Protective Engine bay cover

[stuartgb100]

Hi,

Does anyone have a proprietary/purpose-made protective cover that sits over the engine bay (with the bonnet up) allowing work on the engine, but protecting paintwork to surrounding areas (wings, nose, windscreen area etc) ?

I'm fed up using bits of sheet/cloth etc, and if there's something out there that's effective and cost-efficient, then please let me know the details.

If not, then I'll make one.

Seems to me the ideal would consist of a washable outer layer (which would be impervious to machine washing, oil, petrol and, [importantly] brake fluid) with an inner filling of foam or similar. The outer layer would ideally behave like a cotton sheet etc., so as to closely follow the body contours.

If there's no marketed solution out there, can someone suggest a product for the outer layer, please?

Regards,
Stuart.

[Jason1]

Hi

What about the gazebo in Argos item number 6502210 ?9.99

Bargin

[robcall]

This might be closer to what you're after....

http://www.justoffbase.co.uk/Wing-Cover ... aley-VS850

This one has a neoprene base.Magnetic ones are not really appropriate!

[john.p.clegg]

Stuart

Looks like you'll have to get the sewing machine out......but if you run up half a dozen they should go like hot cakes.

John

[Emma-Knight]

I have a soft nylon texture wing protector with soft, sticky foam backing. Works nice, looks good - but you will need one each side you want to protect. They fold together nicely and are very light and are said to be washable. I'll post a picture...

Anna

(have seen them in green at some Aston Martin suppliers. Mine is from snap on and so is red)

[Barney]

Try making one from a thermal dining table protector.
The material is waterproof (vinyl?) with a 5mm thick insulating backing that is meant not to scratch French Polished Dining Tables.
If it slips off, a layer of the non-slip matting can be placed between body and cover.
(Also comes without overpriced designer labels)

Barney

[Emma-Knight]

the blanket

[Jason1]

Hi

So what you are looking for is a 'wing cover' you can get these anywhere.

Machinemart sell them for ?8.21 inc vat
Demontweeks = ?18.32 inc vat
Lazer ?12.16
Facom = with suction cups = ?17.63
Frost = ?11.50 inc vat

I like the Facom one as most are magnetic, not a lot of good for a plastic car.

[stuartgb100]

Thanks for the replies.

I was aware of the wing guard option, but was looking for a more substantial solution .......... something that would cover the entire engine bay.

Have given up looking and decided to start from scratch (something I'm trying to avoid !).

When I've worked out how the sewing machine works I'll get started !!

Regards,
Stuart.

[gjz30075]

Stuart, check this out:
http://members.aol.com/clintcrick/index.html

I've seen these covers and they're fantastic. Mostly for metal cars but they make them for Corvettes.

[stuartgb100]

Right, the prototype is taking shape ........

That's to say it was intended as a prototype, but it's taken so long that I really can't be faffed to do it again !

It comprises an old double duvet cover with an inner layer of Visqueen 2000 (which is the type of heavy-grade polythene used as a damp-proof membrane under concrete floor slabs).

I have tested the Visqueen in oil, petrol and brake fluid for a week --- no effect.

I like the idea of the protective table mat, and will add this as an extra underlay (when the coast is clear !).

The main risk is for foreign objects to embed themselves in the bottom layer ( and thus rub against the paint), so it may be that there has to be some kind of sacrificial layer.

Regards,
Stuart.

[rgh0]

Stuart
I notice your wide S3 style Triumph spitfire radiator still has the cap in the middle rather than moved to the side. Lotus supposedly moved the cap in their version of this radiator due to bonnet clearance issues. Does yours clear the bonnet (hood) OK?

I just picked up this S3 style triumph radiator to recore and use to replace my narrow S4 syle radiator as it struggles on a 40C day at the end of a race when it starts to heat soak at low speed on the cool down lap after 20 minutes of flat out racing with heat rejction from a 180hp engine to handle. I am just wondering do I really need to relocate the cap to the Lotus location.

cheers
Rohan

[gjz30075]

Rohan, I had a Spitfire radiator with the cap in the middle on my S4 with no bonnet clearance issues. I did set the radiator down as far as it would go.

Greg Z
'72 Sprint

[rgh0]

Thanks Greg

I will do some meauring to check clearance on my car but sounds like I only need to recore it and change the orientation of the top hop inlet to point out to match the Lotus hose location rather than in on the Spitfire version.


cheers
Rohan

[stuartgb100]

Hi Rohan,

Clearance is fine. There's even room for approx 3/8ths of felt over the cap (part of the strip that seals the gap between the top of rad and u/side of the bonnet - forcing air through the rad rather than bypassing it).

When I refurbed the rad, I had an extra row of cores added too.

Regards,
Stuart.