Carl's Mk 4 Roadster Build

[edwardb]

Depending on how much detail you may like Carl, I have seen a few builders make polished bezels for the underside of the hood where the shaft protrudes. They are a nice finishing touch. These could be added anytime in the future of course.

Using a step drill bit with tape applied to mark the depth (or the max diameter not to be exceeded) allowed cutting a smaller diameter hole on the inner cover of the hood; shown here with the latch installed.

I found putting a bushing in the hood rib looks more finished plus provides nice stability to the latch mechanism. I used standard bronze bushings from McMaster that fit over the shaft with a little adjustment. Installed before paint so they get finished along with everything else. Works really well. One other comment FWIW. I agree the shaft looks best centered on the rib. But be careful. In this location the tip of the paddle will hit the body opening if you have it rotated around that direction when closing. Ask me how I know. I push them back a little so if that happens it hits the stepped down hood lip area instead. Still catches on the aluminum pieces under the hood lip just fine.