I've just bought a Slough Traction. There are flaps on the underside of each engine cowling. I assume they should be welded to the skin to reinforce the cowlings when open. Can someone confirm this please?
Slough Traction engine cowlings
- Thread starter DougTrewenack
- Start date
Seems likely a late 40's L15. Can you confirm what the 'cowlings' look like (photo)? can't recall any flaps unless you are referring to the central vent in front of the windscreen.
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Ok they look like the bonnet reinforcing plates that should be attached to the underside of each side of the bonnet. Their purpose would have been to stiffen the bonnet (each side where they meet in the middle) . They didn't go the full length of the 'seam' where the sides pivot. Cant remember how they are attached but they always were on my 11CL8!
should they be flat on the underside of the bonnet? - Welded? - I think the bonnets are made from spring steel because I've taken my pair apart and they are remarkably flexible and springy. What do you think?
I don't know the answer about the original arrangement. However, if you decide to weld them you will see marks on the outside of the bonnet panel where it pulls the metal. In 2024 you can use a very effective panel bonding adhesive with suitable surface prep and you avoid any external marking. I think there was one from Sika that I noticed next to the 227 I bought on Wednesday at Bunnings. (As a barometer of inflation, a tube of 227 is quite instructive. Way more than the sub-10% being headlined.) There are of course specialist and often quite costly panel bonding products used in the panel trade.
Yes they should be flat (see photo) , David S's idea seems a good one. They may have had some equivalent glue / fixing originally. The bonnets are meant to be springy and flexible . You will probably have more important priorities , de greasing / rust removal etc by the look of it.
Attachments
Many thanks both of you. I couldn't see any weld marks hence I had to ask the question. I will clean it and find an appropriate adhesive.
When I was 18 my first cat was a traction and I am over the moon with this one I bought last week.
When I was 18 my first cat was a traction and I am over the moon with this one I bought last week.
Those flaps of metal are a stiffness support for the rear of the bonnet (cowl). They should sit close to the bonnet panel but there is always a gap. They are only spot-welded along the bonnet hinge line, The ones shown seem stretched a little too far. Normally a space of 3-4mm exists. Do not try to fill in behind them. They also carry the bracket for the bonnet opening stay at the rear end. So the welds must be sound. These brackets can and sometimes do detach when the spot weld breaks!