Bonnet smoothing plate

[Ben]

Need to make a plate to weld/chemical metal to my bonnet to cover the badge hole. How do people make these plates the correct shape?

Cheers, Ben

[Fozzy]

I used some old body panels.

First off make the shape you want out of card then use that as a template.

I wouldn't sugget chemical metal as it will eventually crack

[Matt]

But of old fridge

[Ben]

Thanks for the reply I will use a cardboard template, I was thinking more about how to get a smooth curve when bending the metal?

Have you had a bad experience with chemical metal then? I've heard its good stuff thats all..

[Ben]

Aha yeah I read about that in your thread! I'm sure I'll use something interesting, I welded my egr valve shut using a spade I may try some other garden implement

[Grant]

Chemical metal will crack after time on a bonnet, you think how it gets slammed shut... If you cannot weld it, which would be the best solution, riveting would be next in line, just make sure it's on there solid!

[samass]

Aha yeah I read about that in your thread! I'm sure I'll use something interesting, I welded my egr valve shut using a spade I may try some other garden implement

THATS what i call shed motorsport!!

on a thread related note, if i was to do it, id make the plate so it fits behind where it needs to be and make up the rest with filler, if that makes sense? haven't actually done it, so feel free to disregard this!

[Ben]

I am going to filler over the plate but I'd like to get the plate as accurate as possible so that less filler is required. I will weld it then, but surely if chemical metal would crack due to shutting the bonnet then the filler would?

[Niall]

Providing the filler is mixed correctly and there's enough of a key, it will be fine. When used right it's actually really resilient stuff.

[Grant]

Is this the stuff your on about? If so I've used it before and wouldn't trust it as far as i could throw it... For the sake of 3 minutes, rivet it....

[Fozzy]

I tried the chemical metal ages ago and crack very quickly, although it only cracked on one side.

[Ben]

Yeah thats the stuff, I thought it must be quite good as it says you can machine it etc but I'll take your word for it, as more than one of you have advised against. I'm quite competent at welding its just a case of getting use of a suitable welder that can do thinner material. If I can't get one then I will rivet as you say.