Aftermarket Reproduction Bonnet / Hood For S30Z Review

[gav240z]

So I was going to wait to review this bonnet until after I'd compared with another OEM bonnet on my car (HS30 00150) because I am still not sure if all the alignment issues I'm having are due to the car being tweaked or if the bonnet I repaired was an issue or if my reproduction bonnet is a problem. But since a few will probably want to buy 1 of these I figured I'd post up my initial impressions in comparison to the original hood I've been repairing.

 

First impressions are it looks good. I bought it off Yahoo! Auctions a few months back and couldn't tell in the photos that it was a reproduction item. As far as i was aware nobody was making them at the time, hence why I thought it was NOS. The marks you see in the photo are from stick tape residue etc..

 

The main differences thought are when you turn it over and look at the pressings on the frame side of things.

 

Do you see the ripple long the folded edge? Perhaps not such a big deal to some, but it was immediately obvious to me as I had worked every inch of my OEM bonnet during repair and tried to iron out any such flaws.

This next shot perhaps shows it more clearly, once mounted on the car you can't see it from the front, but if you open the hood you can. (looking in from the engine bay).

 

 

Down the side of the bonnet you can see the outer skin and frame has gaps (doesn't look even). Poor photo quality sorry.

 

This fold looks particularly poor. My guess is that this is caused by a worn out 'buck' or 'dye' that is used to make these bonnets.

 

The lip is sort of folded over in an "it will do fashion".

 

Here is perhaps 1 of the bigger issues though, the inner frame (along leading edge of the bonnet) is not smooth and flat. This "damage" looks to have been there from the pressing process. Usually you can tell if an OEM bonnet has been hit before because this area is damaged.

 

For comparison here is HS30 01415's bonnet (which is dirty but straight - there's a joke there somewhere).

 

Here is a stamping you won't find on the OEM bonnets.

 

Sticker found on reproduction hood.

Side angle shot. Showing hump in the middle.

 

So I am not 100% sure on this last point but having fitted both bonnets to the car, my feeling is that the raised center hump on the OEM hood is a little more sharp and defined and perhaps a bit taller, where as this bonnet it seems a little flatter and less defined (again indicating a worn out buck or dye was used), but given that it's painted flat black that could also be adding to the illusion so it's difficult to tell with 100% certainty, if I get a chance to measure the depth I will see if that reveals anything.

 

So now, after seeing those images, do you think this Z432 has an OEM hood or reproduction?

https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/AM17/Amelia-Island/lots/r169-1970-nissan-fairlady-z-432/418110

 

My guess based on the pressing of the inner frame seen here. Is that it's a reproduction piece.

 

But far and away the biggest issue I've had is this.

http://www.viczcar.com/forum/topic/16697-nissan-s30z-chassis-datum-points/?p=198179

 

You can see the curvature at the rear is not quite right.

 

I am not sure yet if this is because of my car and it's alignment or if the bonnet itself needs tweaking. I have taken a profile of my old bonnet on the "good side" (side that wasn't hit) and this profile indicates that this bonnet is too flat and not curved (concave) enough.

 

Where as the OEM 1 I borrowed off someone fit like a glove.

 

A couple of wooden blocks and a hit with a ball pein hammer in the right spots would probably 'correct' this, but that coupled with all the other 'flaws' may sway your decision on a reproduction bonnet. I realise not everyone will share the same concerns are me or care and that's fine. But I am still considering finding a good OEM bonnet (used) if I can. However I will first do some measuring of my car to see if it's still in correct alignment.

 

So if anyone does go ahead with the part offered through Muscle Car Spares I'd be interested in your feedback, it's possible my bonnet is from another source and therefore maybe there is no such issue with their panel, but I'd be surprised if that's the case.

[1600dave]

Perhaps placing a somewhat unflattering review of a bonnet from an unknown source in a thread relating to a bonnet from MCP Australia isn't exactly fair on Muscle Car Parts. Particularly when it is stated that "since a few will probably want to buy 1 of these I figured I'd post up my initial impressions in comparison to the original hood I've been repairing." - reading this would lead most people to believe that the panel being reviewed IS an MCP one.

