Bonnet Side Restoration ( A bit out of sequence but worth mentioning)

Back in 2009, just before the Castlemaine Chev 4 tour, I noticed both sides of the bonnet were looking a bit sad, due to rust damage coming from the bottom rolled edge of the sides.The problem had been long standing, and sadly neglected for a few years before I decided to fix the problem. The rust was bubbling the paint work from the bottom rolled edge upwards.

I discovered that the bottom rolled edge of the bonnet sides were both full of dirt, and retaining moisture.I followed the following process with complete success so far (2 years later)

1. Using a steel rod I ensured the inside of the rolled edge was cleaned of all dirt and obstruction.

2. The lower edge of the bonnet sides were treated with rust converter.

3. A suitable sized steel rod was inserted into the full length of the bottom rolled edge.This served 2 purposes, the first and most important, the inside of the rolled edge was permanently sealed against dirt and moisture, and the second being the bonnet sides were now a bit more rigid.

4. The bonnet was then sprayed with primer and several coats of top colour.

With the bonnet sides  a bit more "stiffer" there is no longer a "crack" or small cap in the paint where the return of the rolled edge meets the flat surface of the bonnet side.

Hopefully this experience may help others and here are a few photos of the process.


This is my home made soaking tank, consisting of a couple of old towells under a sheet of heavy plastic, turned up on the sides and supported by a few 4 x 4 timbers and a few house bricks. Oh, and of course 6 litres of Rust Buster, than can be re-used time and time again.

About to fit the rod into the rolled edge

The finished article. Good for another 80 years?