Bonnet respray

[poleonpom]

I have a '96 in very dark green (not Sherwood) and the bonnet needs a respray. The rest of the car is fine, I think that the heat that gets trapped in the engine bay is to blame - has anyone else have this issue?
Also thinking I may have louveres cut into the bonnet to vent heat when at low speed

[Hoges]

I haven't had the paint problem (Java black in tropical Bris MY99 model...) but I share your concern re. heat sink effects when the engine is cooling down. A Calibra V6 I once had (for 5 glorious yrs ) had the electric radiator fans wired to continue running for a few mins after engine shut down and dissipate the excess heat... have been wondering about employing something similar with the P38...

[benji]

i've had some of the same thoughts recently too. I'm wondering about taking off the rubber seal around the edge of the bonnet, wether that would allow the heat to rise up out of the engine bay whilst stopped and in traffic.

Just seems the underbonnet temperatures of the p38 are so much higher than the classics!

[jsp]

I believe the seal is there to stop heat and smells getting in the AirCon intakes. Mines had ten years in the work car park in the Adelaide sun and the clearcoat on the bonnet has gone in a few patches but the roof is shockingly bad i have home resprayed it.

[DaveKelly]

I have besides the RR a 97 Disco - roof went like all disco's. Went to SuperCheap and got a gravity gun and a few other bits and resprayed it - looks like new now. Bonnet would be real easy - just pop it on some saw horses. Wonder why would I spend money on slotting etc the bonnet? It's lasted +-15 years - a respray will go at least another 10 or more I'd suggest. If you do respray there's a heap of good video's on youtube. I found this guy really good for the base and clear coats- simple and clear. Edit the www. and paste the link.
www .youtube.com/watch?v=S7jFNUGUhIs&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
If you do slot - pictures would be great. All the best whatever you decide. Cheers

[poleonpom]

I've been itching to try out my spray gun, so I'm looking forward to having a go.
Part of the reason for the louvres is to vent the engine bay. I think it just gets a bit too hot in there and that can't be good for the electrical components in the long term

[glenhendry]

I am watching this thread very carefully poleonpom. I have the exact same issue, and I am very interested in spraying my roof and bonnet. I am trying to work out if I have the skills or the courage. Rave talks about all kinds of interesting paint protection layers that I dont understand.

I think the vents are an excellent idea too. Please keep up informed. Pity we arent in the same city.

[Grumbles]

I always thought it was the paint or probably the final clear coat failing to cope with our Aussie sun. There's no engine heat on a roof and these are failing simultaneousdly with the bonnets. Two flat surfaces facing the sun and hello damage.

[jsp]

I always thought it was the paint or probably the final clear coat failing to cope with our Aussie sun. There's no engine heat on a roof and these are failing simultaneousdly with the bonnets. Two flat surfaces facing the sun and hello damage.

yep - uv light on the clear coat, then give the underlying paint long enough and it turns to a white chalky powder.

[Hoges]

that's why I apply the polymer sealant every few months...esp the roof. Another handy hint is to glue a layer of alfoil over the top of the sunroof shade to reduce the deterioration from heat trapped under the glass.

There is some stuff called Nycote which I am trying to get hold of... was used on the lunar lander in Apollo 11 to protect the exotic metals. Can now get it in spray cans for DIY use (I think). Certainly it is widely available in the USA in Dept stores for all sorts of protective uses. It self levels, can be sprayed, brushed or put on with a rag...etc