Bonnet Counterbalance frame (or words to that effect!)

[Gopherit]

Has anyone had a breakage of the bonnet counterbalance frame as shown in the attached photo? Not sure what the correct name for this part is, but it consists of a tubular piece across the front underside of the bonnet with a sheet metal arm at each end, each being riveted to the edge of the bonnet.

Originally the tube was connected at its middle to a spring which thus helped counterbalance the bonnet on opening.

I suspect that the breakage across the hole has occurred because the PO put a hole where there wasn't one before - if not it's a classic design mistake!

I am also uncertain how necessary it is to actually have the frame there at all it does not now seem to serve much purpose.

[Craig Elliott]

I haven't had the frame break - but I have had the whole bonnet come off as a result of one of the hinge bolts coming undone at speed...!

I strongly suspect that the frame is necessary to give the fibreglass panel strength and stop it flexing/breaking. There seems to be a reasonable amount of pressure trying to lift the front edge of the bonnet when you're travelling at motorway speeds so it's probably worth repairing and keeping the frame.

C