Panel questions

[vulgalour]

Simple one really this, since I'm fairly new to intricacies of BXs.

1) long bonnet/short bonnet, does this refer to a bonnet for a smaller indicator (phase 1?) and a big indicator (phase 2?) model respectively?
2) are the rear arch panels the same on the estate and the hatchback?

The former I'm only really curious about as I've seen both listed, the latter could be quite important when it comes to getting the rear quarter repaired on the stripey one.

[Mothman]

Hi bud,

i believe long nosed bonnets were usually on earlier models, MK 1s in particular the BX14 and base models. However, i have 3 MK 1s, only one had the long nosed bonnet and its a diesel RD.The other RD has a short nosed version. I think BX14s continued with the long nose onto MK2 as they have a different plastic panel in front of the engine. The Green Tiger will have a short nosed bonnet. The rear arch panels are not the same on estates as the saloon.You can still get saloon panels but not for estates but you could cut one from an existing vehicle thats being scrapped. Ime sure a specialist welder could fabricate one for you at a cost.

Good luck.

Andy

[Defender110]

Simple one really this, since I'm fairly new to intricacies of BXs.

1) long bonnet/short bonnet, does this refer to a bonnet for a smaller indicator (phase 1?) and a big indicator (phase 2?) model respectively?

No, it refers to the length of the nose piece where the grill bit is or isn't


2) are the rear arch panels the same on the estate and the hatchback?

Totally different I think.

[Tim Leech]

Short and long nosed bonnets were the same on mk1 and 2 cars. The short nose was either for extra cooling or in later years purely for cosmetic purposes when fitted with a chrome style grille on run out models like the TXS/D etc. All fuel injected, turbo diesel, estate, and automatics had short nosed bonnets with a grille, either black, body coloured on 16v models or chrome effect. All 1.4 had long nosed as did most 1.6/1.9 carb and 1.7/1.9d manual models.

As mentioned hatch and estate rear quarter panels are different, as are mk1 and mk2 hatch although they can be adapted.

[citronut]

are the rear wings still salvageable from your scrapper Andy?????

regards malcolm

[vulgalour]

I am now marginally more educated than I was, cheers everyone

Cutting the back quarter off a good estate body would be ideal, I think, as I can then rectify the rust creeping up the quarter rather than just the bumper mount location. I have a few tame welders I can approach to get the work done too since I haven't the welding experience to be trying to glue a BX back together without ruining it.

Another question, while I'm in a curious mood: are the early front wings a straight swap for the later wings? There's a pair of small indicators on eBay that got me thinking about this.

[Mothman]

are the rear wings still salvageable from your scrapper Andy?????

regards malcolm

Yes bud,

and they are going to be needed.

Andy

[Mothman]

Another question, while I'm in a curious mood: are the early front wings a straight swap for the later wings? There's a pair of small indicators on eBay that got me thinking about this.[/quote]


They are. However you will need the MK 1 round side indicators instead MK 2 square ones and you will also need the orange front indicators.

Dont know why you would want to disguise your MK 2 as a MK 1 though. The front and rear bumpers would be wrong.

Andy

[vulgalour]

More a case of curiosity than anything. I doubt very much that I would try and fake a Mk1, or even use the Mk1 wings, but it's always good to know what options are available just in case I do change my mind. Aesthetics are more important to me than originality. Having spotted the Mk1 indicators on eBay, it just got me thinking about options. Ideally, white or clear Mk1 indicators (which I don't think exist) with Mk1 wings would be my personal preference. It's all conjecture though, I'm unlikely to do anything other than keep the car well maintained and clean.

[Mothman]

I dont think you can get white or clear MK 1 indicators, mind you never having seen any doesnt mean they dont exist and MK 1 wings do turn up on ebay. Its the bumpers that are hard to find.

Good luck fixing her up.

Andy

[Tim Leech]

Mk1 wings and Mk2 bumpers dont look right. Ive seen it done but didnt work for me.

[citsncycles]

I have the rebuild of an estate rear wing in my future, although in my case it has more to do with accident damage than rust (I hope). You can get Mk2 Hatchback lower wing repair sections which may be useful for certain parts, but the estate wing is larger and I believe closer to a Mk1 than Mk2 rear wing in any case.

I'll be planning to make my own repair sections if I cannot find a wing, but I know I'm in a minority in being able to consider that as an option.