long small steel strip underneath the front lid, it is rusting away and I want to replace it with some new steel, is it there to help keep the lid curved? or can I remove it witout a problem and replace with a new one? 

 

thanks, Rick

I would say it is not thick enough to add any stiffness in the vertical plane, It just stiffens the panel horizontally between the hinge mounting points (when closed). 

no, I can't see it to add any stiffness as well  but I am really wondering what the function is.  can't believe it does't do anything at al.  

 

I thought it must somehow assist in maintaining the curvature, side to side. In the way that arching stones permit an ancient bridge to remain intact. After stripping and painting I applied RTV as a moderate bond between the strip and bonnet before riveting. 

Cheers

Probably more supportive when the lid is open than closed.

I am going to make a new one anyway, the rust does not look good and bonding it in sounds like a good plan to me.   makes for a better joint between the steel and grp then just the rivets. 

thanks, Rick

On 13/01/2021 at 04:11, drdoom said:

I thought it must somehow assist in maintaining the curvature, side to side. In the way that arching stones permit an ancient bridge to remain intact. After stripping and painting I applied RTV as a moderate bond between the strip and bonnet before riveting. 

Cheers

Surprisingly, it does help the bonnet hold its curvature. You can buy new ones from S&J