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MG MGA - Bonnet (Hood) wood insert

Please can anyone tell me how the plywood bonnet nose insert is fixed in and is the felt which covers it placed on the bonnet side. Another issue what glue/adhesive would be best to fix the felt to the underside of the bonnet to close the gap between rad and bonnet.

Thanks
Dave
Dave

Dave,

Just this weekend removed this insert from an old bonnet I had in the garage.

The felt on mine was on the bonnet side and the wood insert was held on with two small self tappers through the small panel that the insert slots into. Out of interest the insert, which I think is original, has a concave scoop out of the rear horizontal face on the engine side. It is not just a simple flat piece of wood.

The insert is original and if the fixing is also original you should have two small holes in the panel on your bonnet. I emphasis "if" on the fixing as that may not be original on my spare.

I would also be interested to know if in fact that is the correct fixing method as I plan to put this insert on my bonnet. I am not an originality freak but may as well get it right .

For the felt I just used a contact adhesive, like the stuff you use for tiles.

Chris.
Chris C

I've also been concerned about the type of adhesive to use on the felt above the radiator. It gets quite hot in there, and many adhesives specify low heat applications. What is a good high-heat adhesive that will hold up?

Second related question: the felt above the radiatator has scoops taken off the two ends. Should the felt be installed so these scooped ends fit UNDER the bonnet suppports (against the bonnet skin) or OVER the bonnet supports? It seems to me that if installed over the bonnet supports, the felt would seal the full width of the radiator. However, from what I have seen at car shows, most seem to install the felt with the ends under the supports.

Regards,
M.D.
'57 Coupe
M. D.

For the felt over the radiator I used the 3m contact in a spray can rated for high heat, I don't have the actual number handy. I bought it at local auto parts store. Worked fine for one year so far.
R W Shaver

Many thanks Gents for the infomation, I got my wood insert from Bob West and it is shaped as you suggestead Chris, also I have the 2 holes to take self tappers. I will look for an adhesive that is heat resistant to fix the felt pads.

Many thanks
Dave
Dave

Please excuse my ignorance, but what is the purpose of the plywood insert? I don't think my MGA has had one during the 36 years I've owned it.
Chuck Asbury

I believe it acts as a stiffiner for the front of the hood.
Kris Sorensen

The plywood insert is to stop your bonnet (hood) distorting when you push it closed against the spring. I fitted mine today plus the bonnet to radiator packing, I used Evostic avhesive to stick it to the underside of the bonnet.

Dave
1958 Roadster
Dave

This thread was discussed between 13/04/2005 and 17/04/2005

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