Bonnet frame broke, bobbin too - what would you do?

[Phantasm]

Hey all, the Bonnet frame that is riveted to the bonnet rusted/broke off where it meets the bobbin, basically at the weakest point -the hole for the pivot bolt. Also the bobbin broke apart on the same side/area.
So, is the frame a replaceable part from the usual suspects? Shipping such an odd bulky item to the U.S. might not travel well. Should I just popoff the rivets for the frame to bonnet and have it re-welded. A rebuild doesn't seem all that complicated fabricate, basically a tube to two flat bars - anyone ever do it?
Is the frame really necessary? could I just remove it, replace the bobbins and go with just that and enjoy the added weight reduction lol?
Car is still driveable, but I can see some odd bending stressing near the light pod from the bonnet and the hood latch on that side isn't holding super reliably - it holds, but I can pull on it and pop it free.
Your thoughts?

[Phantasm]

Is there another name for the bobbins that the light pods and bonnet pivot on? I've seen threaded back plate but they don't look like the Lotus version. Is there a place to source spares? LB doesn't list them on the website - I haven't attempted a phone call just yet.
Anyone have a few they want to ship to the States?!? I'll pay of course.

[AndyC]

LB may have them, but LB normally sell components from cars as they come off, whereas you need ta bonnet to be stripped apart. As to why they are not on the website- they are such a low-volume sale item that Mike probably wouldn't bother listing for the one / two he'd ever sell like that.

SJsportscars probably sell them new, their website is undergoing an upgrade, so once it's back (due today, but was due yesterday) you should be able to purchase online for shipping to the USA.


My approach would be what you outlined, drill rivets, re-weld frame and glass in new bobbin.

[Simpatico]

I don't think the frame adds strength, its floppy as hell when off. However it does ensure the bonnet lifting force is spread on the vertical plane through the series of rivets so should be kept.

Mine were broken and I pondered remaking them in something thicker and stiffer, but the Fred Flintstone design using bobbins means the bonnet moves sideways a little on rotation, so unless you have a healthy gap on the requisite side (mine didn't) its best to carefully re-weld the broken thin rubbish!

[barker_001]

If you need a new bobbin as part of the bonnet frame, the part number is A075B2205Z, SJs supply them. Each one also needs 2 countersunk rivets, SJ part number SJ075W0011. One of mine broke in two recently, it was easy enough to drill out the old rivets and replace the bobbin, although my bonnet frame was intact.

[Phantasm]

Thanks for the lead. Order placed among a few other bits I could use.

I realize the The site was just re-designed but noted that it wasn't Google Chrome friendly after a little bit. I had 4 items in the cart and the site stopped producing search results. It searched, but came back with "no results found" for terms like 'fuel' or 'sender' or 'Pump' It worked fine on MS Edge long term.