Discussion
I am completely new to S3s. I have just bought one in amazingly good condition apart from the bonnet which becomes disconnected on the passenger side wheel arch when I go over a bump. It stands proud by about 12mm and I haven't the faintest idea of how to rectify this--can anybody help??
if it is at the front ,it will be the hinge section it may have just comme loose or cracked lift the bonnet at look in front of the radiator on the bonnet the hinge section is there ,if it is at the back may be the latching mechanism , you need to get hold of the TVR S servies guide by steve heath availble of the tvr owners club site or all good bookstores ( sounds like an advert )
It sounds like the locking pin on the passenger side isn't properly aligned - the bonnet on the S3 is notoriously difficult to align correctly, but the locking pins are probably the easiest parts to adjust.
If you look at the pin, you'll see that there's a large flattish nut with tapered edges on the underside of the bonnet. If you loosen this, you can move this up or down the pin to adjust the closing height. Once you've got that right, try moving the pin around until it sits correctly on the catch when the bonnet is resting down - you should be able to do this by eye. Once it looks correct, you can tighten it up (the securing nut is accessible via the open end of the section where the pin's located) and then try the catch. Just beware that if you mis-adjust it too much, you may have a problem getting it to spring open again, so double check before closing it.
Hope that helps.
If you look at the pin, you'll see that there's a large flattish nut with tapered edges on the underside of the bonnet. If you loosen this, you can move this up or down the pin to adjust the closing height. Once you've got that right, try moving the pin around until it sits correctly on the catch when the bonnet is resting down - you should be able to do this by eye. Once it looks correct, you can tighten it up (the securing nut is accessible via the open end of the section where the pin's located) and then try the catch. Just beware that if you mis-adjust it too much, you may have a problem getting it to spring open again, so double check before closing it.
Hope that helps.
If you have a 12mm gap then it sounds as though your bonnet requires adjustment.
I have recently replaced the hinges on mine and them had to realign the bonnet. I fits now as well as any I have seen.
The best method I found was to remove both closing pins (the bits with springs and tapered ends)and close the bonnet.
Adjust the bonnet to full height on the chassis/hinge mountings ensure that it clears the fron of the wings. This gives a real indication of fit without any forcing due to pressures.
You can them adjust downward and backward in small increments to get the best fit. As you are adjusting diagonally, you cannot just set one and them move the other.
I carried out all adjustments with the bonnet closed and supported on a trolley jack. You need to turn the wheels on full lock. It is awkward but was the best method.
Once you are happy with the fit, you can then refit the pins. Using masking tape over the latches, close the bonnet gently and watch where the pins rest. Don't allow it too much pressure or the pins will flex to find the hole. Using this method, you can find the location for the pins. All that is then required is to set the heights. Again, small adjustments are better.
If you find that the hinges are broken and need to replace, let me know as I have some chromed tube left which I am happy to share. All you then require are some bolts, available from any good store (B&Q) and someone to weld them together.
Have fun..
Steve
>> Edited by gefopsman on Friday 30th July 17:54
I have recently replaced the hinges on mine and them had to realign the bonnet. I fits now as well as any I have seen.
The best method I found was to remove both closing pins (the bits with springs and tapered ends)and close the bonnet.
Adjust the bonnet to full height on the chassis/hinge mountings ensure that it clears the fron of the wings. This gives a real indication of fit without any forcing due to pressures.
You can them adjust downward and backward in small increments to get the best fit. As you are adjusting diagonally, you cannot just set one and them move the other.
I carried out all adjustments with the bonnet closed and supported on a trolley jack. You need to turn the wheels on full lock. It is awkward but was the best method.
Once you are happy with the fit, you can then refit the pins. Using masking tape over the latches, close the bonnet gently and watch where the pins rest. Don't allow it too much pressure or the pins will flex to find the hole. Using this method, you can find the location for the pins. All that is then required is to set the heights. Again, small adjustments are better.
If you find that the hinges are broken and need to replace, let me know as I have some chromed tube left which I am happy to share. All you then require are some bolts, available from any good store (B&Q) and someone to weld them together.
Have fun..
Steve
>> Edited by gefopsman on Friday 30th July 17:54
If you mean the end of the bonnet closest to the windscreen is proud and the bonnet 'wobbles' about when you drive then it is the bonnet catch alignment as has been previously mentioned. It is very difficult to align by eye (almost impossible).
Open the bonnet fully, put some masking tape over the aperture into which the catch locates and gently close the bonnet until you touch the tape. This will leave a mark on the tape which will indicate how far and in which direction the catch is misaligned. Adjust the catch accordingly and try again. It may take several attempts but you should get there.
If the bonnet is really difficult to open the catches are too far back. If it pops easily when going over bumps then it's too far forward.
Hope that helps. ( Had the same problem on my S3).
Steve.
Open the bonnet fully, put some masking tape over the aperture into which the catch locates and gently close the bonnet until you touch the tape. This will leave a mark on the tape which will indicate how far and in which direction the catch is misaligned. Adjust the catch accordingly and try again. It may take several attempts but you should get there.
If the bonnet is really difficult to open the catches are too far back. If it pops easily when going over bumps then it's too far forward.
Hope that helps. ( Had the same problem on my S3).
Steve.
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