S1 and S2 bonnet springs

[garyeanderson]

I got an email from Ross Robbins asking me a question about the bonnet springs for the type 26 Elans and I havn't a clue on where they attach to the body. The bonnet end is pretty easy but I looked at 3 of my shells at the house and have no idea of where they go. Does anyone have a decent photo of where they attach on the body? I found on picture in my colection of engine bay photos that has the springs visable but none of my Elans has that hole on the left hand side.

p.s. - they arn't for ross's s2 either, the question was asked by one of his good friends.

[cabc26b]

They go on the frame rails -

my current S1 has the original frame with the hole locations. picture attached

[garyeanderson]

Hi George

The light went off like a hammer hit it when you offered up the description. its been a while since I have thought about them, maybe I didn't ever have them hooked up on any of the Elan's I had over the years.

Thanks Gary

p.s. - I guess I been using Spyder chassis for too long, its about time to get one of those folded steel ones.

I found this photo under another post on the forum looks like I have seen the holes a few times and it never sunk in...

[cabc26b]

Hi Gary


Sorry about the delay in the edit and picture, looks like you have it covered. BTW there is a picture in the original elan workshop manual on page E2 where you can see the springs dangling in the engine bay.

George

[Ross Robbins]

Thanks to both Gary and George. That was perfect!!

Sorry to be slow responding. I have been fighting motor mounts on the Plus 2 Arrrrrggghh!!

[garyeanderson]

Hi Ross

Glad George could help, I really didn't have a clue until he said they go to the top rail. I forget more and more every day, soon I won't remember the where the keys are in my pocket...
Gary

[ElliottN]

So that's why the bonnet has bobbins set either side up front. Always wondered about those.

[garyeanderson]

This is my best guess as to how the springs are mounted to the chassis, I still need to glass the bobbins to the bonnet to test it out. I hope this helps.

Gary

[Etienne 7]

Thanks Gary, it makes sense now!

Regards,

Etienne

[jk952]

Mine are in the other way around, I think the loop would drag on the side of the bonnet or body below the bobbins but forget if I tried that way,maybe not? Be easier to remove though that way around.
Jk

[rodlittle]

Mine are the other way round as well, It would be impossible to get the loose end of the springs on to the bonnet because of the size of the radiator.
rod

[garyeanderson]

Well there you go, I have not had them in with a full engine bay complement of obstructions. I was guessing Rod, maybe you can get a photo of yours so that others can see how it works and I'll delete mine. I have been using a pair of shortened rubber bungee cords like these to do the job on my current S2
(belongs in the "mods" section), they don't pop the bonnet like the springs but with some downward pressure at the front it opens up fine and locates the bonnet in the opening nicely.

[ardee_selby]

Not sure if this, from the manual, helps... but what is the grommet for? Protect bonnet edge from rubbing?

(Spring orientation appears to match Garys photos)

JTTH

Cheers - Richard

[rodlittle]

Probably to save your fingers, its a bit painful sometimes just pushing against a small dia wire loop
rod

[rodlittle]

Heres some pics of my bonnet springs

rod