Author Topic: Aluminum hood repair (Read 4158 times)

Hollson · « **on:** June 29, 2019, 20:16:13 »

Hi

Does anyone now if I can get an aluminum hood repaired. It has front crash damage not too heavy , has come apart at the seems a bit

Cost for new one is $5 k. Also want to try to keep original hood

Any ideas ?

Thx

ja17 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 30, 2019, 03:09:25 »

You might be able to use the front, inner hood frame member repair section (available from Authentic Classics?). Next find an expert metal forming person to straighten the outer skin then combine the two.

StevenF · « **Reply #2 on:** June 30, 2019, 14:54:38 »

After all the work involved, you may want to simply buy one.

?

https://newyork.craigslist.org/jsy/pts/d/owings-mills-mercedes-pagoda-hood-280sl/6922149887.html
https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/pts/d/mercedes-280sl-aluminun-hood-fits-230sl/6916066678.html

https://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCEDES-230-250-280-SL-113-HOOD-PANEL-BONNET/192889065339?hash=item2ce9158f7b:g:VFkAAOSw0~Rcsl14

zoegrlh · « **Reply #3 on:** July 01, 2019, 00:37:03 »

Did you “not” have insurance on this car? Hagerty, Taylor, State Farm Classic, etc all re-built with orig MB parts, no questions asked.
Bob

Shvegel · « **Reply #4 on:** July 01, 2019, 00:55:26 »

Each hood was hand fit to the fender by filing the edges. That is why it is numbered to fit only your car. A used hood may not fit and your repaired hood may not ever fit again either. Tough spot.

Hollson · « **Reply #5 on:** July 01, 2019, 01:24:07 »

Yes all insured it wasn’t my fault.

Another reason I wanted to keep the hood is it should fit better than any replacement hood.

MikeSimon · « **Reply #6 on:** July 01, 2019, 12:52:26 »

Any good body shop should be able to do it. There are a lot of cars out there currently with aluminum body parts and panels and they work on it all the time. Some are better than others. it pays to talk to the owner or manager, as high up as you can get. I have two shops in my area that I would absolutely trust with work like that.

teahead · « **Reply #7 on:** July 01, 2019, 12:54:10 »

If insurance will cover it, might then just get a new one for $5k and have the body shop finish it to perfection. Find one that can work aluminum

Pawel66 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 01, 2019, 13:18:47 »

There is part of the manufacturing number on it. Better to fix it and keep original, I think.

waltklatt · « **Reply #9 on:** July 01, 2019, 13:37:19 »

Damage to the hood can be fixed, keep the original.
Also check the frame at the hood catch area.
Choose a shop that works with aluminum extensively, like a custom bike shop, hot rod shop, etc..
You will be best to be with them side by side and work through the repair with the expert.
I've repaired a 1965 230SL with the exact same damage, but the headlights were gone as well.

teahead · « **Reply #10 on:** July 01, 2019, 17:36:13 »

that damage is pretty severe. I wouldn't want a wrinkled hood, w/a ton of bondo on it.

I'd get a new one, and keep the original around if you have storage room. WHen you go to sell the car, you can show the hood and pictures.

Stuff happens all the time. I think the new buyer would appreciate a brand new spanking hood instead of a worked one, unless the body shop can work miracles.

Shvegel · « **Reply #11 on:** July 01, 2019, 20:00:10 »

A new hood will be oversize and will need to be filed to fit. Much better to have a new hood than a used one.

Benz Dr. · « **Reply #12 on:** July 01, 2019, 20:35:33 »

Hoods are made from two separate pieces that are bonded together. Any attempt to weld along the seams will result in failure because oil, grease, dirt, and bonding material will mess with your welding.

Two different hoods are much closer in dimensions than you might think. This is how MB gets you to buy a new hood.

MikeSimon · « **Reply #13 on:** July 01, 2019, 22:24:46 »

Trying to get the insurance to buy you a new hood may be more difficult than you think. Their adjusters work with the body shops and will make them buy a used part. Be careful if you go that way.
You may get stuck with a significant bill yourself.
Looking at the picture, I can't see why a skilled fabricator couldn't make a new piece of aluminum and weld it in. It's just a matter of finding the right guy who wants to work with you. Some places don't even work on vintage cars anymore. ( Sorry, BenzDr, for using the term loosely)

Benz Dr. · « **Reply #14 on:** July 01, 2019, 22:50:51 »

I know a guy who can make a complete new skin for the hood out of aluminum - I've seen him make all sorts of body panels. We will be visiting his shop on Sunday afternoon as part of the Meeting of the Clans weekend.

zak · « **Reply #15 on:** July 29, 2019, 20:45:17 »

Mr. Hollson, any happy ending to this accident?
Have you decided on the repairs, found a qualified repair shop.
And is the offenders insurance company doing the right thing by you?

jz

Hollson · « **Reply #16 on:** July 30, 2019, 00:25:05 »

I found a company in Naples who work with aluminum

They said it can be fixed. Will find out tomorrow

My insurance company have been good to deal with so far.

I’m using my insurance for the car. Then they will claim back through the at faults insurance company.

I’ve purchased all the other parts already So once the hood gets the green light the car will be repaired pretty quickly

Thx everyone appreciate the advice

doitwright · « **Reply #17 on:** July 31, 2019, 12:58:17 »

While you are getting the hood repaired, have them closely examine the hinge support areas since this is a common fatigue point. SLtech used to and may still offer a special “floating nut” to fit inside the frame to make alignment easier when bolting the hinge bracket to the hood.

mikeswplt · « **Reply #18 on:** September 11, 2019, 13:45:41 »

Just curious how your hood issue was resolved. Were you able to get it repaired or did you replace it?

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Author Topic: Aluminum hood repair (Read 4158 times)