TR4/4A Boot and bonnet bodywork.

[Rut]

I'm in the process of stripping and straightening all of the exterior body panels and I've figured out how to remove the boot edge brace/stiffener that keeps the lower edge aligned with the car and supports the boot lock for restoration, but removing the bonnet bracing is a little more difficult. The stiffeners and bracing look to be held in by spot welds and brazing...a lot of brazing! Has anyone had experience removing these parts for restoration on their bonnet? Also, do I need to make a jig to keep the bonnet from twisting while these parts are off?
Thanks, Rut

 

[CJD]

It should be welding. Any brazing on the body is from a PO. You will have to drill the spot welds and grind the stick welds to separate the panels. Once apart, the pieces will be flexible, but should not take a permanent twist. You will need to hold them straight while you re-weld the braces back in, as that is when you can lock in a permanent twist.

 

[Rut]

John,
Thanks, the welding and brazing is identical on two separate bonnets and the boot lid lower edge bracing was held in by one spot weld and the full width crimp that forms the lower edge. The bonnet bracing that runs along the forward lip, side edges and rear cross brace from side to side only have spot welds in those locations with the longitudinal brace held in by brazing. Nothing is welded or brazed to the center of the bonnet, only the edges. It looks like the only way to remove the bracing that's spot welded to the edges is drilling from the outside edge which will need a lot of welding to fill the holes prior to spot welding again. I was hoping someone who had done this before had some advice on how they did it.
thanks, Rut

 

[Mink]

I'm not sure what you're trying to remove. The underhood bracing? Why?

 

[Rut]

Tom,
I have 2 TR4a bonnets in good shape except for rust underneath the bracing. I've tried using Ospho and a couple of other phosphoric acid based rust removers and media blasting, but you really can't get it all without removing the bracing. If you've got an idea for removing that rust without taking the bracing off and being able to prep and paint I would love to hear it.
Thanks, Rut