Closing the bonnet...

[Damianos]

Not very proud for this question tbh, but i'd like some advise on how to close the hood...

I recently show this video from Redpants:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSxqoPTFZOA&li...

In the 15:30 mark, it mentions that the hood should not be dropped, as it may damage the seals, and instead be lowered gently and then pressed shut.

I tried to do it that way on my car, but no matter how i try, it never locks properly...

Would be great to get some info on how everyone else is doing it.

Many thanks,

Damien

[embdenb]

I used to drop mine from about 12 inches or so. As Rich noted on redpants, the result was the “ blowout” of the bonnet seals.
I now lower the bonnet and push in at both ends. If this is not working for you perhaps the bonnet needs to be adjusted.

[BiggaJ]

I would be surprised if by dropping the bonnet you haven't already experienced the seals popping. Mine does it in some areas so as mentioned by others, its best to just push down on the outer edges and it should lock ... sounds to me as though your bonnet needs to be adjusted slightly.

[JonnyCJ]

If the removable radiator cover panel thingy isn't in place it won't latch correctly. If it is, check that the cable release isn't sticking and being freed off with a slam.

[TR-Spider]

I usually lower my hood until the catch-hook engages, and let it drop from that height (90mm or so).
No seal blow by doing so.

[AstonV]

I always drop mine from just a few inches up. Closes like a charm. No problems with seals. First I ever heard that one. Don’t like pushing on an aluminum hood and risking dents. Keep the latch lubricated with a little WD40.

[V8V Pete]

AstonV said:

I always drop mine from just a few inches up. Closes like a charm. No problems with seals. First I ever heard that one. Don’t like pushing on an aluminum hood and risking dents.

7.5 years of doing this with no problems here either. I suspect a dented bonnet would be more of a problem than a wonky seal.

[Damianos]

AstonV said:

Don’t like pushing on an aluminum hood and risking dents.

I agree with you on this one. I was much more worried bending the hood when pressing it, than i am when dropping it...

[bogie]

I just drop mine from high enough for it to close properly....since 2007 on 2 different cars, not noticed any detrimental effects yet ....

[BiggaJ]

Amazing, I noticed the seals along each side popped out in places (not all the way along) dropping the bonnet from say 12". As to denting the bonnet, as long as you push gently on the outer edge on the front leading edge, the bonnet locks nicely.

Edited by BiggaJ on Friday 12th February 12:31

[Lawts0908]

I drop mine from about 10” with no problems to the seals. I’d rather not have to put hand prints on the black bonnet by closing it further either.

[bogie]

Damianos said:

AstonV said:

Don’t like pushing on an aluminum hood and risking dents.

I agree with you on this one. I was much more worried bending the hood when pressing it, than i am when dropping it...

exactly....same reason I just drop it

[Aldhun]

bogie said:

Damianos said:

AstonV said:

Don’t like pushing on an aluminum hood and risking dents.

I agree with you on this one. I was much more worried bending the hood when pressing it, than i am when dropping it...

exactly....same reason I just drop it

Me too, the handbook says drop it

[Speedraser]

TR-Spider said:

I usually lower my hood until the catch-hook engages, and let it drop from that height (90mm or so).
No seal blow by doing so.

This. 11+ years, no seal problems.

[EVR]

If I drop mine, the right rubber seal will be caught in a weird position, not the left one. Without faults, happens every time. Hence, I just close it without dropping it until it latches, then gently press the wings badge and done.

[bogie]

I know what you mean re the bonnet trim rubber seals, i think its because of different levels of friction on areas of the rubber and bonnet edge. When you clean the car try giving the rubber edge a wipe over with silicone spray, seems to work for me most of the time.

[Speedraser]

EVR said:

If I drop mine, the right rubber seal will be caught in a weird position, not the left one. Without faults, happens every time. Hence, I just close it without dropping it until it latches, then gently press the wings badge and done.

Even if you "drop" it from just a few inches (as mentioned above, just after the catch-hook engages)? That has worked for me literally every time over 11+ years. I don't want to push on the aluminum. Even old steel-bodied 911s show dents in the front lid after a while from people closing it and pushing in not-exactly-the-right place.

[EVR]

Speedraser said:

Even if you "drop" it from just a few inches (as mentioned above, just after the catch-hook engages)? That has worked for me literally every time over 11+ years. I don't want to push on the aluminum. Even old steel-bodied 911s show dents in the front lid after a while from people closing it and pushing in not-exactly-the-right place.

I'll try next time.

[EVR]

Speedraser said:

Even if you "drop" it from just a few inches (as mentioned above, just after the catch-hook engages)? That has worked for me literally every time over 11+ years. I don't want to push on the aluminum. Even old steel-bodied 911s show dents in the front lid after a while from people closing it and pushing in not-exactly-the-right place.

Tried, it's even worse.

The rubber is caught in different spots, while if you drop it from higher, it's folded in basically in full.

[8Tech]

I would never press on the bonnet to close it, thats just asking for dents. A simple drop from around 9" is enough to engage the clasps. If it doesnt, they need adjusting and if the seal kinks, its either distorted or damaged. Dropping the bonnet is never going to cause air pressure when the engine compartment is not sealed.

The only part I push to close is the boot, lower to the catch then lean on it. Stops that high level brakelight falling out!