Fibreglass Panels

Fantom · 6 Aug 2009 at 17:58

Hi All,

My bonnet is badly damaged, beyond repair really so I need a new one!

I have looked at GRP bonnets and have found one that looks really good quality with all the standard fittings and strengthening etc.

Im just a little unsure of a couple things,

Do you think it will rattle/flap around even though it has strengthening?

Do you think it will be get a good finish paint work wise? (in black)

iaind · 6 Aug 2009 at 18:02

What sort of car is it?

Am I missing something, or could you just not use a normal one?

Fantom · 6 Aug 2009 at 18:03

of course but for what comes out at just about the same price I could have something that weighs 6.5kg and will never rust!

its a 106 GTi

Hxc · 6 Aug 2009 at 18:06

You can certainly get a good paint finish on fibreglass, look at TVRs and Lotus. I don't know if you'll be able to make it match the surrounding metal, though.

iaind · 6 Aug 2009 at 18:07

I'm suprised the new costs are the same, although if it was me i'd be inclined to just get one from a scrappy

Fantom · 6 Aug 2009 at 18:08

iaind said:
I'm suprised the new costs are the same, although if it was me i'd be inclined to just get one from a scrappy

They tend to be starting to rust in the scrappys from what I have seen so far + most are damaged + its hard to find a black one.

Fantom · 6 Aug 2009 at 18:08

Hxc said:
You can certainly get a good paint finish on fibreglass, look at TVRs and Lotus. I don't know if you'll be able to make it match the surrounding metal, though.

Do you think that will still be a problem with black paint?

Lopéz · 6 Aug 2009 at 18:14

Fantom said:
Do you think it will rattle/flap around even though it has strengthening?

Yes.

Do you think it will be get a good finish paint work wise? (in black)

No, unless you put in a lot of prep and use a lot of primer.

Bear · 6 Aug 2009 at 18:18

If you are going to buy the grp bonnet then make sure you use bonnet pins as I wouldnt trust the bonnet catch being as secure

Fantom · 6 Aug 2009 at 18:19

what will the finish look like if only the normal amount of primer is used?

how bad is the flapping about going to be generally?

Fantom · 6 Aug 2009 at 18:23

Bear said:
If you are going to buy the grp bonnet then make sure you use bonnet pins as I wouldnt trust the bonnet catch being as secure

Only thing is I cant stand bonnet pins, the car isn't a racing car

iaind · 6 Aug 2009 at 18:26

Fantom said:
Only thing is I cant stand bonnet pins, the car isn't a racing car

Which is why it doesnt need a fibreglass bonnet - shop around, you'll be able to get a metal one a lot cheaper than a fibreglass one

Lopéz · 6 Aug 2009 at 18:31

Fantom said:
Only thing is I cant stand bonnet pins, the car isn't a racing car

But you're fitting it with a racing car bonnet so it'll need pins. I would imagine it'll be cracking and flaking around the catch within a few months otherwise, and the amount of flex can get a bit dramatic. Most fibreglass bonnets are really designed with motorsport applications in mind.

Janesy B · 6 Aug 2009 at 18:35

Buy a proper bonnet.

Westyfield2 · 6 Aug 2009 at 21:21

Janesy B said:
Buy a proper bonnet.

Carbon Fibre

Janesy B · 6 Aug 2009 at 21:30

Westyfield2 said:
Carbon Fibre

Fantom · 6 Aug 2009 at 21:47

wouldn't carbon and not painted be a bit chavvy?

Lopéz · 6 Aug 2009 at 22:00

This forum is obsessed with being "chavvy" :confused:

Almost anything can be "chavvy" according to OcUK.

Maxeh · 6 Aug 2009 at 22:28

On the right car a non painted carbon bonnet can look awesome!

My carbon bonnet is painted, but you can still see the weave a bit

iaind · 7 Aug 2009 at 07:56

Only on performance cars, as its a performance part.

Very little point on a gti shopping trolley IMO - they already weigh nothing, take any more weight away and it'll probably blow away in a stiff breeze

I still fail to believe the costs are comparable