Weak bonnet spring
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William,
I had the same problem, I bought my spring from Sue Miller, I didn't think I had scrapped the old spring, but can't find it. I spoke to all my local Elan owning friends, who looked at me blankly, as they have no problem. I removed the spring, and hung weights from the bonnet until I got enough force to open the bonnet. I took this information to The Skegness Spring Company (I am only about an hour away) and they made a spring for me. Of course I didn't keep a record of what I asked for, but Skegness springs might have. I paid ?59 for this special spring, of course there is no guarantee that you need the same force as I did. I can phone and enquire if you are interested.
Richard Hawkins
I had the same problem, I bought my spring from Sue Miller, I didn't think I had scrapped the old spring, but can't find it. I spoke to all my local Elan owning friends, who looked at me blankly, as they have no problem. I removed the spring, and hung weights from the bonnet until I got enough force to open the bonnet. I took this information to The Skegness Spring Company (I am only about an hour away) and they made a spring for me. Of course I didn't keep a record of what I asked for, but Skegness springs might have. I paid ?59 for this special spring, of course there is no guarantee that you need the same force as I did. I can phone and enquire if you are interested.
Richard Hawkins
- RichardHawkins
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I'd second not needing to get bonnet fully open.
Most real engine bay jobs warrant taking the bonnet off and a tight spring woul be a pain to get on and off the hook.
If you do get a bespoke spring think about how you'll install it without removing the steering rack.
Most real engine bay jobs warrant taking the bonnet off and a tight spring woul be a pain to get on and off the hook.
If you do get a bespoke spring think about how you'll install it without removing the steering rack.
- MarkDa
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When I pull the bonnet release knob it pops up about two inches - enough to get my fingers underneath to lift it further. Having lifted it, the spring then holds it stable about two feet up. I suspect that anything much stronger would be a. impossible to unclip by hand if I wanted to remove the bonnet. b. likely to damage the spring mounting bracket moulded into the underneath front of the bonnet, and c. possibly overwhelm the bent metal clips holding it shut. If the new spring is anywhere near the original spec that's about as strong as I'd want to go.
Stuart Holding
Thame UK / Alpe D'Huez France
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Thame UK / Alpe D'Huez France
69 S4 FHC
Honda GoldWing 1800
Honda CBX1000
Kawasaki H1 500
Yamaha XS2
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And too much spring force will deform the front of the bonnet when cars are parked in the hot sun. I've added a key ring (about an inch in diameter) to my bonnet spring to reduce the spring force. Also, when I leave the Elan in Florida over the summer while I am gone, I release the bonnet catches to reduce the spring force even more. No, I don't leave my Elan to sit out in the hot Florida sun, but in it's dark garage over the hot summer.
Roger
Roger
'67 Elan S3 SS DHC
'67 Elan FHC pre-airflow
'67 Elan S3 SE upgrade to 26R by Original owner
'58 Eleven S2 (ex-works)
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'67 Elan FHC pre-airflow
'67 Elan S3 SE upgrade to 26R by Original owner
'58 Eleven S2 (ex-works)
'62 20/22 FJ (ex-Yamura)
'70 Elan +2S RHD
'61 20 FJ project
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- Elan45
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Elan45 wrote: I've added a key ring (about an inch in diameter) to my bonnet spring to reduce the spring force.
Roger
I did the same, leaving just enough tension for a snug fit when down and to lift it just enough to catch with a finger when the latch is released.
Henry
69 Elan S4
65 Seven S2
69 Elan S4
65 Seven S2
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I have this one fitted and it is perfect, lifts the back edge up 2" and no front edge distortion when shut..... https://paulmattysportscars.co.uk/produ ... ing-s3-s4/
Chris
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Grizzly - Coveted Fifth Gear
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Grizzly wrote:I have this one fitted and it is perfect, lifts the back edge up 2" and no front edge distortion when shut..... https://paulmattysportscars.co.uk/produ ... ing-s3-s4/
I have the same on my car...
Phil Harrison
1972 Elan Sprint 0260K
1972 Elan Sprint 0260K
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