Bonnet latch / lock upgrades?

[N1CERB]

My drivers side latch has been "modified" as the thread part broke off. As a result its not fitting exactly as it should. I just adjusted the centres and its much better now but still moves on the drivers side when driving at speed. I just dont really trust the little plastic part sitting in the bonnet plate.

Anyway, looking at the set up there I am thining of upgrading the two tubes using stainless instrument tubing with a rose joint at the driver end and a new turned steel or aluminium retainer end.

Has anyone else had issues with theirs or done any modifications to the locking mechanism?

Also how about fitting aero type boonet pins and getting rid of the whole dodgy factory set up. Anyone done this??

Cheers all
Dave

[N1CERB]

Looks like I am going to be first then. Aerocatch here we come...

[tur8o]

Mad john aka cirby had some fitted to his this year, i believe they were this http://www.aerocatch.com/aerocatch type. im sure a few other people on here have the same too.

[pmessling]

I've seen them fitted to another cerb before but can't recall who

[N1CERB]

I am going for the Plus Flush with locks for mine. Hoping to just use the area where the standard bonnet pin catch is bolted in. Then just bin all the dodgy plastic pins and bendy aluminium rods that are there just now. They are just not man enough for the job in my opinion.

I will report back with how they fit and perform...

[pmessling]

Would be good to hear how you get on. Although mine are fine. Don't have confidence in them when seeing the bonnet moving so much.

[N1CERB]

Just been out and had a look and the rear engine bay panel is also going to need cutting to clear the rear of the aerocatch fittings. I am also thinking now that I am going to need to work a way of fixing the pins to the inner wings as the current catch nuts are robably too small? Will have to wait and see what size the bonnet pins are going to be? I do have ideas around making steel plates that I can drill out to suit if all else fails. will be much better when done.

I will do a photo series of how it goes.

Fingers crossed!!

I dont suppose anyone has a picture of where other folks have fitted these aerocatches in the easiest location?

Cheers
Dave

[Tanguero]

People have done aerocatches in the past. To my mind they have all looked ste in the extreme! Still its your car to spoil how you like!

Pics about half way down this thread
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...


When they are in good condition and properly adjusted, the standard bonnet catches are absolutely fine (and perfectly unobtrusive).

Edited by Tanguero on Wednesday 5th December 08:39

[N1CERB]

Ill pass on that comment, each to their own. I prefer purpose over pose when it comes down to it. I dont see any images of how that fella fitted his?

I have just been out there again and removed the engine bay panel and its looking like the passenger side is going to be a mission to fit the pin. Expansion tank is right in the way!

Maybe jumping the gun a bit early. I will machine two long pins and make up a stainless tube for the drivers side short rod and see how that holds up first. At least i wont need to cut panels and it will be free.

But if that does not work its out with the dremmel..!!

[N1CERB]

Ahh, pics just popped up. My bad!

[ukkid35]

Tanguero said:

When they are in good condition and properly adjusted, the standard bonnet catches are absolutely fine (and perfectly unobtrusive).

Completely agree, but it took me ages to get everything right, the angle of the bars is critical, and having a chin spoiler helps a lot. Now tested to 170 repeatedly and no problems. If only the boot would stay closed...

[Tanguero]

One of the usual problems with he standard catches seems to be that the grommets all out of the plates in the bonnet. Once the pins can move about a bit they wear at the tip and tend to pop out of the recess in the plate. The grommets are just standard wiring grommets available from Halfrauds etc.

New nylon pins are available from the usual suppliers, though I turned up a pair of aluminium ones which don't wear at the tips .

[N1CERB]

I am thinking that if a new set are turned then just make the small diameter pin part much longer and machine a point onto it so that it locates easier. Th erods on mine also move abot heaps and so it just all feels very loose and weak?

I am falling more back in favour of aerocatch if the pins will fit. Does anyone know the thread size of these pins by the way?

Back to the drawing board!

[camel_landy]

ukkid35 said:

Tanguero said:

When they are in good condition and properly adjusted, the standard bonnet catches are absolutely fine (and perfectly unobtrusive).

Completely agree, but it took me ages to get everything right, the angle of the bars is critical, and having a chin spoiler helps a lot. Now tested to 170 repeatedly and no problems. If only the boot would stay closed...

TBH - That's how I feel on the subject too.

The Cerbera was designed with very clean lines with concealed door & boot latches. Exposed / obvious bonnet catches would just go against all of this.

However, it is your car to do with what you will.

M

[N1CERB]

I just snapped the drivers side rod trying to remove it. Will see what I can make up at work tomorrow. If not then its aerocatches for me, they are designed for race cars after all??

[camel_landy]

N1CERB said:

...they are designed for race cars after all??

So are slick tyres and massive spoilers but it doesn't mean they'll work on a road car!!!

M

[Tanguero]

N1CERB said:

I just snapped the drivers side rod trying to remove it. Will see what I can make up at work tomorrow. If not then its aerocatches for me, they are designed for race cars after all??

Good luck if you ever want to try and sell it. A Cerb with a butchered bonnet will be harder to shift and worth a good deal less than one that is still the way it was designed. However it is your car to do with as you want.

[cerdad]

leven used to make the pins in ali or stainless ,not sure which, this was when they were in Basildon .

[Gazzab]

In good order the standard stuff is fine. Aero catches are horrible and I for one would pass on a butchered car was I buying.

[Gray_101]

The only rattle my Cerb has is the bloody bonnet mechanism.. Even tho it's been overhauled and the bonnet stays shut all the time. I'm ripping the whole lot out and replacing it with some thing else ( the rattling is driving me nuts ).... But it won't be aero catches. I've got some thing lined up that's a bit more TVR.