 

I know the Sydney guys involved in finding good sample panels that were used to make the dies for stamping the Datsun 1600 panels manufactured for MCP, they are not just re-selling panels but are actively involved in commissioning / having them manufactured. For this reason, I would think (I stand to be corrected) that these panels MCP are just starting to sell would be the same.

 

Of particular concern is that IF yours isn't an MCP panel, you damage their reputation, sales are slow as a result and they don't bother to remanufacture other zed panels on the basis that they aren't financially viable.

 

By all means, post the review once it is  confirmed you are reviewing an MCP panel, until then perhaps a little more discretion may be in order.

[OdinZ]

FYI MCP have these produced in Taiwan.

[C.A.R.]

I agree with Dave. I think you might have jumped the gun a bit Gav...

[luvemfast]

Maybe leave a review of your FD for anyone interested in buying a 240Z 

[gav240z]

I'm almost certain MCP haven't tooled up to reproduce their bonnet from scratch. I was in contact with an individual on eBay in the US who was reproducing bonnets for S30z's and knowing how these things work, often there is 1 manufacturer and multiple resellers.

 

I'm not trying to tart anyone's reputation, but wanted to share my photos of the product I received which I believe is the most likely to be the same product manufactured by the same people. Hence I'm curious if the MCP bonnet has the same markings. Note in the threads I linked to at least 1 other person mentioned having to add more curvature to a reproduction hood. Why reinvent the wheel after all?

 

Here is the eBay sellers items.

http://www.viczcar.com/forum/topic/14558-the-ebay-thread-2-post-ebay-parts-here/?p=195490

 

You can almost make out very similar pressings with the fault in the inner frame area visible across all of them (indicating the same dye or buck was in use).

 

I am not trying to slow sales for reproduction stuff and indeed want to see more stuff made and happy to see it get sold (as stated the MSC price is better than what I paid), and I have avoided tarring up their Facebook (I did ask for underside photos and images of fitment though!) which nobody seems to have provided yet.

 

So until someone can convince me these are not the same panel I'm not sure I should be deleting anything. After all I'm just trying to provide useful information here. I still think buying a reproduction hood is going to be better than fixing a bent or rusted hood in many cases and be a cheaper alternative with a better finish.

 

But if the crowd is displeased I can split the thread and just refer to it as 'reproduction hood' with no reference to MCP.

[gilltech]

Read it again guys. Gav is not saying his imported bonnet panel is from the same source as MCP's is but simply saying 'buyer beware' just in case it is. His looks poorly formed and folded and has various creases that shouldn't be there, plus the overall curvature is well out as his photos demonstrate. As he points out, that level of quality comes from worn stamping dies.

The unknown factor is whether there is only the one source of repro panel, currently, and whether Gav's panel is one of those. Alternatively his could be an old stock repro item left over from years ago - at one time there was speculation in Zed circles (now many years ago) that repro bonnets were likely coming available after the Nissan NOS supply had dried up but then I never heard any more about it.

More research needed!

[gav240z]

Also as an FYI I was in contact with the eBay seller and asked about shipping a bulk load of panels to Australia, if I was trying to step on anyone's toes I would have imported a bunch for sale myself and tried to undercut MCP but I see no point in trying to offer the same part from multiple people. As stated I think their price is reasonable.

[gav240z]

Read it again guys. Gav is not saying his imported bonnet panel is from the same source as MCP's is but simply saying 'buyer beware' just in case it is. His looks poorly formed and folded and has various creases that shouldn't be there, plus the overall curvature is well out as his photos demonstrate. As he points out, that level of quality comes from worn stamping dies.

The unknown factor is whether there is only the one source of repro panel, currently, and whether Gav's panel is one of those. Alternatively his could be an old stock repro item left over from years ago - at one time there was speculation in Zed circles (now many years ago) that repro bonnets were likely coming available after the Nissan NOS supply had dried up but then I never heard any more about it.

More research needed!

Thanks you replied just before my last reply, the reason I shared this information was that a couple of folks had sent me a PM asking about the quality and fitment of the hood. Obviously interested in buying 1.

