Ready For Epoxy

[BlueMax]

It has been a lot of work to this point, but finely the epoxy is going on Labor Day weekend!
Then the build priming and block sanding begins next, hopefully by late fall the final painting will be done.




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[drooartz]

Good looking progress.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Wow and shiny. What did you find was the easiest way to get the bonnet to working height. Looks like you are using a Workmate or something like that. Pad the sharp edges? Standing on end isn't the best way to go. How about supporting so it doesn't tip over? Got any "Best Practices" to share?
Before and after pics. Curious to see what you started with.
Good luck with paint.

 

[BlueMax]

Thanks Drew!

Jim, I built a stand to hold the bonnet in either direction, also by putting dolly’s on the bottom gave me full mobility for working the lead to the bonnet and applying the build primers and paint. When you unlock the wheels you can easily move it with one finger effortlessly.

 

[bug_sixty]

Could never leave bare metal up here in WA... I'd wake up the next morning to a coffee colored hood! What's your secret? Ain't exactly dry in SC either..

 

[Gundy]

I'm thrilled for ya Pal! It's been a long way back from where it was.
That thing is going to make my Bugeye look downright shabby.
I can't wait for some fall cruising. They say you can't go home....but me and you are going to give the old high school days a
revival, eh?

 

[BlueMax]

I read that the early Healey’s steel was made in the USA due that most of the steel that was being used was going into reconstruction in Great Britain. What I’ve been doing is keeping the dehumidifier on and air-condition. Also Eastwood makes a product called Fast Etch that applies a rust inhibitor and encapsulates any minuscule areas that could pop up with a zinc coating.

Thanks Gundy, thoughts days were awesome but I’m looking forward to reminiscing thoughts days again in trying to keep up with YOU!!

 

[JPSmit]

Wow! Impressive, The look of the upside down bonnet is fascinating, to my eyes it gives the grille a bit of a Cobra look, and, the whole front end more of a racer look - a la Lotus 11. Cool

 

[Jim_Gruber]

I'd just classify this one as BE Porn. This is impressive. Hopefully when I get my hands on Bugsy III's Bonnet I can look half as good. Working to resolve title issues so I can drag home. Hopefully Mid -September. Cleaning up other garage and making room this weekend.

 

[BlueMax]

When purchase someone's view of a pristine bonnet maybe far different than your own? Here are some of the issues I had to deal with.



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[Jim_Gruber]

i'd still qualify that one as almost pristine compared to what I'm dealing with on either bonnet. Fixing rear quarter is really a pretty simple fix but if purchased under the assumption that there is no rust that is a totally different situition.

 

[BlueMax]

The quarters were just part of the issue; it was the wings and bonnet stiffeners that were the time consuming issues. They create the bow of the wings as well the bonnet. When you take them out, you better have everything supported or you will have a big peace of steel that want fit your car and of course the aftermarket parts are not the same as the originals that came out. A few mm here and their can create huge problems. I spent an enormance amount of time fitting the bonnets working gaps between the A pillars and rockers. Pulling that bad boy on an off the car about 50 times will sure bring out the four letters for sure. The bonnet actually fits close than they were fitted from the factory, so I'm glad that part is over.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

I can relate. The bonnet on Bugsy I had been sitting flat and off of a car for 15+ years. There was no curve left in the top of the bonnet. I needed to use latches to put hte curve back in the bonnet. Broke several sets getting there.After 2 years of retorquing and working adjustable draw latches tighter and tighter finally got an acceptable fit. And then I sold the car.