Unsure on 406 Bonnet Swap

[mattspuma]

Hi there, I need to replace the dented bonnet on my 1997 406 1.9TD; would a bonnet from a later model, i.e. a phase 2 406, fit or was there a change of headlight/grille/bonnet size etc.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Matt

[jonsowman]

Phase 2 (D9) bonnet won't fit the phase 1 (D8). You'll need one from a D8. The headlights and grille changed on the facelift.

Sorry

[mattspuma]

I see, thanks very much for the quick response, that will save me alot of time researching!!

[Busman]

Just to confirm this, as I own a D8 and a D9, I can confirm that the bonnets are quite a bit different as they sit next to each other on my drive.

And they look very lonley at the moment.

[mattspuma]

OK thanks for that. I saw one for sale locally but it was from a phase 2 (2002) so ill have to keep looking out on ebay and breakers. Cheers

[jonsowman]

Where are you based? I picked up a perfect D8 bonnet for £25 from A5 Salvage in Leighton Buzzard recently, after someone kindly reversed into my 2.1!

[mattspuma]

I'm in leicestershire so ill be looking around leics/derbys/notts - will be looking for a green one and not sure there are many left anymore!? Maybe best to just start ringing around scrap yards and see whats available. You did very well at £25!

[jonsowman]

The number of D8s around is certainly falling but there's still a good amount, including in scrapyards. Best take the paint code with you if you're looking for an exact match, there were probably several types of green. The code will be on the passenger side suspension turret and will be something like P0JZ (which is mine).

I did have to get mine sprayed, but the metalwork itself was in very good condition. The money came from the insurance claim anyway.

I know it's a bit of a trip, but if you really can't find anywhere else, A5 will almost certainly have one in (they are a French car specialist and usually have around 20-25 406s in at any time). They'll tell you whether they've got one on the phone and keep it for you.

Just something to bear in mind if all else fails

[mattspuma]

Thats great, thanks for the info. If I cant find one near-by then ill definitely give A5 Salvage a call and see what they've got.

[jonsowman]

No problem, let us know how you get on. Good luck