Changing Bonnets

[auchris]

Is it possible to put higher model bonnets and grill sections on lower models? Say a series II bonnet and grill on a series I? I don't think they have changed the front end or headlight, but just to be sure. Thanks.

[S3SR]

yes its possible.....straight swap with grill
and i think the bonnet latch as well needs changing...check first

[GK]

You could keep the S1 bonnet and put an XR front on it!

GK

[HLC]

or a T3 low series front bar. assuming that is what you want to do.

[GlennBA]

The crease bonnet sorta sucks imo.. the high series bonnet fits with a new bonnet latch, or just bend your old one iirc.

[SVR73]

Nah, I'm totally opposite glenny. Nothing against your great ride but the XR bonnet is so much nicer. Probably a fraction more aerodynamic too.
Same goes for the SII forte grille, revolting.

[GlennBA]

Series 2 forte grill vs series 1 forte grill? Each to their own but the series 1 grill is pitiful. My dad almost bought an AU1 S pack when they where new but couldn't stand the front of them so waited until the series 2 update.
The bonnet isn't too bad, i just think the series 2 bonnet is more bulkier/tougher and with cleaner lines.

[Sean-87]

Originally Posted by GlennAUII

Series 2 forte grill vs series 1 forte grill? Each to their own but the series 1 grill is pitiful.

You're spot on there. My Dad's got a series I and the grille is awful imo. Having just got my car, the series II looks far better.

[GK]

Agreed on the grilles of the base models, but reckon the bonnets look good.

I've often thought that though the SR's grille is nice, it somehow doesn't quite work for me. Not sure how to describe what I mean, but it's just not definative enough.

I think the front of the S1 Futura looks better. Oh and an XR for further comparison! LOL!

There's my 2 cents worth!






See what I mean? :

GK

[GlennBA]

It'd look so much nicer without the crease down the middle imo. The AU1 front looks fine, but forte AU1 grill vs forte AU2 grill, no comparison. Just going off all the members on here, the huge majority of au1 forte owners have gotten rid of the whales teeth.

[XR6Stu]

The massive crease down the middle of the s1 bonnet is there to prevent the bonnet flexing even more than it already does. The old theory is that lines (creases) in panels help keep them rigid, and strong, which they do. Without this crease, you would be able to watch a s1 bonnet flap up and down in the wind while your driving down the highway.

[JC]

Originally Posted by XR6Stu

The massive crease down the middle of the s1 bonnet is there to prevent the bonnet flexing even more than it already does. The old theory is that lines (creases) in panels help keep them rigid, and strong, which they do. Without this crease, you would be able to watch a s1 bonnet flap up and down in the wind while your driving down the highway.

And here I was thinking it was for the girls.

[Robe]

Originally Posted by JC

And here I was thinking it was for the girls.

The crease does not seem to stop girls flapping. :

[GlennBA]

Originally Posted by XR6Stu

The massive crease down the middle of the s1 bonnet is there to prevent the bonnet flexing even more than it already does. The old theory is that lines (creases) in panels help keep them rigid, and strong, which they do. Without this crease, you would be able to watch a s1 bonnet flap up and down in the wind while your driving down the highway.

isn't that what the reinforcement underneatht he bonnets are for? My auii bonnet doesn't flex/flap up and down and its got no crease.

[Abacus]

Originally Posted by GlennAUII

isn't that what the reinforcement underneatht he bonnets are for? My auii bonnet doesn't flex/flap up and down and its got no crease.

What he said.

[99XR6]

A series 2 and 3 bonet has the 2 creases that run back from the top sides of the grill.

[GlennBA]

Originally Posted by 99XR6

A series 2 and 3 bonet has the 2 creases that run back from the top sides of the grill.

Surely an AU1 bonnet wouldn't need the big crease down the middle, it has 2 other lines. I honestly think it'd do sfa for making the bonnet more rigid, unless it was made from alfoil. Thats what the reinforcement is for.

[Mr Hardware]

IMO

AUI bonnet = crap
AUI waterfall grille = crap
AUI grille all others = okay
AUII/III bonnet = awesome
AUII/III forte/futura/fairmont/ghia grilles = all awesome
AUII/III aftermarket grilles = all crap

[Abacus]

The Hawk Grille from AWC,as fitted to StAndArdAU's car, looks good:



The AUI Futura grilles are fine also.

[HLC]

if i had an AU1 i'd be getting a hawk grill.

[JC]

Originally Posted by HLC

if i had an AU1 i'd be getting a hawk grill.

If I had an AU1 with the low series bonnet, I'd be getting an XR front. Oh, hang on, I do, but then it is an XR.

[GK]

Originally Posted by JC

If I had an AU1 with the low series bonnet, I'd be getting an XR front. Oh, hang on, I do, but then it is an XR.

Agreed, unless you have a Futura grille and not enough cash to do the XR conversion!

GK

[bodes-sh]

well as much as the au1 forte grill looks like crap, they look a hell of a lot better when they are colour coded as opposed to the grey factory colour