Used Bonnets & Wings
Bonnets and wings are the body panels that shape the front of the car: the bonnet covers the engine, and the wings run down each side over the front wheels. They are the panels most often damaged in a front-end knock, and a used panel in the right colour can save a repair. This page explains what to check and how to enquire.
Call 07961 404768WhatsApp 07961 404768What bonnets and wings do
A bonnet is a hinged panel that covers the engine bay. It opens for servicing, closes on a latch and a safety catch, and on many cars it carries the washer jets and, on some, a sound-deadening pad underneath. A wing is the fixed panel over each front wheel, shaped around the headlight and the door shut.
Both panels are matched to the model and the year, and the wing in particular differs between trim levels and facelifts. A panel from the wrong year may look the same and still not line up with the headlight, the bumper or the door.
Signs a bonnet or wing may need replacing
Panel damage is usually visible, but the fit matters as much as the look. A panel that does not sit right will show gaps, catch the wind, or let water into the engine bay.
- Dents, creases or rust on the panel face
- A bonnet that will not shut properly, or a catch that feels wrong
- Gaps between the panel and the headlight, bumper or door
- Rust bubbling along the wheel arch or the bonnet edge
- A wing that has been pushed in and now rubs the tyre
What to check before buying a used bonnet or wing
Panels are matched to the model and year, and to the side for wings. Check the fit and the condition before anything else — a panel that looks straight in a photo can still be bent at the edges.
- The panel is for the right model and year, and the right side for a wing
- The face is straight, with no deep dents or creases
- The edges and mounting points are straight and unbent
- There is no rust on the face, the arches or the edges
- Hinges, catches and washer jets are present where fitted
How to enquire about a used bonnet or wing
Give the registration, make, model and year of your car, and say which panel you need — the bonnet, the left wing, or the right wing. Panels differ by model year, so the registration is what pins down the right one.
Ask through the parts enquiry form, or by calling 07961 404768. Mention the colour of your car, and whether the panel has any holes for badges, washers or indicators — a used panel in the right colour can save a repair, and the details help it be checked properly.
Frequently asked questions
What is a wing on a car?
A wing is the body panel over each front wheel, shaped around the headlight and the door shut. In some countries it is called a fender. It is a fixed panel, bolted to the body, and it is one of the panels most often damaged in a front-end knock.
Will a used bonnet match my car's colour?
A used bonnet comes in the colour of the car it was taken from, so it may not match yours. Mention the colour when you enquire. A panel in the wrong colour can still be the right part — it just needs painting to match your car.
Why does my bonnet not shut properly?
A bonnet that will not shut usually means the latch or the catch is worn, bent or out of line, or the bonnet itself is bent. Check the catch and the hinges first, and do not drive with a bonnet that is not latched — the safety catch is not a substitute for the latch.
What causes rust on a wing?
Rust on a wing usually starts where water and dirt sit — along the wheel arch lip, behind the mudflap, or at the bottom edge. Once it bubbles through the paint, it spreads under the surface. A panel with bubbling paint is already rusting from the inside.
What should I ask about a used bonnet or wing?
Ask for the part number and whether the bonnet or wing matches your car, and what colour it is. Body panels differ by model year, so the year matters as much as the number. Give the registration when you enquire, and say which panel you need, so the match is checked.
Related pages
Looking for a used bonnet or wing?
Call 07961 404768WhatsApp 07961 404768Autos Craft Ltd · 295 Cherrywood Rd, Birmingham B9 4UU, United Kingdom · Open 24 hours