Hey guys, not sure if your aware of the new ( Just noticed it a month or so ago) aftermarket XR8/GT bonnets which are full steel... What are your thoughts and who has tried these? Would like to get opinions as im thinking of purchasing one and was wondering how they fit up, ie; do they line up well with the panels, quality, etc???

Oz,

A few have been getting around on ebay, but for under 600 you can't go wrong. I'll be getting one

Are these the taiwanese one's?

When I was panel beating, the taiwanese panels werent a bad thing for the coin, sometimes the gaps werent the best, but if you want perfect, you buy genuine.

Just make sure the prep for the paint is done real good.

I was looking at these the other day , dont look to bad .

anyone have a fibreglass xr8 bonnet ?

I have a full fibreglass bonnet..... -dont go there!!!

was there problems with the fibreglass bonnet? I was thinking down the track perhaps throwing the battery in the boot and a fibreglass/CF bonnet might be a good idea?

ford quoted me about 1700 for a xr8 bonnet and 400 for a xr6 bonnet.............expensive hump lol

was there problems with the fibreglass bonnet? I was thinking down the track perhaps throwing the battery in the boot and a fibreglass/CF bonnet might be a good idea?

HHMM...

cons....

all the edges are sharp... (HAD TO ROUND THEM WITH SAND PAPER..)

Inconsistant panel gaps..

bonnet never quiet lines up making it difficult for the latch and striker to allighn propperly and close correctly..

irregular finish of the paintwork as is not sprayed on a consistant steel surface..

paint cracks where I have to push down firmly to get it to close propperly..

gas strut attachment forever falling out of the bonnet.. (little tow ball thing)..

pro's..

only cost $250 on ebay... (get what you pay for)(2nd hand)

35% the weight of a genuine steel bonnet..

So basically these aftermarket steel bonnets are not any better than fibreglass? Is that what your implying?

NO.. I have a full FIBREGLASS bonnet.. stick to steel.. evena replica steel bonnet is heaps better than a replica FIBREGLASS bonnet.. 'id know! I have one!!!