4 replies to this topic

[greenar]

Hi there to whoever views this pretty dull topic but I'm hoping someone can help. I've just bought a Mini Van from Anglia Car Auctions and I'm struggling to open the bonnet.

I've got a '77 Clubman Estate and that's straightforward - fingers through grill and push lever to one side.

There's no lever such with the van and the grille is only just big enough to stick your fingers through. I can see a metal v shaped part (in photo) with a spring coming off it which I assume is something to do with it and with the limited space have tried pushing and pulling etc but nothing happens. Does anyone know what I'm missing here? I assume there's no internal release mechanism?

I appreciate any help.

Attached Files

•  Mini van 004.jpg   74.45K   7 downloads
•  Mini van 001.jpg   26.75K   6 downloads
•  Mini van 008.jpg   59.44K   5 downloads
•  Summer 2012 022.jpg   100.11K   0 downloads

[KernowCooper]

You could get a converson kit for the van to make it a internal release, as far as I remember the catch was in the center uppmost section of the pressed one piece panel/grill assembly. Have a look inside for a release making sure its not got the plastic handle broken off and its not jumping out at you. Failing that the design of the catch is the same so the cable would mearly pull a lever to do the same as the manual one. Get a torch and look through the grill slats and try and identify the moving retaining part of the catch and use a long screw driver to push the lever the same way as your current 77 Clubman and it should pop open, it may be tight to push and dont be afraid to give it a sharp tap with the palm of your hand. Make sure your located correctly we dont want it umping off and going upwards somewhere and denting the bonnet.

[greenar]

Good advice, thanks, I will give it a try.

[nordicmini]

push down on the bonnet and push the v shape thing behind the grill to the left

[greenar]

Thanks nordicmini. It worked. I had been pushing and pulling on the 'v shaped bracket' to no avail but it was the push down on the bonnet that sorted it.