If I can just ask a question, I have just done a paper template for my bonnet and have a few questions before I cut the metal sheet. The edges that meet the scuttle and nose cone, I was thinking of using edge trim is that the done thing or do others fold the aluminium over on it self to remove the sharp edge.

I am thinking the trim could hide any waviness in the cut.

Also where the bonnet comes down to meet the side of the car, again is it normal to edge trim, fold the edge or what. I notice that IVA requires edges that can be contactable to be at least folded.

I do not have access to a guillotine to get a long straight edge but use air shears, and even runnng down a piece of wood leaves a slight wave!.

Just wondering what pros and cons for each there are.

Adrian

i would fold the edge it will increse the strength as well

is that all edges or just the sides, the scuttle and nose cone are not straight edges but curved! The bonnet is longer on top then down sides

Adrian

I folded the sides but not the nose and scuttle ends of the bonnet.

I've used herringbone trim on the nose and scuttle ends.

HTH,
James

Yup, I folded the sides in so they sat on the chassis rails.
The ends I also used edging trim.
I also used stick on rubber draught excluder on the cone and scuttle to bring the bonnet up level


David

Trouble is, if you fold the ends it makes it difficult to bend. I folded the side edges, and put Woolies rubber U trim on the ends

[Edited on 12.06.2009 by Humbug]

The last few comments about folding the sides and edge trim for the front and back were what I was thinking of doing but wanted to check first. It's a big piece of ali to get wrong.

Yes on the draft excluder or something to raise the height, I have quite a step to bring it level to the top. Guess I had better get something fitted first before I form the shape.

Adrian

i folded the sides round a piece of 1" square,makes it more rigid and does away with the sharp edge,herringbone trim on the scuttle/nose edges.
a good pair of tin snips is what you need not those silly ones with serrated blades that make a mess of the edges

whats this herringbone trim everyones talking about?

conrodkid, did you fold round one side (single 90 deg fold) or two?

Just used Mini chromed seam trim on all edges held in place with PU.
I would have thought the Ali would split if you tried to do a tight fold back on itself.
Cheers,
Bob

Hi,

Mac 1 sell a nice plastic trim which I used for my bonnet at the Nose and scuttle ends and I personally prefer it to the "U" trim. The side edges I folded at 90 degrees so that it sits nicely on the body.

Regards

Bob

I used a jigsaw, then filed smooth- great finish with some patience and perfectly flat.
Tim

As we are talking about cutting as well
I used 1mm cutting discs in my grinder.
I got them from Screwfix.

I tried all the other methods, but liked the way I could control the cut with the grinder.


David