With my spare bonnet I have managed to cut a hole for the air filter, and I now need to craft a new bonnet. Any tips on forming the curves, and should I cut the filter hole first and bend the side edges?

Thanks

Mathew

[Edited on 12/11/12 by puma931]

The two most popular formers seem to be; lamp-post and drainage pipe.
I personally would form, then cut.

Oxy bottle or similar or plastic drainage pipe....?

My 1st bonnet was formed over the large Argoshield gas bottle I had when building my car, the 2nd bonnet was formed as per book around a wooden telegraph pole!!!

Plastic drain pipe for me, form the bonnet then cut any holes, do it the other way and it will bend incorrectly and not be uniform.

I laid the flat sheet over the car and marked the start and ends of then bends then put in the curves, next step is to then strap in place and reach up inside and mark the edges of the hole with a marker pen so you can cut to shape.

Do not forget to allow extra for the returns, I was lazy and cut to fit the scuttle and nose cone then made tidy with u trim, the proper way is to roll the edge back upon itself.

For the side panels 1" lip folded in at 90 degrees, two bits of angle, one end in a vice the other with a G clamp and gently tapped over with a wooden block and hammer.

Regards Mark


[Edited on 12/11/12 by mark chandler]

My bonnet, like others here, was formed on the car and on a lamppost, that i had wrapped an old blanket round and gaffer taped on, to minimise any bumps coming through

and as Mark says, leave an inch overhang each side, as one its a neat line, plus gives more purchase for the bonnet clamps to hold on to

however cutting and adding an edge is fine

Steve