 

I'm more than happy for MCP to set the record straight on this and correct me on anything posted so far. If they have gone to the effort of making their own stuff and fitment is as good as OEM I'll happy eat my own words above etc..

[1600dave]

I'm almost certain MCP haven't tooled up to reproduce their bonnet from scratch

 

What makes you say that ? I can't vouch for the zed bonnets, but I am certain (no "almost" about it)  that they did indeed tool up to produce all their 1600 panels, so would be surprised if they didn't for their zed offerings.

 

As a matter of interest for people playing along at home (and possibly a teaser for zed guys), it is now possible to buy front guards, bonnet, sills, front valance, door skins, rear 1/4's (both sedan and two door version), taillight panel, lower rear panel and a few miscellaneous smaller rust repair sections for 1600's. As well as bumpers in original style with overrider mounting holes and non-standard without holes. Hopefully MCP decide the market is there to broaden their zed range of stuff !

[PZG302]

Gotta agree with Dave on this one Gav. Without knowing the source of the MCP bonnet you can't really be passing off the review of your bonnet as gospel. The only way to do a fair review is to get one of their bonnets and have a look.

 

It's sort of the same as me saying all L24's are shit because the one I had in my old Zed that sat for 20 years smoked and belched and farted and didn't rum any good compared to the L28 I had built that made 200hp at the wheels.

[260DET]

Gavin's info and pics are great, a lot of work involved in putting that post together which should be of benefit to many. The unfortunate part is that it was posted in a thread specifically created to advise of the availability of a new part when it is unknown that it is from the same maker as the one he critiques.

[C.A.R.]

Taiwanese bonnets, guards & sugar scoops were available in the late 90's & early 2000's, so it wouldn't surprise me if the bonnet Gav obtained from Japan is one of those.

 

Time will tell...

Edited December 8, 2017 by Lurch ™

[gav240z]

Ok I've updated the original thread and split my review into this thread here instead.

http://www.viczcar.com/forum/topic/16797-new-bonnets-are-now-available/?p=199221

 

I still think the timing is awfully coincidental to have 2 separate entities making the same part, but if the Muscle Car Parts bonnet is better quality than the 1 I purchased that's indeed good to know.

 

Either way I think I'll be doing my best to obtain a good OEM hood (used) since it's hard to beat the fitment and quality of the original parts. Especially when restoring an early car.

[HomeBuiltByJeff]

I will see how I go, but I may even head down there after work on Tuesday morning and have a look. I will probably get one either way, but it may sort out what is what.

[gav240z]

1 thing I forgot to mention is that the mounting holes for the hinges in these are smaller than the OEM ones, giving less room for adjustment forward/aft etc.. before I started modifying mine I wanted to ensure it wasn't my car that was the cause of the alignment woes, rather than ruin a good bonnet (or modify it unnecessarily). I've seen many OEM hoods have these mounting points totally and utterly bored out to fit on S30Z's after obviously being hit in the front and then not fitting right again after.

 

I don't have photos handy but I can measure these exact differences when I get home and compare them. It's a minor thing, but it was something I noticed right away once I got my new toy out of it's box.

[gilltech]

If it's any help my bonnet's mounting holes - well, slots actually - are 14.5mm long by 9mm wide. As the mounting bolts are 8mm o/a thread all the bonnet adjustment is with the hinge positions.

[HomeBuiltByJeff]

I finally bit the bullet and went down to see Rob at Muscle Car Parts and picked up one of these bonnets, really nice guy. So later this week I will see how it goes. Anything is better than my old one (which is now available if anyone wants it).

[gav240z]

Looking forward to the video to see how your 1 fits.. They do seem like a very acceptable reproduction item, just haven't got mine to align as nice as I'd like yet and don't want to bend it to suit the car if the car isn't true.

[HomeBuiltByJeff]

Well I know my car is all over the place, so this is probably going to be the straightest thing on the car. Rob did say that if you are after a concours finish, then it needs a little playing with, but I will see this week (and so will everyone else in the video ).