Thoughts on Spridgetech Fiberglass Bonnets?

[Stick]

I am looking to replace my battered steel bonnet on my Bugeye with a fiberglass one. Spridgetech has bugeye bonnets with a "vintage flare" that appears to be the look I am going after. Has anyone had any experience with the Spridgetech bonnets who can offer some insight as to the quality? How well does the shape of the bonnet match the shape of the rest of the body? Is the surface smooth and consistent? Are they easy to prep for paint? This is going on a car primarily driven on the street, so it needs to paint up nice and hold up.

Any other alternatives I should be considering that have the similar "vintage flare" look? My fenders are rolled on the rear and my current hood, I am looking to carry that look with the new hood.

I'd appreciate any advice you guys can offer before I run out and spend the $ on something and end up not being happy with it.

Thanks!

 

[Trevor Jessie]

I think if you explain to them that you are wanting it for a street car, they will add a little reinforcement to key areas. They also have a version with a reinforced radiator box so the you can make the bonnet tilt forward with less flexing.

 

[sswarin]

Hi Stick,

I have a 1974 Midget with a Spridgetech bonnet purchased in 2004. As Trevor will attest, this Spridget won the
"Best Bling" award at the Midget 50th, and the bonnet certainly contributed to that award.
However, as I am sure you will agree, quality is subjective. My "high quality" part may be your "POS".
My Spridgetech bonnet did require many hours of work reinforcing, filling, and sanding to bring its surface finish up to it's current level of quality. But I don't think that this was unusual for a fiberglass part.
That being said, the bonnet did fit quite well, the vintage flares were the right look for my Spridget, and the front tilt system that Spridgetech uses is excellent. I would buy a bonnet from Spridgetech again if the situation required it.
Contact me off-list if you want to discuss this further.

Steve