Bonnet fitting help please

[KugaWestie]

When I bought my car the bonnet was not fitted on the front hinges, just laid in position (it was a non runner so trailered).

I am now almost done with paint prep and am trying to refit the bonnet but am struggling to get all the bracket bolts in and also get the bonnet in the right position, so any advice appreciated please!

The bonnet is on the car, but I can only get the top bolts in on the brackets. I have tried pushing and pulling the bonnet to get the bottom bolts in but just cannot get the holes to align for some reason. See photos below.

Drivers side


Passengers side


Bonnet from above, sitting too far forward

Drivers


Passenger


And finally it is sitting too high, which I guess is due to the bottom bolts not being in



Is there a specific way/sequence to fit the bonnet?

[KugaWestie]

Classic Chim said:

You need a helper or spare pair of hands.
Loosen those top bolts out a tad, lift the bonnet from the front up and back then simply turn your bracket enough to get bottom bolts in. You will struggle on your own.
Once all bolts are in you will need to set bracket roughly central and nip up.
Drop bonnet in place then decide if it needs to go up/ down in or out, L/R and adjust via loosening and repositioning each bracket.
It’s a pain in the arse but once you have the bolts in becomes a lot easier to adjust.

Thanks.

So lift the bonnet and tip it towards the rear or front of the car?