Bonnet (hood) re-install

[Shaenaus]

I have removed the bonnet (hood) of my TC so that I can replace my worn and rusty centre line hinge end brackets.

For the life of me, I cannot figure out how to re-install the bonnet.

Any ideas, please?

TC/9194

[SavannahDog]

I've never done this. Fold it in half. Set one side in place. Then close the other side.

Get three friends or a device to lift it with.

[Tim Jackson]

It needs two people to lift the complete bonnet onto the car, then fasten it with the two end supports (inner and outer).

[stephen stierman]

As noted, two people. I have found it best at least on my car to have the front hinge support (bracket) installed on the radiator shell prior to installing the bonnet as the nuts are difficult to tighten up since there is not much space between the shell and the radiator, particularly with the bonnet in the way. Assuming the rear support has been removed, install the bonnet and slip the hinge into the front support and lay it in place. Slip the rear support in under it and with the bonnet sides held up, screw the wood screws into the support securing it to the vehicle.

[Steve Simmons]

It can be done with one person, but don't try it if you have a bad back. I fold the bonnet completely, set it on the car and gently lower everything to one side while dropping the side panel into place. Then walk around to the other side and close the second half.

Another way to do it is with bicycle storage hooks. They fit perfectly. I can't find a photo of them in action but I've used them on my car in the past. Just screw them to your garage ceiling joists, open both sides of the bonnet and slip the hooks into the bonnet. Be sure to mount the pulley plates on the ceiling at the same spacing as the length of the bonnet, so the hooks don't try to pull out. Works very easily by simply pulling the rope to lift the bonnet off, and lowering the rope to put it back in place.

[Shaenaus]

Thank you for your suggestions. I'll try Stephen Stierman's method first.

I must say I was surprised at how heavy the complete bonnet assembly is. My lovely lady and I struggled a bit removing the bonnet and then trying to (without success) re-install it after I had fitted a new set of hinge end brackets purchased from Doug Pelton's FTFU. Fitting the brackets was an ordeal in itself as the centreline hinge is a fraction too wide for the brackets to slide onto. I didn't want to file anything as the chrome finish would be lost and maybe I would be inviting rust.

[frenchblatter]

I have a special tool that helps get the bonnet on and off.


She's called Lynne.

[Shaenaus]

Mine is called Sherinda. I took her to the annual MGCC (Victoria) concourse two weeks ago. First time at a car show for her. She didn't know anything about MGs but by the time we left she could tell the difference between a TC, TD and TF (and a TF!)

[dirk w dondorp]

Thank heaven my wife is not following these entries! ( especially on today's international women's day;-)) )

[Steve Simmons]

I just ran across a photo of the bike hooks in action. It isn't a very good photo but better than nothing...

[Shaenaus]

AC971A8A-B84B-4894-A2AE-9FDF38DD831F.jpeg (95.17 KiB) Viewed 5593 times

BB103593-0688-4EE3-B1B8-17A50ACAC139.jpeg (129.11 KiB) Viewed 5593 times

Thanks for the photo of the bike hooks in action, Steve.

I tried Stephen Stiermam’s method of installing the front bracket first. I loosely attached the bottom nuts of the front bracket so that the bonnet centre hinge could more easily slide into place. I stood on the seats and gently lowered the rear of the bonnet into place. With an idea I got from Steve Ashworth on the TTT2 website (“A bonnet (hood) rest”), I was able to raise both sides of the bonnet at the same time, thus allowing access to the two wood screws which I screwed into place. I the tightened the front bracket nuts.

A problem I now have is that the bonnet is too close to the chrome radiator surround and there is a gap of 1 to 2 mm between the rear of the bonnet and the scuttle rubber. I can’t slide the bonnet rearwards along the centre line hinge. Maybe I need to loosen the front and rear brackets to make the necessary adjustments?