Best fibreglass/GRP Bugeye bonnet

[HealeyRick]

Thanks Rick, thought hard about doing this.
A) was concerned that grinding off would severely weaken the bonnet along those lines, as I can see the curve of the 'beading' on the inside of the bonnet. Would need to add 'glass here I guess (see earlier re lack of 'glass skills!)
B) current bonnet has no stiffening lip around the edges at all. The flared arches would be stronger due to the way they've been done but they are to come nd . It really just suits a racer or something where looks aren't key and stress-cracking of paintwork isn't a concern

Guys with steel bonnets and dodgy beading have been know to epoxy on new steel beading. My thought with a GRP bonnet is you could cut a very shallow channel where the beading used to be and epoxy on the beading without damaging the structural integrity of the GRP bonnet. A steel bonnet shipped to OZ will be expensive. A good one is highly prized in the US, so don't think you can get one on the cheap here. If you want a steel one, monitor eBay US and hope you can find one that's willing to ship your way. Still, it's going to cost dearly. I've met Tony on one of his US trips and "know" Colin from the Sprite forums, but neither have a magical way to transport Sprite parts to Oz. If what you want is originality, find a steel one from OZ or prepare to pay lots to bring one (which will probably need a lot of work) from the US. Otherwise, try to do the best you can with the one you have and make it close to original.

 

[nomad]

You know, both preform resourse and speedwell look pretty good to me.

Rick, I would be concerned about different rates of expansion and contraction of the steel beading and the fiberglass. I've done quite a bit of fiberglass and had my own shop making motorcycle gas tanks and seats for flat track bikes when I was a pup. Making a mold wouldn't be that hard but having someone do it for Alfresco likely wouldn't be cost effective. I personally like the offerings available.

Kurt.