Bonnet Advice

'92 Si VTEC · Post by **jjmartin349571** » Sun Apr 07, 2013 5:30 pm

Ok guys, apologies in advance as it's not directly related to Preludes... Although as our cars are getting older and with regards to our market values it may be relevant in some respect

My Scirocco has some nasty paint on the bonnet

The bonnet is off another Scirocco and was resprayed to match, however the person who did this didn't bother putting the heat insulation back on. The 8v lumps in these VW's are notorious for overheating to mega proportions, and it would seem mine has done this at some point

It looks like this has done something to the paint, as the damage is directly above the valve cover. Here's some lovely pics I took today:

So my onto my question then - I'd like to sort it out, but not sure the best way to go about it, and if it's even worth doing tbh. I'm not going to be keeping the car long, as my girlfriend hates it and wants me to sell it over the next few months, and I'm just weighing up if I'd make a loss sorting it before selling it

I was considering the Chipsaway route, but not sure if they do panels, and if so maybe what ball park the figure would be in... maybe something @RattyMcClelland could advise?

Post by **RattyMcClelland** » Sun Apr 07, 2013 5:36 pm

That looks like faded, peeled lacquer. Thats a full bonnet respray. Not something a smart repairs car "legally do"

Only problem is curing a bonnet off with infra red heatlamps. Its hard and long. <insert>
Ideally needs an oven so bodyshop route.

judderod · Post by **judderod** » Sun Apr 07, 2013 5:39 pm

Maybe vinyl wrap it?

Rocky · Post by **Rocky** » Sun Apr 07, 2013 6:10 pm

judderod wrote:Maybe vinyl wrap it?

This is what I was thinking

'92 Si VTEC · Post by **jjmartin349571** » Sun Apr 07, 2013 6:26 pm

judderod wrote:Maybe vinyl wrap it?

I considered this initially but I'd be worried it'd look gay. As far as I'm aware I couldn't get the colour matched, and I don't think a black or carbon bonnet would suit the car at all

RattyMcClelland wrote:That looks like faded, peeled lacquer. Thats a full bonnet respray. Not something a smart repairs car "legally do"
Only problem is curing a bonnet off with infra red heatlamps. Its hard and long. <insert>
Ideally needs an oven so bodyshop route.

Hmmm maybe a trip to my local body shop is in order then. I have a horrible feeling it won't be cost effective though

is there anything I can do to make it look better on the cheap maybe? Wishful thinking maybe

judderod · Post by **judderod** » Sun Apr 07, 2013 6:53 pm

Shoe polish?!

Post by **Donald** » Sun Apr 07, 2013 7:30 pm

Leave it

it will mature like a nice wine. Some cars can pull off a bit of a faded, rough patina look to them.

mercutio · Post by **mercutio** » Sun Apr 07, 2013 9:34 pm

turn it into a rat car?

'92 Si VTEC · Post by **jjmartin349571** » Sun Apr 07, 2013 10:14 pm

Not a big fan of rat look myself, too many old VW's wasted by deliberately making them look jobby imo

Will ask my mate if he can sneakily do it through work, we just used 2 pack paint on my Golf. Only problem is I have no spare bonnet, and also his set up isn't great for car parts as he's a furniture finisher. I don't want to spend loads though and I reckon the body shop will want an arm and a leg.

Is there no way of cutting back the lacquer and respraying it?

Post by **RattyMcClelland** » Sun Apr 07, 2013 10:52 pm

jjmartin349571 wrote:
Is there no way of cutting back the lacquer and respraying it?

No. Everyone seems to think thats possible bit it isnt.
The lacquer has peeled and faded and water etc has already started to eat away at the paint. Once the paint layer is effect thats it.
Plus you can cut back lacquer and respray fresh lacquer on it. You will see all hell under it.

Go outside and make the bonnet really wet. Thats the finish you will get relacquered.

It has to be taken back and primed and painted.

A bodyshop would be around the £150-200 mark.