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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Midget bonnet

Hi guys going to help a freind out over the next couple of days whos got a rubber bumper midget who has managed to break the release cable for the bonnet so its stuck shut can any of you please tell how best way to open the bonnet ............Cheers Roy
Roy Constantine

Roy,

Just looked at my 1500 and can't see how to get anywhere near the front release mechanism.

If you look at the Moss website

http://www.moss-europe.co.uk/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=1200

at least you'll have a sketch of the mechanism
so you know what you're working with.

Good luck,

Allan
Allan ('76 Midget 1500)

Roy,

you may just be able to poke a thin screwdriver through the grille and push the lever on the catch plate towards the passenger side - it'll be sprung loaded so won't be easy - until the bonnet pops up.
Good luck.

Jeremy
Jeremy 3

As you already know somehow you need to move the release latch over. Pushing down on the bonnet might help make it easier to open it. I suppose the cable broke at the latch lever because if it didn't, you might be able to pull on the remains of the cable somehow from underneath.

Try pushing down on the bonnet and try Jeremy's suggestion.

My car is at another location so I can't try my other suggestion of trying to loop some wire over the latch lever.

Clive Reddin 76 Midget

Not on a 1500 I admit, but have you any holes in the nearside inner splash panel, cos that was how I got into the area of my bonnet catch with a wire coat hanger straightened out to reach the middle of the car but with a hook over the end to catch on he actuating arm

when I got it open (I know I've asked before, all car thieves please look away for a few lines) I then turned the coathanger into a release mechanism hooked into the cable hole on the lever and made a Tee Handle for grabbing to open the car through the wheel arch

sorry, no handy pictures

look at Spridget 50 if you like!
Bill

Bill gave me an idea about the splash holes and coat hanger.

Can you possibly thread a coathanger through where the headlight wires come from inside the engine area?

Have you checked out the vids on YouTube from University Motors? They show how to pen a boot from the inside, perhaps a bonnet?
Clive Reddin 76 Midget

>>> Not on a 1500 I admit, but have you any holes in the nearside inner splash panel... <<<

Unfortunately, the inner wing is one area where the 1500 differs rather a lot from previous Midgets. The metalwork runs all the way from bulkhead to front shroud, and there's really no way to get through it. Easy to say, sitting here at my desk at work, but I think this is the case.

I agree with the advice above, to work a screwdriver through the grille opening and try to push the lever. You may need to remove the bumper first, since it obscures most of the grille opening.

-:G:-
Gryf Ketcherside

Not the "correct" way, but if you look under the left side front wing just to the front and above the wheel you should see the cable housing, most of the time the release cable breaks at the inner end in the cockpit, and still is intact up to the release. Grap a hold of the cable housing under the wing and give it a good tug, you should be able to pop the bonnet loose. When you replace the cable add an emergency bonnet release up under the wing using a piece of wire or small steel cable attached to the latch. Gerry Masterman here in the US makes a kit for the MGB that would work. http://www.gem-enterprises.net/page3.html
Bill Young

Roy, sorry, fogot you were talking about a RHD car. The cable routing for a RHD car may be different, check the under the right side wing as well.
Bill Young

Bill, the routing is the same as the NA spec cars. I see pictures of UK spec cars and the bonnet release is in the same place as the NA spec ones.
Clive Reddin 76 Midget

This thread was discussed between 06/04/2008 and 08/04/2008

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.