Took my bonnet off..........
Discussion
May seem strange to some, but I’ve owned my car for over 5 years and only seen the engine once!
Recently got the car back from its service, and what with the blinding weather over the weekend, thought, time for a proper clean. It's always bugged me that I haven’t been able to properly polish the gullies etc around the bonnet, so I thought, s*d it, it's coming off.
Have read the tips/methods for doing this on Pistonheads, so carefully undone the 4 bolts, then popped the 2 spring-loaded clips at the top, took hold, and off she came !. Carefully laid it down on the grass, and started polishing & cleaning. Not the prettiest of engines I must say, but spent a couple of hours polishing the gullies and areas around the wiper's etc. Then wiped over some of the inner side panels and some of the other bits on top of the engine.
With just a couple of hours graft, didn’t look like some of the engine bays shown here on P/heads, but still well pleased with the results, and knowing now that all under the bonnet is as clean as I can get it, just feels more “complete & tidy” (and faster !).
One tip, when replacing the bonnet, lay a couple of old towels along each wing edge, and get someone to help you lower the bonnet into place, while moving it into place, keep the screen end as high as you can get it, and just carefully line up the bolt holes at the front leading edge, lower it down, and then ease out the towels, pop the spring-loaded clips back in place, and you’re all done.
I’ve always been very reluctant to take the bonnet off, but now, wouldn’t think twice about doing it again. Can be done single-handed, but if possible, get some one to help with the final lift off, and the repositioning when replacing, to avoid those very frustrating & annoying scuffs!. Oh, and just take your time.
Recently got the car back from its service, and what with the blinding weather over the weekend, thought, time for a proper clean. It's always bugged me that I haven’t been able to properly polish the gullies etc around the bonnet, so I thought, s*d it, it's coming off.
Have read the tips/methods for doing this on Pistonheads, so carefully undone the 4 bolts, then popped the 2 spring-loaded clips at the top, took hold, and off she came !. Carefully laid it down on the grass, and started polishing & cleaning. Not the prettiest of engines I must say, but spent a couple of hours polishing the gullies and areas around the wiper's etc. Then wiped over some of the inner side panels and some of the other bits on top of the engine.
With just a couple of hours graft, didn’t look like some of the engine bays shown here on P/heads, but still well pleased with the results, and knowing now that all under the bonnet is as clean as I can get it, just feels more “complete & tidy” (and faster !).
One tip, when replacing the bonnet, lay a couple of old towels along each wing edge, and get someone to help you lower the bonnet into place, while moving it into place, keep the screen end as high as you can get it, and just carefully line up the bolt holes at the front leading edge, lower it down, and then ease out the towels, pop the spring-loaded clips back in place, and you’re all done.
I’ve always been very reluctant to take the bonnet off, but now, wouldn’t think twice about doing it again. Can be done single-handed, but if possible, get some one to help with the final lift off, and the repositioning when replacing, to avoid those very frustrating & annoying scuffs!. Oh, and just take your time.
fair play to you though
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