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Getting the curve back in a Bugeye Bonnet

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Jim_Gruber

Jim_Gruber

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I was able to finally get the Bugeye Bonnet to fit on Bugsy my '68 Sprite for the first time last night and the Front Hinged Bracket does indeed work. It is truly a case of "File To Fit" however and lots of work will be needed on panel fit.

That isn't my problem however. Anyone got a good method for getting the curve and the top of the bonnet / base of the windshield back into a bonnet. This bonnet is absolutely flat up at the top. Now I've added a piece of trim moulding sitting in the rain gutter ledge back by the firewall to raise up center of the bonnet for clearance purposes and loosened the bows/stays under corners. Corners of the bonnet are now sitting perhaps 2" above the body. Now I will be using latches on both sides at the rear but short of clamping this baby down and hoping it takes a proper shape over time, anyone got some tips on getting some curve back in the bonnet.

I should probably add that this bonnet has been off of a car and standing on end for probably 15+ tears.
 
Wrape a peice of 2x4 in a towel and place on battery, lower bonnet and press down both sides at the same time.

Careful there, a bit at a time is best. May take two short 2x4s stacked, work it out.
 
Jim

Like Jack said, a block of wood in the middle and push down on each side.
Now if the wheel openings are flared out, get some 1/4" rod from a mason supply, 20 feet cost about 5 bucks, you can bend it on the spot to fit in the car. With the bonnet latched, have someone pull outward on each wheel opening as you tack weld the rod inside the opening.
I also use this rod for E brake rods, quick fixes on cracked Bugeye door where they crack from the door pockets, and even making little clevis pins for whatever where ever on these cars. I find it as handy as a 7/16 wrench /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif
 
Thanks guys. I'll give that a try. Wonder if I can convince the missus to take a trip into the garage to help on this one? Thought perhaps I'd try taking loose from the front hinge, rebolting loosely to the rear hinges and perhaps then using the 2 x 4 trick. I've still got some panel gap issues to resolve and that might be the first starting point for me.Get the rest of the alignment fixed and where top mounting holes need to be for the front tilt hinge bracket and then get it to conform to shape.

Frank I like the idea of the 1/4" rod for getting the wings in place. Had never given that a thought. Getting this front tilt hinge to fit is definitely a challenge but it really looks cool when you raise the bonnet.

Gotta crank up that heater in the garage. Temps below zero in the AM tomorrow when I'll have a chance to play with this again. Thanks all.
 
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