Anybody modified the bonnet catch?
Discussion
Has anybody done or know of a modification to improve the security of the bonnet catch?
I don't mean in terms of replacing the release cable, but something to improve the flex that the bonnet has at speed (especially the passenger-side of the bonnet which has a tendency to lift and scare the missus).
Has anyone added an extra catch, or some other solution?
Cheers,
Mav.
I don't mean in terms of replacing the release cable, but something to improve the flex that the bonnet has at speed (especially the passenger-side of the bonnet which has a tendency to lift and scare the missus).
Has anyone added an extra catch, or some other solution?
Cheers,
Mav.
I haven't yet but i'd be interested to hear any answers as I was thinking about this myself... What seems to be needed is either a couple of subtle bonnet pins at the top corners or some sort of second catch on the passenger side, ideally operated from the same lever as the original one??
Anyone tried this?
Anyone tried this?
I don't know what car the catch is originally from, but I was thinking a similar thing - identical cath on the other side operated from the same lever.
Another alternative would be some sort of catch that you have to get your fingers under to slide across (like on normal cars, with the double latch - one lever operated and one with your fingers). Not sure how that would keep the bonnet down though.
Another alternative would be some sort of catch that you have to get your fingers under to slide across (like on normal cars, with the double latch - one lever operated and one with your fingers). Not sure how that would keep the bonnet down though.
On my car, all i did was i got a pack of heavy duty velcro 'discs' from B+Q and stuck an opposing pair on the bonnet and the car, this appears to hold the bonnet down nicely during driving without any flapping but doesn't impede opening the bonnet normally.
Don't think it would provide much more 'security' though from theives.
Thanks
Matt
Don't think it would provide much more 'security' though from theives.
Thanks
Matt
StreetDragster said:
On my car, all i did was i got a pack of heavy duty velcro 'discs' from B+Q and stuck an opposing pair on the bonnet and the car, this appears to hold the bonnet down nicely during driving without any flapping but doesn't impede opening the bonnet normally.
Don't think it would provide much more 'security' though from theives.
Thanks
Matt
Simple and effective - think I'll give it a go, I may have been trying to over-engineer this!Don't think it would provide much more 'security' though from theives.
Thanks
Matt
thenick said:
I haven't yet but i'd be interested to hear any answers as I was thinking about this myself... What seems to be needed is either a couple of subtle bonnet pins at the top corners or some sort of second catch on the passenger side, ideally operated from the same lever as the original one??
Anyone tried this?
I think when this was discussed some (long) time ago, someone mooted they were/had putting 2 turning locks that engaged into the trailing of the bonnet at each side. I only really remember because it made me start thinking about diverting water from the wings / wiper motor Anyone tried this?
Dave
You don't need 2 locks for the bonnet. The reason I know this is because before my car had the front end re-done, the bonnet was solid, no matter what speed you got it to. But when I got it back it seemed to be bouncing at anything over 80 mph, and when it got to 140 it would flex that much it would come free of the catch. The reason for this is the airflow throw the bay. Theres far too much. Put another catch on and you will be stressing the catches and the fixing to the bonnet.
Its more noticable when you have a smaller plate or you move the plate to the bottom of the gap as this gives uninterupted air flow.
On further investigation the splitter had not been refitted to the car and this makes a real difference to all the air that flows through the bonnet.
The splitter causes a vacuum under the car and drags air out the bottom instead of it all aiming up and trying to get out through the vents in the bonnet.
Theres one or 2 threads that cover the splitter and most recently someone has given a DIY solution that does the just fantastically. Have a search and give it a go before trying the double catch. Another thing with the double catch is that theres another catch to go wrong, which they do. Believe me it works.
Its more noticable when you have a smaller plate or you move the plate to the bottom of the gap as this gives uninterupted air flow.
On further investigation the splitter had not been refitted to the car and this makes a real difference to all the air that flows through the bonnet.
The splitter causes a vacuum under the car and drags air out the bottom instead of it all aiming up and trying to get out through the vents in the bonnet.
Theres one or 2 threads that cover the splitter and most recently someone has given a DIY solution that does the just fantastically. Have a search and give it a go before trying the double catch. Another thing with the double catch is that theres another catch to go wrong, which they do. Believe me it works.
chr1sb said:
I've moved my plate below the grill & the bonnet is still rock solid. Must be down to adjustment / alignment surely (?)
Chris
Thats what I thought, but with everything as good as it can be, and the bonnet on the NS being solid when stationary it still came up with speed. You struggled to even move it when the car was stood, but it seemed to turn to jelly when you at speed. No adjustment can be made to stop the bonnet lifting so much it actually pops out the catch.Chris
No need for two catches, you need to get the bonnet adjusted and it will be secure.
By adjusting the bonnet, it not just the forward position of the bonnet, but the sideways position also.
You should also have the rubber resting points in place on the body, if these are not in place you can adjust the bonnet to low and then it will raise with the airflow, giving the flex talked about.
Hope this helps.
Colin L
By adjusting the bonnet, it not just the forward position of the bonnet, but the sideways position also.
You should also have the rubber resting points in place on the body, if these are not in place you can adjust the bonnet to low and then it will raise with the airflow, giving the flex talked about.
Hope this helps.
Colin L
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