spring bonnet hinge

[geni]

I replaced on the front the original radiator fan with a SPAL, but now it was impossible to hang the hood holding spring!
Have you made a modification or other form of attachment of the lower spring? How did you proceed!

[steve lyle]

I replaced on the front the original radiator fan with a SPAL, but now it was impossible to hang the hood holding spring!
Have you made a modification or other form of attachment of the lower spring? How did you proceed!

After I replaced my radiator with a 26R version, I ditched the spring and just went with a length of wooden dowel (3/8", I think, and maybe a bit over 2' long - I can measure tonight if you need) to hold the bonnet up when necessary. Right now it's stored in the boot, but I really should secure a couple of clips on the underside of the bonnet and stow it there.

[1owner69Elan]

I also could not use the bonnet spring because of a large 26r radiator. Besides not holding the bonnet up when open, for which I now use a telescoping rod, my concern was about relying on the stock bonnet catches on the trailing edge to retain the bonnet. I have had the bonnet occasionally open on its own while driving whereupon the only thing holding on to the bonnet was the front spring. I thus changed to more secure hood (bonnet) pins instead for safety. Of course with no front spring you now have to lift up on the pin mechanism to raise the bonnet. A benefit is that the entire bonnet can be removed more easily without having to unhook the front spring.

The front edge of the bonnet has a lip which holds the bonnet front in place when it is in the closed position. Thus, the bonnet is quite secure with just the front lip and bonnet pins and no spring.

[steve lyle]

Good point, 1owner, on the lifting issue with no spring.

I use the original latches, but carry a paint stirring stick in the glove box. I insert it between the cowl and the bonnet at the latch position, pull the release cable, and lever the bonnet up with the stir stick.