Greetings!
The hinged front bonnet is wonderful on Spitfires to make access to the
engine a dream. However, that access comes at a price with excessive
stress placed on the sheet metal that makes up the bonnet itself. The
stiffener helps spread this stress across the entire unit, but there are
certain areas that all Spitfire bonnets are prone to damage. These include
around the latch assemblies and on the top surface some 6"-9" inset from
the top welding line in from the edge of the bonnet near the rear. What
are some accepted and feasible means of repairing tears in this metal area
that lacks support underneath?
My first impression is to braze it from the back side and grind it down
on
top. That may fix it now, but how to prevent future problems? Another
idea I have been toying with is to spray the entire underside of the
assembly with the RHINO TUFF lining used for pickup truck beds. This will
add a lot of weight, but should also help strengthen the unit and make it
much more resistant to water damage.
Your ideas, thoughts and suggestions are welcomed.
-Dan Canaan
-66 Spit Mk II... but with a lot of '69 parts.
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