ChrisGrainge Posted July 25, 2012 Report Share Posted July 25, 2012 Hi all, The 4a is coming along nicely, though slowly! Most of the metalwork is done now, except the front and back valances, and the bit I'd like some advice about.... its the bit where the bonnet hinges go through, and the 'main body' and the strengthening 'plate' are rusted. Plan is to remove plate, repair body, respot weld new plate in place. Question is, what to do about a new plate with captive nuts, not been able to find one to buy... any suggestions? Thanks! Chris Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tr4u2 Posted July 25, 2012 Report Share Posted July 25, 2012 Chris in cases like this with my resto i have made the shape out of a piece of scrap hardwood or aluminium,make the sheet steel shape 3-4 mm bigger all round,then clamp the sheet to the wood and gently knock the edge over to make the upstand as the original. you will have to flie/sand/linish the edges level if you want to. drill two holes to suit the nut thread you need, using some scrap screws fasten two nuts on them attach them to the plate with your mig welder if you are not worried about it being original just cut the shape and follow step 2 regards adrian Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted July 26, 2012 Report Share Posted July 26, 2012 They arent available new and the repro inner wings dont have anything like the strengthener either. Its definitely make your own and for extra strength seam weld the sides of the bracket on. Make sure you the new plate in exactly the same place or you will find it very difficult to get the bonnet adjustment right.Always use weld through primer behind the plate and when finished seam seal all round the plate to prevent water ingression further down the line. Stuart. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisGrainge Posted July 26, 2012 Author Report Share Posted July 26, 2012 Cheers, thanks all, I'll post some pictures when all done. Chris Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisGrainge Posted July 26, 2012 Author Report Share Posted July 26, 2012 One last thing.... Stuart, would you bother with the lip on the plate, or not? Thanks! Chris Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted July 27, 2012 Report Share Posted July 27, 2012 One last thing.... Stuart, would you bother with the lip on the plate, or not? Thanks! Chris Yes it gives it more strength and with the weight of that bonnet you need it. Stuart. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rob Salisbury Posted July 27, 2012 Report Share Posted July 27, 2012 Hi Chris, why re-invent the wheel? You've done most of the work, simply cut your plates back to sound metal and let new sections in, the metal is good and thick there so it will be easy to get a good strong seam weld that can be ground back to an invisible finish, you've got to do the same thing for the inner wing anyway. Cheers Rob Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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