3 replies to this topic

[Bender]

I've just bought an '89 Flame Red, which is in fair condition (the previous owner had done a lot of the major bodywork bits), but which still has a fair crop of niggly things that need to be sorted - in particular, the bonnet catch doesn't catch! I'm familiar with this type of catch (worked with it on other cars), so I duly adjusted the bonnet post out a little until it engaged OK in the catch, retightened the lock nut and - the bonnet popped up again the first time I went over a bump! I'm considering replacing the old catch with a bonnet lock + cable kit from minispares, but I notice there have been a number of TMF threads on the subject of bonnets, including the bonnet flying up at speed. I don't really want to go for pins, could live with straps I guess, but I'd prefer to keep it original (ish - obviously I'd be junking the original externally operated catch...). But if the standard mini bonnet catch really isn't up to the job, I don't want to waste my money. Maybe they just wear out? Or is there a nack to getting the adjustment dead right? Love to hear what other people think.

[Guess-Works.com]

Yes the catch is perfectly up to the job, more often than not the bonnet needs to be adjusted to get the correct angle of the 'dogs knob' ( yes that's what it's called ).. this is done by loosening the 4 nuts on the arms and repositioning the bonnet, then minor adjustment by altering the length and angle at the front.

[minimender]

They fly up at high speed because of the air pressure on the front which pushes the slam panel back ever so slightly and if it's not adjusted right then up the bonnet comes.
Happens if you have been pushing the car backwards, into the garage for instance, and this bends the slam panel back a bit.

[Bender]

Thanks, I had another go at the adjustment yesterday morning and it's now locking down properly. Think I'll still go for the minispares cable lock kit though, if only for the extra security.