Bonnet latch

[jamieduff1981]

I was niggle-free from last Saturday until last Tuesday. Upon collecting the cylinder head for my other car from the machine shop, the machinists were really keen to see the TVR when I pulled up so upon opening the bonnet to show them the engine they'd never have had the honour of working with before, this fell off.

Actually, it fell off last summer when the threaded end of the driver's side lock-rod thing fractured. I was in a set on going to a TVRCC attended show so I bodged it by gluing a suitable sized drill-bit inside the tube and gluing the nylon end back on that morning. It worked great, for as gash as that sounds and I forgot about it. I'd like to fix it properly this time.

Can you still get originals?

I could get some tube and tap it for a threaded rod either end.

Opinions please (on a permanent fix, not last summer's bodge)

[Boatbuoy]

I'm pretty sure I've seen them for sale with one of the usual suppliers (Clever Trevor, Racing Green, Power, etc...). Just a case of trawling through I'm afraid.

Here's RG's option: http://www.thetvrshop.com/TVR/Parts_details/TVR%20...

Olly

[Boatbuoy]

.....furthermore, I notice they also offer the rods (half way down the link below), but they're not cheap!

http://www.racinggreentvr.com/TVR/Parts/cerbera-v8...

[jamieduff1981]

Thanks Olly, I'll need to get a new pair of the nylon things photographed. It's more the tube itself I'm questioning. I think it's called the Bonnet Stay Tube on RG's site and they list it as unavailable. I reckon my best bet might just be to buy some tubing and threaded rod and get to work with my tap set!

[Mad Mark]

I bought the shorter rod from Racing Green a short while ago. They are ficking expensive for what they are. Not sure why they cost so much. There must be a cheaper option.
http://www.thetvrshop.com/TVR/Parts_details/TVR%20...

TVR Power have the lock pins, they cost more but they don't do the rods.

[jamieduff1981]

Haha yeah £75 is too much for a tube with a threaded rod stuck in each end.

[Alistair H.]

Make your own. The original aluminium ones are weak and snap so easy. They are hollow!

[pmessling]

Sod paying that for them. I'd make my own.

[Mr Cerbera]

pmessling said:

Sod paying that for them. I'd make my own.

Pete, if you're in the mood, I would pay you to make some for me

(My driver's side broke seven years ago and I performed some bodge-job which has worked ever since but I still flinch when I remember that it's there)

[pmessling]

If someone has some to copy can do, or a detailed photo showing measurements to bends etc

[jamieduff1981]

I'd be up for that too Peter. I haven't done anything about mine yet. I know I could, but it won't happen for a while. Spent this weekend decorating in preparation to sell our current place, and and trying to spend as much time as possible on the little MG so that ideally it can be driven to its new home rather than trailered.

[pmessling]

Sometime this week I'll be taking the cover off of mine so I'll have a measure and see what's possible.

[Mr Cerbera]

Hi Y’All,

I have been trying to access the activation rods for the bonnet release system but have the following setup:



Close-up of fulcrum:


I have heard that different models had different rain gutters fitted. Mine’s an ’01 4.5.
Do you have different set-ups ?

This ZERO ACCESS is also posing a problem for access to the Passener’s Windscreen Wiper which is u/s on mine.

Any suggestions ??

Ta v.m.

Mr. Dullo

[Mad Mark]

I have not had any issues getting to mine (Same rain gutter as yours) It is awkward to get leverage on the spanners but not impossible. I am wondering as you have the modded intake hoses that they are getting in your way!

[jamieduff1981]

Mine is the earlier style but I agree with Mark. If you remove the induction hoses on the driver's side I can't see how you couldn't get in underneath?
I've found with my 4.5 you need to remove the induction hoses to do pretty much anything on it. Need to change your brake pads sir? Remove induction hoses...