External bonnet latches - anyone tried?

[RichC12]

Hi, After finally releasing the bonnet after the cables snapped and trying to re-fit a new one.... I have decided what might work and look sort of in keeping with the overall retro style of the S series is external bonnet latches on the side just behind the indicators....therefore removing all chance or future hassle of shorn and snapped cables.
think the black rubber pull over ones will suit or failing that latches on the top near the windscreen with the vertical pins popping up to secure it down...

Has anyone embarked on this or seen it done? Bit of a challenge with the double skin but should be ok. Also..... would the fibre glass take the strain??

Cheers.

Rich

[NiceCupOfTea]

There's a thread in the chimaera section on this. I've considered it as my bonnet tends to pop up over potholes....

[techbotics]

Mine had some leather straps on when I first got it.. absolutely hated them and had Dulfords return her to a working cable mechanism..

They did hold the bonnet shut mind.. not that I have had any problems since. Although I do have new catches and strikers.

Unless either of the above items is worn out its shouldn't pop open with proper adjustment.

Given the OP had a broken cable I can appreciate this may be a PITA to fix but as I say I never really liked them on mine.. but I tend to sway to the modern styline as opposed to classic.. our cars are somewhere in between these 2 worlds IMHO.

That said its your car and if you like them then go for it..

Cheers

Damian S3

[phillpot]

Aerocatch's

[magpies]

I'm going to use AeroCatches....you will need to google it

[phillpot]

Leather straps 'n buckles on Duncan's trials car......

[RichC12]

Thanks Philpott for the pictures... aero catches are a nice modern twist and the straps look good as well.
might have a problem though on the aeros with the V8s as the `bump` exit is a lot wider....hmmmmm.

Do you know if the cathes are `easy ` to fit? anything has to be easier than mucking around with those cables....

Anyway...thanks again for the posts.... what to do!!!!

[phillpot]

RichC12 said:

Do you know if the catches are `easy` to fit?

"piece of cake"...... but, of course, I am extremely talented



You'll need to fabricate some kind of bracket to mount the "pins", made these up from some off-cuts of stainless steel.

Edited by phillpot on Wednesday 3rd July 18:57

[Smokey Boyer]

An S off-road, on a trials course!!!!

Mine struggles getting over a speed bump.....

[phillpot]

Smokey Boyer said:

Mine struggles getting over a speed bump.....

Bit more ground clearance than the average S

[glenrobbo]

phillpot said:

"piece of cake"...... but, of course, I am extremely talented

He is ....

[v8s4me]

A bit off the wall maybe, but would it be possible to use electro-magnets to hold the bonnet shut? A bit like the things which hold fire doors open and then release them in an emergency. EG

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-DC-10kg-Electric-Lif...

Edited by v8s4me on Thursday 4th July 00:30

[QBee]

v8s4me said:

A bit off the wall maybe, but would it be possible to use electro-magnets to hold the bonnet shut? A bit like the things which hold fire doors open and then release them in an emergency. EG

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-DC-10kg-Electric-Lif...

Edited by v8s4me on Thursday 4th July 00:30

Seen it done successfully on a Chimaera. Wired into the ignition, as he still had the cable working. If you want them as a permanent lock......... Then you have an issue, as they would drain the battery if permanently switched on

[phillpot]

I think on the Chimaera it is only energised with ignition on, the original catch is retained but because it is well off centre the nearside of the bonnet "flaps" at speed.

[RichC12]

The aero catches look like the solution.... and the home made fittings look possible.

One final question, on the `off roader` with the side catches, did you (phillpot) use any strengtheners on the inside or cut out anything to strengthen as my concern there is drilling through thin fibreglass - inserting screws and hoping it will take the pressure of the bonnet being held down without splitting? seen it on another application....
My thoughts would be to drill / cut out inner panel and fit a steel plate behind the outer skin to attach the screws into....????
Cheers

[Oldred_V8S]

phillpot said:

Aerocatch's

Mike I am really looking forward to seeing this car next week. I love the aero catches but it must take some large cojones to cut holes that size in a perfectly good bonnet, hats off to you.

[phillpot]

RichC12 said:

One final question, on the `off roader` with the side catches, did you (phillpot) use any strengtheners

Not my car, nothing to do with me....just posted the picture

[v8s4me]

So potentially, the magnet could be used with the old catches to stop the bonnet popping open when on the road ie only energized when the ignition is on.

[Alan Whitaker]

Hi All
I have been looking at the BMW Soft Close system, when the door is within 6mm it pulls the door closed with a motor. There are quite a few of these on the market and parts off scrap cars are cheap, will keep you posted when I have worked it out.

Alan

This is from a SL 500, cost £35

Edited by Alan Whitaker on Thursday 4th July 09:54

[Oldred_V8S]

Alan Whitaker said:

Hi All
I have been looking at the BMW Soft Close system, when the door is within 6mm it pulls the door closed with a motor. There are quite a few of these on the market and parts off scrap cars are cheap, will keep you posted when I have worked it out.

This is from a SL 500, cost £35

Edited by Alan Whitaker on Thursday 4th July 09:54

Hi Alan

I hope to get to see this car someday, the work you are doing is amazing.

I dropped you a note with my address wrt the bonnet hinges if you are still looking to off-load them.