Bonnet spring hook

[gjz30075]

On an S4, does anyone know how the bottom of the spring hook on an S4 bonnet/hood attaches to the bonnet? Is it simply 'glassed in or does it hook around the reinforcing rod that's imbedded in the 'glass?

Greg Z

[garyeanderson]

This bonnet hook a little bit earlier than a S4, it from 36/5520 and is slightly different than the one you posted the photo of. I think I have 45/7334 around but its a couple miles from here. The 36/5520 bonnet lives in my attic now.

[fatboyoz]

Greg,
My 68' S4 bonnet, spring attachment is a plate, with a hook, pop-riveted to the inside of the bonnet leading edge as per Piss-Ant's photo.
Colin.

On an S4, does anyone know how the bottom of the spring hook on an S4 bonnet/hood attaches to the bonnet? Is it simply 'glassed in or does it hook around the reinforcing rod that's imbedded in the 'glass?

Greg Z

[gjz30075]

Does your '68 have the dual headlight pods (non failsafe) or single, in the middle (failsafe)?

I don't see any pop rivets in mine.

Greg Z

[fatboyoz]

Greg,
Double vacuum pods.
Colin.

Does your '68 have the dual headlight pods (non failsafe) or single, in the middle (failsafe)?

I don't see any pop rivets in mine.

Greg Z

[gjz30075]

Thanks. The reason I'm asking is because I bought a new bonnet and it's virgin; no cutouts or metal anywhere. I want to recreate this attachment because, as you S4 guys know, the pull of the spring is very strong and the OEM attachment method, whatever that is, hasn't failed in 40 years and is probably the best way to attach this hook.

Greg Z

[aratchet]

The hook is welded to the tube and then the tube is then glassed in to the bonnet. All late S4s and factory replacement bonnets had this arrangement. It does work well, but I have seen some that bow the leading edge of the bonnet over the years.

[gjz30075]

Now, knowing what I know from aratchet (thank you!), my body guy and I decide to cut it out of the old bonnet to glass in to the new. As you can see, the bracket is welded to 1/2" galvanized conduit, nothing fancy.

We cut out most of the conduit, which wraps around the sides in one piece. The new bonnet has a much smaller piece of pipe (or something) in the same location but it stops at the pivots and a new piece of pipe starts again to continue down the sides. We hope to glass in this old conduit in one piece which will give the needed strength to spread the load of the pull.

Greg Z

[AlfaLofa]

Does somebody know the dimensions of the metal strip shown in Gary's photo above.

I presume it is only a couple of mm thick.

I also presume it is steel and not aluminium?

[fatboyoz]

32mm x 405mm x 1.1mm Steel. As per Gary's photo, four large rivets to attach and the hook is crook shaped and returns to the flat section and the end has a small rivet to hold it in place.
Regards,
Colin.



quote="AlfaLofa"]Does somebody know the dimensions of the metal strip shown in Gary's photo above.

I presume it is only a couple of mm thick.

I also presume it is steel and not aluminium?[/quote]

[AlfaLofa]

Colin thank you for the dimensions.

Perhaps I'm being thick - but I'm still struggling to grasp the configuration of the "hook".

Can any one help with a side view photo or sketch?

It looks as if it is welded to the steel strip - and as Colin says - also riveted.

And is there anything protruding beyond the front of the bonnet (which can't be seen in Gary's photo)?

[fatboyoz]

Steve,
It has taken me a while to do this. My 68 S4 Elan lives on a hoist in the garage, so a bit of manouvering required to get it down.
The pictures show my bonnet's spring attachment (the same as Gary's) from various angles. Have included a picture of my car to spur you on.
The four main rivets are quite large and require a washer under the head to spread the load to the fibreglass.
The other rivet is smaller and also requires a washer.
Regards,
Colin.

Colin thank you for the dimensions.

Perhaps I'm being thick - but I'm still struggling to grasp the configuration of the "hook".

Can any one help with a side view photo or sketch?

It looks as if it is welded to the steel strip - and as Colin says - also riveted.

And is there anything protruding beyond the front of the bonnet (which can't be seen in Gary's photo)?

[AlfaLofa]

Hi Colin,

Thank you for the pictures - just what I wanted!

It's a strange configuration and not what I was expecting.

Your car looks superb. Excellent colour scheme