Bonnet Catches

[TomCat1]

I've been digging around on here and also on BC to find any info on bonnet catches. The standard ones i have at the moment don't seem to be doing a job. The bonnet rattles around a bit but i also would like them to look a bit nicer.

I've seen some aerocatches, are these any good? I presume with these that you have to cut the bonnet, which is something i don't really want to be doing on my fresh paintwork.

Are there any other options available that people can recommend?

I like chunky looking catches, not a fan of rubber but do like black.....any ideas?

Pictures always welcome

Cheers

[Gingerbread Man]

What one's are causing jip? The front spring ones or the rear latch type? Mine keep the bonnet quite firm, if yours is moving around, it sounds like something is amiss.

I also added new foam strip to my nose cone's top edge, scuttle's top edge and to the two edges of the bonnet which sit onto the cars side panels. This new foam, maybe slightly thicker increased the snug fit.

Maybe something to consider?

[TomCat1]

Thanks for the quick reply,

Its the rear drivers side that is the problem, all new foam has been fitted, on the side panels i have armourfend but thats it.

I know these bonnets dont fit too good anyway but there just seems to be a bigger gap on the drivers side. Front and passengers i can live with, im thinking with new catches it would pull the bonnet a bit tighter?

[Agent Orange]

I saw a set of black catches the other day but I didn't bookmark the site and can't find them now. I'll dig around for you because I'll be replacing my chrome/polished ones with them.

edit: Typical - one last look and I find them straight away! They look correct to me although I've not seen my Caterham for 3 months as it's in storage.

http://www.motamec.com/large-toggle-fasteners-blac...
http://www.motamec.com/competition-boot-springs-bl...

Edited by Agent Orange on Thursday 7th March 00:34

[TomCat1]

Yeah I've sen the black ones, they do look better than chrome but they pull the bonnet down any tighter, ill have to keep on looking!

[Gingerbread Man]

I wonder if your catches are slightly miss positioned creating a loose bonnet fit?

I could measure mine for you if I remember tomorrow!

[JU5T1N]

I've fitted aero-catches to my Ginetta. To be honest theyre dead easy to fit and providing your careful you wont damage the paintwork!

I went for these (non flush)
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorsport/bonnet-pi...

Also in order to make things easier get these as well
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorsport/bonnet-pi...

You do get a paper cut out to mark out the area, then its just a matter of using a dremel ;-)
What I will say is get some longer bolts (in stainless steel) as the ones supplied are too short for fibreglass.

Lastly before using them make sure the mechanism is lubbed.

[Gingerbread Man]

They would go into ally as opposed to fibreglass if used. Would be long enough then?

[V7SLR]

TomCat1 said:

The standard ones i have at the moment don't seem to be doing a job. The bonnet rattles around a bit but I also would like them to look a bit nicer

If the standard catches rattle they're not fitted correctly and surely just need a slight adjustment? They may look a bit basic but they're what the car has had for 50-odd years and although they can probably be bettered, you'll mostly likely just depreciate the car a little in doing so. Black or silver doesn't matter, but keep it original.

[JU5T1N]

Gingerbread Man said:

They would go into ally as opposed to fibreglass if used. Would be long enough then?

I guess so, alloy sheeting is only thin compared to fibreglass.
With regards to mounting them I've done both mounting from underneath the catch and also from the side. Both worked a treat but regardless how you fit them the backing plates are worth their money in gold.

[simonpa]

I agree with V7 - they will only devalue a Caterham.
I can't see how they would fit, either.

The usual (Caterham) way to stop the bonnet rattling/moving is to just put some adhesive-backed neoprene strip along the top of the chassis rail, in the same way as the front/rear of the bonnet is fitted.

No rattles, no movement, costs under a fiver and takes 5 minutes to fit - simples!

HTH - Simon (currently rebuilding Caterham no 9 or 10)