Bonnet cross member twisted?

[redduster]

The internal cross member, where the top fixing of the support hinge attaches, is twisted/ misshaped.

Is this a common issue or has a heavy handed clot been over enthusiastic closing it?

I tried straightening the cross member, but it returns to it's distorted shape when opened after being straightened.

Is the piece replaceable or is a replacement bonnet the answer?

Thanks

[SteveClem]

I've not seen that before but I imagine that a decent fabricator could make a new one for you. Perhaps worth pricing it up and comparing with the cost of a replacement bonnet?

[Berniewade]

I will have a second sand one if any good to you
What part of the country are you

[POMMReg]

Bolt a length of ecostrip or dexion to reinforce it as temp measure.

Don't really want it waggling about, may effect ends where welded to bonnet.

[DAVIDMCCULLOUGH]

Ive seen this happen if the bonnet has blown up.

I was once unfortunate to be doing around 50mph in my white traveller when the bonnet came up, my own fault as it was only on the catch. It broke one hinge and twisted the bonnet and the spot welds the hold the cross member were pulled away from the broken hinge side. Thankfully it only needed a hinge and a coupl of pop rivets so it didnt burn the paint!

Have heard of a couple of other that broke both hinges and the bonnet went right over the roof.......

[Shamrockmotors]

I had no luck straightening this in place.
I removed the cross member - I believe it is brazed to the turned down lip of the bonnet edge and can be carefully broken free with a small grinder without damaging the bonnet.
It straightened quite easily by clamping a piece of angle iron and a length of wood inside the brace with a vice. Check for flat on the "flat" side when you release it.
It does not have much resistance to twisting so I plug welded on a full length strip of 20 ga material to the back (curved) side of the brace which gives it substantial strength and is not visible. Leave the last couple of inches open at each end and drill the strut flange to plug weld it to the bonnet top, not the side as it was.
This will damage the paint just a bit on the bonnet top, but unless you're real particular, this can be rubbed down and touched up with a rattle can.
Good luck.
Richard

[redduster]

Looks a more permanent fix so will check process and see if my welding skills are adequate.
Thanks for all the advice.
Cheers