Carbon Fibre Bonnets

[Rozza]

was looking at getting a CF bonnet but a friend of mine in brissy said that they are not legal on the roads because they shatter, is that true? being from NZ i have no idea

[Abo Bob]

Yes it's true, they are illegal.

[siddr20]

Yup they are illegal..

but still looks good tho

[sewid]

It's incorrect to say that a bonnet is illegal simply because it is made from carbon fibre. If this was true how could all the R34 GTR V-Spec II's with carbon bonnets from the factory be roaming the streets. Is a carbon bonnet illegal because it shatters? What about a carbon roof like in the new M3? Wouldn't that also pose some crazy risk in a rollover...

Please link to the relevant legislation saying that bonnets made from carbon fibre are illegal.

[DECIM8]

Unless ADR Approved i.e metal undercarrage.

[Auto Group Buy]

It's incorrect to say that a bonnet is illegal simply because it is made from carbon fibre. If this was true how could all the R34 GTR V-Spec II's with carbon bonnets from the factory be roaming the streets. Is a carbon bonnet illegal because it shatters? What about a carbon roof like in the new M3? Wouldn't that also pose some crazy risk in a rollover...

Please link to the relevant legislation saying that bonnets made from carbon fibre are illegal.

The reason why GTR V spec and M3 have approved CF products because they go heaps of safety and crash test. They show the results on the paper and video to prove its safe for that car only for street use.

[redevil]

it's all about adr compliance... if they have passed adr as previously stated... I.E. proper support structure then they are legal

[sewid]

The reason why GTR V spec and M3 have approved CF products because they go heaps of safety and crash test. They show the results on the paper and video to prove its safe for that car only for street use.

Yes this is obvious but thanks for posting it.

All I'm saying is to say a carbon fibre bonnet is illegal is not correct. To suggest a carbon fibre bonnet cannot be as strong or crash as safely is another falsity as Nissan would not be able to sell them otherwise.

[Bullet32]

To settle this properly...Contact the RTA - under the freedom of information act you get get them

to e-mail the official regulations to you.

I know because I did it with wheel and tyre regulations and they e-mailed me a 70 page pdf file

with every rule and regulation on wheels and tyres in NSW / ACT.

[Rozza]

Unless ADR Approved i.e metal undercarrage.

would fibre glass underneath be ok or same deal? or maybe thats what all CF bonnets have haha, not up to speed on these things

[Auto Group Buy]

would fibre glass underneath be ok or same deal? or maybe thats what all CF bonnets have haha, not up to speed on these things

[Auto Group Buy]

would fibre glass underneath be ok or same deal? or maybe thats what all CF bonnets have haha, not up to speed on these things

Same thing..CF bonnets are not 100% anyways even if someone claims it to be.

[R338OY]

This must be a grey area- far as i know carbon fibre is stronger than steel. So there must be some way around regulations. Yeh i'd day some bonnets are ADR approved, from an assumption anyway.

Best to find out cause it's an EASY way to get defected.

[sh@un]

i remember one of the concerns Holden had when they were going to put the HRT427 into production was that they might not be able to get the 100% CF bonnet to crumple in a head on collision like a steel or alu one would, and thereby posing a threat to occupants when the bonnet comes through the windscreen. the problem isn't strength, but a lack of deformability (i.e too much stiffness)

like others have said- CF bonnets aren't illegal per se, but where can you buy an aftermarket one that has satisfied the ADR's with regards to crash regulations for your particular car?

[Marsss]

just paint the bonnet black and be done with it i say.

[Yawn]

Defeats the purpose of carbon then wouldnt it if you just wanted a black bonnet

[Marsss]

uummmmmmmmm joke.

[Yawn]

Ummmmmmmmm right.

Funneh man

Edited November 5, 2007 by Yawn

[MK2]

Bodywork and interior

There are general requirements concerning alterations to the bodywork:

No alteration may cause a hazard to persons due to exposed sharp edges or projections; and

No alteration may cause a reduction in the level of safety or overall strength of the vehicle.

and-

Front structure

Where ADR 10B, 10/00 or 10/01 applies, the front of the vehicle is sometimes designed to crush on impact to

absorb crash forces. Any structural modifications in this area should only be made on the advice of an engineering

signatory experienced in body and chassis structures

RTA NSW- PDF of light vehicle modification guidelines

Basically, if you can get the engineer to sign off on it, then it's legal, if they won't, it ain't legal.

[Got Boost?]

They are not illegal, if you goto Custom Carbon in Brisbane they can make you a carbon fiber bonnet from scratch that is compliant, has the relative strengths and safety features to comply with ADR and still looks the goods. The law has to do with the underside structure and bracing and the way the vents are facing (if they are facing the windscreen they say oil may spray through it onto the screen obstructing your view) The guys there have done plenty of bonnets which you see on cars every day, such as the HLUCN8 GTR. Give them a call if you want info on them.