110SEB wrote:

Has anyone fitted bonnet top cheque plate? That 2 piece set that's for sale here and there. I fancy fitting some black stuff on the bonnet to protect from muddy children's wellies when they're having a picnic up there. I wonder also if it offers a little strength for an adult standing on the bonnet? I've already got black wing top. I only really like it on the bonnet and wings.

The odd pic of forumeers' bonnets with the stuff on would be much appreciated although I suspect there aren't many if any.

There is some in the lockup waiting to get fitted to mine, but we have been busy fitting the demo Maggiolina rooftents to the vehicles ready for Driffield so it will probably not get done before we go, as the next few days will be spent packing the trailer and sorting out everything that is getting taken.
However it will probably be one of the first jobs when we get back.
The 110 already has the wingtop chequer plated in black, it looks and feels really good so I should think the bonnet will get matching treatment.
When it gets done, I will take some pics.

Barbara
Using Brendan's login as mine isn't working -probably because I tried to login with the wrong password too many times

caribcat wrote:

Leeds, I have to disagree with the pop rivet issue. There are literally hundreds of rivets on any generation of Land Rover so you are fighting a losing battle! After 30k of overland I have never had a failure -even on desert roads which would shake your teeth out! Your issue might be that you are not using a gasket between plate and bonnet which dampens vibrations and removes any movement. Rivnuts are not an option for everyone because of the cost of a tool and anything made of stainless is the kiss of death when in contact with alloy. Alloy machine screws are blinkin' expensive (especially ones in black as would look good here) and there is no way to attach the nut without cutting an access hole in the frame.

Brain has been frazzled by long hours getting ready for a show

Should have said self tappers are the devils spawn and not pop rivets. Yep lots of pop rivets in a Land Rover

However have popped some pop rivets on the bonnet chequer plate. As for desert roads etc,Have had my fair share of them and have had various vibration issues. On one 25,000 mile trip suffered metal fatigue and failure of both rear brake stone guards, bonnet stay fastening bracket, had a hole in top of rad from bolt in rad retaining frame. Self tappers lost by the dozen. I hate them

Cost of rivnut tooling is not great at about £50. Never had need for ali sheet to repair body damage on a trip yet. Have had to do more major work like chassis replacement. That is on 60,000 miles abroad in a 3 year period.

Our 14 year old 200,000 mile overland vehicle has just been put in for its MOT with no preparation. Needed rear fog light connector sorted and alignment of one headlamp. Not bad really when consider both its age and the treatment it gets

Brendan

PS if anyone wants to see what we get up to have a look HERE. Make yourself comfortable with tea/coffee/beer first

caribcat wrote:

The bonnet is strong anyway, but the chequer definitely adds strength. Strong enough to walk on.