Marlin Roadster (Re)Build

[MartinClan]

I have made the first of the two bonnet sides. A lot of carefull measuring involved as it is a big panel and didn't want to cock it up. The front and back edges are parallel but top and bottom are both set at an angle. the bottom to follow the chassis and the top to giving the bonnet a pleasing drop towards the front. The original panels were shot but useful as a double check.

The original bonnet side has a lot of folds at the edges not really necessary for strength. But it's actually a clever part of the design - the folded edges are what you actually see which means the 'orrible cut edges are hidden. Which is just as well as the originals seem to have been cut out with a jigsaw with the edges left rough. All done for speed of course. Anyway I made the replacement exactly the same way (I did clean up the edges), the only difference being I riveted the ally angle that strengthens the top rather than nut and bolting it in place as per the original.

It would be an understatement to say I am pleased with the result :-)
Just the other side and the bonnet tops now...

bonnet_side_making by Robin Martin, on Flickr

bonnet_side_1 by Robin Martin, on Flickr

bonnet_side_2 by Robin Martin, on Flickr

[MartinClan]

I have completed the other bonnet side. Took less than half the time of the first one!
The bad news though is that I trial fitted the old bonnet which I was going to use as a template to make the new one. It is an awful fit - in fact it doesn't really fit at all. So I am going to have to fettle that first before I can even consider using it as a template. Hmm
bonnet_side_3 by Robin Martin, on Flickr

As a bit of an asside I have been doing some planning. I am considering using this steering wheel. It's an old Triumph (Herald?) steering wheel and is dished and has sprung spokes the idea being it does provide some protection in the event of a prang. What do people think?
alternative_steering_wheel by Robin Martin, on Flickr

And I have been thinking about the exhaust route. I was always going to have a side mounted silencer but I would like the actual output to be at the rear of the car - not by the passengers ear. It looks like I should be able to route it between the chassis and the rear nearside wheel. Again - what do people think?
exhaust_1 by Robin Martin, on Flickr