Warped Sumo bonnet

[maddog]

I have just fitted the bonnet to my mk3 Sumo. The fit is awful!. There is a gap on the right hand side of the bonnet I can almost get my finger in. I have tried various times to get a better fit to no avail. It seems like the bonnet is warped or even the body!

Is it possible the bonnet has warped while it has been stored?
Is there a way to straighten it out or will it need major surgery?

Thanks
Mark

[robinj66]

I think that's one of the "characteristics" of the Sumo

The most common way to rectify the problem is to raise that side of the body (or at least the bonnet aperture)...........

Or you could speak to Chimera (Anthony) who has built a few

[jonny m]

Or opt for a dark spray job colour to try and hide the laughable gaps....wish I'd gone for black now.

[Purple AK]

Originally Posted by jonny m

Or opt for a dark spray job colour to try and hide the laughable gaps....wish I'd gone for black now.

No you don't! Black shows every hint of imperfection

[oldcobber]

Hi Mark,

Sounds like the same as mine. Is the gap worse just over where the brake fluid reservoir is?I have had this from the start, in 2001/2 and on the underside of the bonnet in this area there is a relief for the brake reservoir. It has got a little worse over the years and I am now thinking of cutting the underside of the bonnet skin in a few places to try and flatten it down and then reinforce it with fibreglas. I dont think raising the wing up will close a localised gap, but I might be wrong.

Bob

[chedz]

Yep, they are all like this, if you spend a bit of time putting things under the bodywork just where it rests on the bulk head you can get it perfect without doing anything drastic. I used bits of wood and plastic wedges until it came up to the right height. Looks perfect now...if I do say so myself

Graham

(some info on this in the Bodywork section in the link below)

[bluetoon]

Ahhhh, the bonnet...

Make the car fit the bonnet, not the bonnet fit the car.

You can lift the wings and support them with brackets. That should get you close.

Cheers
Jim

[Stu J]

Originally Posted by bluetoon

Ahhhh, the bonnet...

Make the car fit the bonnet, not the bonnet fit the car.

You can lift the wings and support them with brackets. That should get you close.

Cheers
Jim

I think the same was said about the doors too Jim.

My bonnet fits by the screen ok but is not perfect on the front two corners, however I shall endeavour with it after the sva.

[maddog]

Would it be possible to apply a weight on the affected area and apply gentle heat to try and coax it to a new position?

[Marty V6]

Originally Posted by maddog

Would it be possible to apply a weight on the affected area and apply gentle heat to try and coax it to a new position?

Every time I drive mine it gets subjected to 'gentle heat' from the V8 engine, radiator, manifolds etc, and it hasnt moved in the four years I have had it.

The fit on mine is excellent, as long as you are facing away from the car and looking at it in the reflection of one of those 'hall of mirrors' mirrors, whilst pi$$ed, and standing on one leg. Works for me every time.