23 replies to this topic

[Rick's Dad]

Years ago I had some bonnet hinges which allowed the bonnet to just lift off when a little catch on each hinge was released. Anyone know if these are still available and if so, where from.

I'm sick of banging my head on the bonnet (and especially that catch hook)!

[samsfern]

you mean these? http://minispares.co.....UICK RELEAS...

[rick.spi]

i want some

[Rick's Dad]

Not quite the same as the ones I had but that's what I'm looking for. Presumably MK3 onwards all have the same shape of hinge? I think our car is perhaps Mk5? 1992 Mini City.

Thanks for the response, he said, rubbing the back of his head.

[samsfern]

they should fit, but in my opinion the best way to make he bonnet removable is by using 4 pins, 1 in each corner, and preferably a fiberglass bonnet, to make it easier/lighter to lift on and off, on my new mini i have a steel bonnet held on by springs and bonnet pins, its quite heavy and awkward to lift on and off all the time, will be fiberglass soon though..... Its a damn sight easier to work in the engine bay with no bonnet in the way..

[tadleysimon]

ive got a set of those hinges but when i put them on my car they would just hit the scuttle and not allow the bonnet to lift,

are clubman hinges different to round nose ones? i thought they where the same????

[BiMU]

I bought some from Minimail for £11. You basically have to hacksaw off the screw threads off the hinges and attach the adapters onto the bonnet. Then all you need to do is slide the adaptors over the now slim hinge arms. Takes a while to get them lined up and mine sits to the right a bit but I've had the bonnet off and on in about 30 seconds... so much more appealing to work on. I'm going to get another pair and swap bonnets depending on my mood! Best £11 I've spent on my Mini!

Link to hinges = MiniMail Labeled as Quick release bonnet hinges (A.HINGE)


Hacksaw the threads off


Shot of bonnet adaptor




This is what it looks like when it the bonnet is on


Bonnet on...


5 seconds later!

[tadleysimon]

how tight do those adapters fit to the hinges? they look like they might be a loose fit and rattle around a bit,

[BiMU]

how tight do those adapters fit to the hinges? they look like they might be a loose fit and rattle around a bit,

They're not super tight and there is some movement, but when the bonnet is down its pretty much down for good...until you open the bonnet again! Takes a bit of fettling to get right but its honestly a godsend! Just couldn't see myself getting the minispares versions or the bonnet pins!

[tadleysimon]

does the bonnet rattle when its down? when you moving i mean

[Kerrin]

ive got a set of those hinges but when i put them on my car they would just hit the scuttle and not allow the bonnet to lift,

Same here.

Once the new project mini is out of the garage I will be fitting bonnet pins to the main mini, having never failed to injure myself or damage the paintwork in some way when removing the bonnet.

[BiMU]

does the bonnet rattle when its down? when you moving i mean

Sorry, no it doesn't!

[tadleysimon]

i think i might be buying a set of these lol

[gixernick]

Will these work on a clubby bonnet?

[1275GTS]

I've fitted the minimail removeable hinges to a couple of clubmans with no problems.
Hope this helps.