NCT - one thing left to fix, but it won't be fixed in time

Gregor Samsa · 23-02-2023 02:47PM #1

Old S-Max failed the NCT on a few things. I've them all sorted out except this rust hole in the bonnet. Been to a few body shops, and all say they won't repair it - that I should just replace the bonnet. Can't find a bonnet of the same colour anywhere, so it looks like I'm left with getting a different colour bonnet and getting it sprayed (which will come in at about €600).

My problem is that the NCT is Sunday, and obviously I won't get it fixed before then. It's effectively a full test, as I missed the deadline for the retest.

All I can do is send it in for the test, know it'll fail on the bonnet then get that replaced (hopefully next week) and retested as a visual inspection. Or is there a better thing to do at this stage?

Atlantic Dawn · 23-02-2023 02:58PM

Would this fibreglass kit not do the job, it will look rough and ready, maybe get close to similar colour spray can to go over afterwards but that should pass. If it's where the bonnet latch holds the bonnet up perhaps it won't be sufficient.

https://www.halfords.ie/motoring/paints-body-repair/fillers-preparation/davids-fastglass-glass-fibre-kit---small-711309.html

Gregor Samsa · 23-02-2023 03:13PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120279560#Comment_120279560

Yeah, I was wondering about something like that. It doesn't impact the bonnet support. The problem is, from what little I know, that I'd have to cut out a fair bit of metal around the hole because of the spreading rust, so it can't just be filled as is. Someone did suggest cutting it out to good metal and welding in a patch. But I've had a difficult time finding someone who can do that.

Kimbot · 23-02-2023 03:16PM

To get you through would you not go to a scrappy and get a bonnet, put it on for the test and if the colour doesnt suit plasti dip it - should be a lot cheaper than spray painting it.

keithb93 · 23-02-2023 03:25PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120279635#Comment_120279635

Just sand it back to bare metal, fill it with fiberglass and bodyfill, some primer and color match paint from Halfords and it should be fine.

Gregor Samsa · 23-02-2023 03:53PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120279650#Comment_120279650

Yeah, I was thinking of just getting a black bonnet, putting it on the car, and dealing with the finish later. (Car is dark grey). But there's no suitable bonnets of any colour to be had in any scrap yards around here at all, so it'll be next week before one can be delivered at this stage.

Gregor Samsa · 23-02-2023 03:54PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120279677#Comment_120279677

I'll look into that alright.

BrianD3 · 23-02-2023 03:54PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120279677#Comment_120279677

I wouldn't even bother with the paint for the NCT. It'll look sh*t either way.

The hole seems to be well over 100 mm from the bonnet hinges or latch - in that case it is secondary structure and just needs to be smoothed and filled so that it is not a danger to pedestrians. I've seen such "repairs" done with heavy duty sticky tape for the uk MOT but not sure if the NCT is stricter.

Gregor Samsa · 23-02-2023 03:58PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120279787#Comment_120279787

It's well away from the hinges and latch. I've Gorilla tape on it at the moment just to cover it. I was half wondering if I'd get away with that for Sunday, but it is down as a fail item from the last test, so I don't know if that affects things.

BrianD3 · 23-02-2023 04:17PM

The gorilla tape may well work if it is tight/solid etc. over the hole and the tester can't deform it with his finger. Stuff the hole with cardboard or something before taping. I don't think the tester will use a screwdriver on secondary structure.