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Bugeye Bonnet Latches

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paulsherman

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I have a forward tilt fiberglass bonnet (Spridgtech)and I am about to position and install new latches on the rear wings. Most likely Spitfire latches. Because most everything expands or contracts with temp. changes, I am wondering if it best to do the latch installs in the sun (expanded) or when it is cooler, to get the best fit?
Or am I overthinking this as I often do?

Thank you
Paul
 
I went with some External SS Draw Latches from McMaster Carr Catalog for Bugsy. Biggest challenge I found is making sure back of bonnet is straight horizontally and vertically with cowl and outer rocker. One side is perfect and another isn't quite right but works. Not sure if a bonnet issue, bump to front rails, or hinge bracket issue. Bugsy my '68 had a replacement fender on LF when I purchased and there was inner fender damage I needed to straighten. Alignment issues both in and out for back of wings are tricky there. I'm dealing with a steel bonnet so different for you going fiberglass. Take a look at backing plates where fiberglass bonnet hinges. I know Mike Rowe added some additional plywood and glassed it in before mounting just to be sure when he did his conversion on a Spridget. Not sure what type of bonnet he used but it was glass.
 
It is quite a challenge to get the standard steel bonnet to fit right, and I bet a real bear to get a 'glass one to.
The steel bonnet has angled adjustments to control the angle of the vertical portion of the fender. To make mine fit ( a steel one) I adjusted the angle brackets, reset the rubber bumpers next to the sill, and shaved the gasket located at the top of the firewall (all reproductions seem too high). this is what I ended up with. If I ever go to a forward tilt bonnet (my first BE had one), I would use spitfire latches. Also use a real production hinge for the forward tilt, as the one I made myself, rubbed sheet metal when opening.
Scott in CA
 

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Here is a link to Speedwell Enginerings new latch system Speedwell Enginering

Also Stiffening the side like this will help with a fiberglass bonnet.
Paul
Frontsupportson.jpg
 
Jim,

Would you mind sharing which latches you chose. Do you have a pic of them installed?

Thanks,

Jim_Gruber said:
I went with some External SS Draw Latches from McMaster Carr Catalog for Bugsy. Biggest challenge I found is making sure back of bonnet is straight horizontally and vertically with cowl and outer rocker. One side is perfect and another isn't quite right but works. Not sure if a bonnet issue, bump to front rails, or hinge bracket issue. Bugsy my '68 had a replacement fender on LF when I purchased and there was inner fender damage I needed to straighten. Alignment issues both in and out for back of wings are tricky there. I'm dealing with a steel bonnet so different for you going fiberglass. Take a look at backing plates where fiberglass bonnet hinges. I know Mike Rowe added some additional plywood and glassed it in before mounting just to be sure when he did his conversion on a Spridget. Not sure what type of bonnet he used but it was glass.
Click to expand...
 
David, Lots of different styles available. Go for one's rated as high load factor as possible. The bonnet is heavy and if your's is anything likke mine I needed to bend the rear curve back into it after being off of a car for 20+ years. I broke 2 sets of the ones sold by W.C. and went to the SS Draw Latches with safety catch. Don't use anything with a wire type loop. They aren't heavy enough to last.
 
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