bumper brackets. A door hinge with a U bolt or welded to the bumper bracket and the other half bolted to the bonnet. Use a ring locking pin to allow quick release. My Speedwell bonnet tilts forward with a similar method.
Regards
Paul

Could I please see a few pics of this arrangement?

Thanks.

 

[apbos]

Reid
Here are two pics of the hinges. The mounting bar came with the bonnet. They are just simple door hinges, which are "pinned" with a simple bolt while I am working on the car and a ring pin when driving.
Regards
Paul