major bonnet fitting

[richard bartlett]

I am well on the way to restoring a 1955 FMD and had a lot enjoyment and learnt new ways to curse! However, as usual the replacement parts, in this case from agriline, have needed adjusting to fit. The replacement bonnet is too tight to the upright exhust by about 1/2 inch, admittedly the original bonnet was also too tight and had a hole where the exhust had rubbed it. Any ideas as to how best get around this problem? Cheers Richard.
 

[MJ in the UK]

Richard I am afraid you have bought a Turkish made bonnet and they DO NOT fit. The trouble is the suppliers do not tell you this when you order them, I have had the same problem. MJ
 

[richard bartlett]

Hi, thanks I have heard alot about poor fitting bodywork from suppliers from other restorers. I predominately restore landrovers as a hobby and never have trouble with copied replacement parts but I am absolutely amazed with the modifications I have carried out to new parts supplied to not only this FMD but also the Dexta I did two years ago. Considering the cost of these parts it seems outrageous. Agriline has been my main supplier-is there a better one I should consider? I do make good as much original as I can but I do seem to be a sucker for the basket cases!
 

[MJin the UK]

Hi Richard, are you in the UK by any chance. MJ
 

[KFD68]

Had a new bonnet from RP the well known Fordson new parts dealer in Dorset {England} -

1 - the box section around the centre hinge was too large and I had to cut a chunk out of the battery firewall

2 - the brackets that the bonnet stays pivot from were riveted at the front of the bonnet NOT the rear

3 - the flat sides were too deep and looked wrong when bonnet was shut.

4 - the whole bonnet didnt sit flat [horizontal] at the rear where it mounts on the fuel tank

I phoned RP and complained in polite words - he didnt want to know - tough, I had bought it and it was my problem not his - no refund nor discount available. Spoke to several other people in England who had the same bonnet problems; and many people here complain that replacement tinwork from several replacement parts dealers for Fordsons, MFs & IHs just dont fit
 

[richard bartlett]

Hi MJ, yes I live in East Sussex, England.
 

[richard bartlett]

response to KFD68, I am not at all surprised by your bad bonnet but I am surprised by the suppliers response.
I know that there is good cause to try to keep original parts but they are few and far between and also out of my pocket so replacement parts are required. But there does seem a lack of interest by suppliers to do something about it.
I have only complained once (being English!) about a Dexta manifold, admittedly it was replaced, no extra charge however the replacement was just as bad! I gave up and ground it to shape.
 

[MJ in the UK]

Hi KFD68, you had the same problem with your bonnet as me allthrough i did not buy mine from RP. I made it fit with a lot of work. Also the nose cone supplied by RP has a diffrent top curve to the bonnet so they do not match each other. I can see now why a used bonnet and nose cone at the trator show auction at Newark made £930=00. MJ
 

[Mike Farmer]

I'm just down the road from you at Andover. NW Hampshire MTF