31 replies to this topic

[sledgehammer]

I like the idea of a forward tilting bonnet , (had front opening one fly up years ago after pot hole)

 

but I have a fibreglass bonnet , so no front hinge point

 

was toying with the idea of some shaved boot hinges &  latch on the scuttle area

 

I would prefer no hinge at all visible or mounting  - but can't see how I would do it

 

any ideas ? - the latch on the scuttle I can sort easily , it's just the hinges on the bonnet I'm stuck on - would also like a nice quick release bonnet ?

 

thanks for any ideas

[KernowCooper]

Bonnet straps on the original sorted, front opener for maintenance would be a pain

[bluemini1979]

I looked at doing this on a round nose using bonnet hinges. I found there wasn't room for the hinges when shut. They hit the alternator, fan shroud or came down and rested on the fan belt. Flywheel side wasn't a problem though

Edited by bluemini1979, 21 November 2015 - 08:25 PM.

[Will16]

If you look closely at this old racing picture, you can see that boot hinges are used to create this.. Forward opening bonnets are cool!

[nicklouse]

I can not see a single reason that would be beneficial for a road car. Any time you want to do anything like check the oil you will be cursing.

Racing sure less likely to have an issue with a bonnet popping up.

[1984mini25]

Its been done before with a centrally mounted household door hinge on a roof chopped off white mini van..

[sledgehammer]

I can not see a single reason that would be beneficial for a road car. 

 

Because I want to , good enough reason for me

Edited by sledgehammer, 21 November 2015 - 07:29 PM.

[nicklouse]

Then the issues you will have as can be seen above if you want a simple pivot it will have to be forward of the bonnet/front panel furthest part or it will not hinge which means a visible hinge.

Hidden hinge would need a complex hinge to give a lift first and then a pivot. And the problem there is lack of space for the hinges.

That is just a quick thought on the issues as I am trying to work out how to sort a rear hinge bonnet for a Midas as the one one it is, well if wanting to do anything or look at things it comes off.

Good luck.

[sledgehammer]

may end up with a shaped  internal pin at the front - at the front  corners

 

just got to get my head around it

[Ethel]

As  Nick said hinging the corners isn't likely to be straight forward as the centre bows further forwards, so will rotate in to the slam panel and grille.

 

Nick,

 

I have compression springs round my Midas hinge pins and a cable to pull them together for quick bonnet removal.

[nicklouse]

 
Nick,
 
I have compression springs round my Midas hinge pins and a cable to pull them together for quick bonnet removal.

Interesting. Can you PM me a link to the parts that you used so I can show the owner as that would be a nice option as the operation will stay the same for the TüV.

[Ethel]

It's all home spun Nick.

 

If Yours is the same as mine, the hinges are just bits of rod through the U section bracing on the bonnet moulding that pivot in holes in the corners of the guttering. I just made up some new rods. Cross drilled  them for roll pins, with a spring compressed between the pin and the bonnet U section to push the rods into their holes. I centre drilled the inner ends, tapped then and glued a bit of push bike cable in to connect both sides - pull to release, like an early Mini door. Dunno if it'd satisfy TUV, but it works fine.

[nicklouse]

Ahhh got it now, I think. The wire stops them springing out as well.

Oh hang on. Even easier. Two holes per rod. And R clip so same as you but the second one per rod stops it falling out if the wire fails.

It is funny the TüV with the Midas seems to actually be quite simple as they have very little to comparing it to.

Like the idea.

[bigrob]

Im much the same in the fact that if you want to try something new, go for it, even if there is no real beneficial reason ;)
As said above, with out engineering some internal hinges so as not to foul the alternator/belt etc, then the easiest option is external like the boot hinges above. I think they look pretty ace.

What would the benefits in racing be with a reverse lift bonnet?

[nicklouse]

Im much the same in the fact that if you want to try something new, go for it, even if there is no real beneficial reason ;)
As said above, with out engineering some internal hinges so as not to foul the alternator/belt etc, then the easiest option is external like the boot hinges above. I think they look pretty ace.
What would the benefits in racing be with a reverse lift bonnet?

If a catch does come lose you don't get a screen full of bonnet.