Quick release bonnet anyone done it ?

[srdtvr]

Into 6 weeks ownership and only 4 drives to work so far - a new alternator a new radiator and still got a fan issue I've realised that working on the car with the bonnet off is so much easier, has anyone devised a quick release hinge so that if needed the bonnet can be removed single handed.
I thought of using bonnet pins and not using the hinges at all but it means the bonnet would have to be lifted off all the time which is not always convenient.
Its a pity it doesn't hinge at the windscreen giving easy access to the rad etc.
any thoughts?

[BillC99]

Steve Heath Engineering make some hinges that make bonnet removal and replacement easy. I am going to fit some soon.
Cost just under £30. Sorry I can't paste a link but just Google him

[ralphy12345]

My low-tech answer to this problem is a broom-handle!

Seriously, having the bonnet opened that much higher makes it easy to work on any part of the bay.

R

[haircutmike]

personally, I have never had a problem and bejesus, I have spent enough time in there!

I find it easier to work on the car when it is on stands or ramps, that helps.

[Alexdaredevilz]

I find it alot easier to work on with the bonnet removed aswell more light more space etc

I think the SH hinges would be worth the money and will be buying a set myself very soon

[haircutmike]

Alexdaredevilz said:

I find it alot easier to work on with the bonnet removed aswell more light more space etc

I think the SH hinges would be worth the money and will be buying a set myself very soon

You might as well leave your's off .

[scotty_d]

Never found a issue with room under the Bonnet as said for some jobs like Rad ect the broom handle was fine.

[Pupp]

The Steve Heath hinges are a vast improvement over the original arrangement but are not by any means quick release (quicker possibly, but that's a relative term and you will not be popping the bonnet off and on in a jiffy).

[srdtvr]

They look well engineered as you would expect - maybe if the shank was drilled to take "R" pins they could be made to be quick release - save undoing the nuts just pull the pins and slide the bolts/rose joint out of the blocks
Thanks for replies

Steve

[shpub]

The latest design uses a single bolt to retain the rose joint but this is now on the side rather than the back. It makes it a lot easier to get to it and the whole process is a lot quicker. I've looked at R pins etc but the bolt has the advantage that it holds everything tightly in place and stops the bonnet from moving about.

The big advantage is that the bonnet comes off and goes on without having to realign it everytime.

[shpub]

ralphy12345 said:

My low-tech answer to this problem is a broom-handle!

Seriously, having the bonnet opened that much higher makes it easy to work on any part of the bay.

R

This is why I do the extra long bonnet stay. A bit more high tech but gives a lot more room as you say.

[srdtvr]

Thanks SHPUB - I think I will invest in your latest version soon

[VictorMeldrew]

shpub said:

The latest design uses a single bolt to retain the rose joint but this is now on the side rather than the back. It makes it a lot easier to get to it and the whole process is a lot quicker. I've looked at R pins etc but the bolt has the advantage that it holds everything tightly in place and stops the bonnet from moving about.

The big advantage is that the bonnet comes off and goes on without having to realign it everytime.

Is there an upgrade pricing for those of us with the MkI version Steve?