10 replies to this topic

[JackF]

I have heard that quick release grilles "kits" can be purchased enabling more space when working under the bonnet. Also, 90 degree bonnet hinges have been mentioned. Giving that extra space, hopefully stopping that head banging everytime I look under the bonnet!

Just wondered if anyone has had any experiances with either of these and wether it's worth the money?

[tiger99]

I fitted my last two with Paddy Hopkirk grille bottons. Basically you fit a pair of 1/4" bolts and nuts through the front panel, and two knurled knobs screw on to the ends of the bolts, with a rubber washer (probably a tap washer!) between the knob and the grille. The two side pieces are joined to the main grille by screws or rivets so it comes off as one.

There were no notcieable problems in either case, but as standards have risen generally, my next Mini will have these but I will put some self-adhesive foam strip on the front panel behind the grille to prevent any rattling or chafing which might damage the paint.

I had chrome buttons on one and black on the other, to match the grilles. I think the Paddy Hopkirk brand has gone, but there are others. Mine were steel, I would try to avoid alloy buttons, as the thread will wear out, considering how often it will need to come off on a typical Mini!

Definitely worth the money, and a bit more!

Don't know about the hinges, but I will likely be interested in something like that myself in a while, once other tasks have been completed and I have a useable garage to put the next Mini in.

[AVV IT]

I have heard that quick release grilles "kits" can be purchased enabling more space when working under the bonnet.

You can buy grille buttons that replace all the small self tappers that hold the grille on. They don't enable any more space when working under the bonnet, but they do mean that you can quickly remove and refit the grille to work in the engine bay. They are a brilliant invention, relatively easy to fit and cost less that £10 for a set, so I'd highly recommend them. See this thread for some pics about how they are fitted: http://www.theminifo...l=&fromsearch=1

[ukcooper]

Main problem with quick release grill bolt or buttons is if you have bigish spotlight fitted it's a pain to get the grill off,

as you have to pull the grill out and over the studs that are attached to front panle to get it out the way.


http://www.smiffysbits.co.uk/ p.s. he's shut till 2nd april

Edited by ukcooper, 31 March 2012 - 08:36 PM.

[JackF]

Definitely worth the money, and a bit more!

This is what I wanted to hear, something simple and (relatively) inexpensive, that works!

[JackF]

Thanks for the link to that thread! I obviously didnt look hard enough to find one! I think I will invest in the quick release buttons. Thanks guys :)

[JackF]

Main problem with quick release grill bolt or buttons is if you have bigish spotlight fitted it's a pain to get the grill off,

as you have to pull the grill out and over the studs that are attached to front panle to get it out the way.


http://www.smiffysbits.co.uk/ p.s. he's shut till 2nd april

I don't yet have any spot lamps, but I hadnt thought of that!
Thanks for the link, he does some smart bits!

[AVV IT]

The quick release hinges are available from minispares http://www.minispare...id=36939&title= , I've looked into getting a set, a couple of times, as I've found that working around the engine bay is much easier if you actually remove the bonnet first. It also stops you from permanently having a bonnet hook shaped dent in the back of your head!!

Another worthwhile investment for working around the engine bay, is a set of standard drive on car ramps. Using them means that the engine bay is at a much better working height (saving you from having to either stoop over all the time, or work on your knees)

[JackF]

Having only had my mini a few weeks, I already have that hook shaped dent.

Another worthwhile investment for working around the engine bay, is a set of standard drive on car ramps. Using them means that the engine bay is at a much better working height (saving you from having to either stoop over all the time, or work on your knees)

Somewhere in my dads shed is a set of those! I'm sure he wouldn't mind them used.

[AVV IT]

Somewhere in my dads shed is a set of those! I'm sure he wouldn't mind them used.

Mine are a actually a set that my Dad made from scratch, whilst serving his welding apprenticeship back in the sixties!! They've had a few coats of Hammerite over the years, but I reckon they'll probably still be going strong in another fifty years!!

[jpw1275]

I have quick release hinges and grill buttons and make working around the engine a lot easier and it's a lot lighter in the engine bay aswell with no bonnet, but I've put a bonnet strap on the front just in case!!!

Cheers James