shut lines returns and flanges

[Talonmotorsport]

I've been tidying up the shut lines on my nose,bonnet and scuttle and have come across a small design problem that I want an opionion on.
Option A: fit black edging strip on the bonnets leading and trailing edges, simple but not very attractive.
Option B: make a beading on the bonnet edges of about 6-7mm in the form of removable mould flanges and trust that gel coat is indeed strong.
Option C: put return flanges on the bonnet and use locating pins.

[K4KEV]

Some form of a drawing/picture might help peeps to understand the issue Phil, but I think would go for option C as it give a positive location/fixing point.

[The V8 Files]

Originally Posted by Talonmotorsport

opionion .

opium and onions ?

[Talonmotorsport]

What I'm really asking is are people happy with the fit and finish of body panels that rely on edging trim to get it through IVA and the general finish of the edges in general.
Has any body got comments about using black trim on the bonnet edges or any where else for that matter as to weather it looks naff or not? It would seem that it is acceptable to cover 7's and locosts in particular in black edge trim, this is to get around a lack of radius-radious in the edges of the moulds.
So do I bother to try and produce parts that do away with the need to cover every thing in trim or just accept that people are happy to do so.

[jps]

I guess it'd be a USP if you could easily avoid the need for all the trim - which would then put you in a good position when competing against other suppliers for business...

[The V8 Files]

Personally Phill I think its a good idea to try and look into better alternatives, every little detail adds up to a bigger picture

Its a bit difficult to say more without seeing the options.

[brainbug007]

I'd have to agree with Dad of Seven. Personally I'm having to fit black trim in a few places as I bought a saturn set which didn't fit well and had to be altered in places. It would be good to see a mock up drawing of what you're suggesting though?

[Not Anumber]

I do think that dispensing with the need for black edging would be a great key selling point for your panels and could improve the look of built Roadsters.

On the downside is there a risk this could make minor chassis alignment issues more visible ?

[twinturbo]

The trim does act as protection too mind. Mine would probably be damaged now if it was not for the trim.

TT

[Talonmotorsport]

Some good constructive input here to think about. The bonnet gets either propped up against the wall or on the drive is prone to getting scratched or damaged so the trim helps protect the edges thats fair enough. The wheel arch edges how ever would they benefit from losing the trim and gaining a nice 8-10mm radious and even adding some strength?