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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Bonnet lock

Driving along at speeds rather higher than the old 1800 was ever designed for, I'm starting to become worried as to whether the bonnet lock is up to it. I had a midget bonnet come up once at only 50mph and I didn't enjoy the experience.
Has anyone added any addtional bonnet security measures - I'm talking discreet - not leather straps or clips through the bonnet. - Or maybe I'm just expressing needless worry and the existing mechanism is quite up to the job.
Marc

Mine was OK at 120 ...
Paul Hunt

Despite serious speeds I've only had a problem occasionally over pot holes where the bonnet has popped onto the safety catch. If you want to go further a chain and clip arrangement can be rigged between the base plate and the bonnet hook for true peace of mind.

Regards, David.
David

If the main catch pops the pin is probably worn, it can be rotated, say, 1/4 turn to new faces without altering the bonnet alignment very much.
Paul Hunt

If you have a chrome bumper car and the bonnet pops open at speed or over bumps, one often overlooked cause is the lack of the two little rubber buffers in the top of the grille. These keep the front edge of the bonnet stable and helps reduce the tendency to pop open. The only place I have found with "correct" replacements is Victoria British in Kansas.

Cheers,
Paul Kile
Paul Kile

Paul

FWIW Just checked both the VB and Moss catalogs. VB shows 3 required for 62-69. Moss has what appears to be the same item on pg 71 of their MGB-13 catalog, but shows only 2 required.

Larry
Lawrence Hallanger

Larry,
I think the VB reference is incorrect, I have never seen more than 2 of these on either the early (1962-69) or late (1972-74) grilles. Easiest way to check is to look at the top of the grille surround with the bonnet open. If your buffers are missing, you will see two empty round holes, one on each side.

Moss may show this part, but I believe it is a different shape than the original part. Last time I checked, the Moss part was flat on top (like some of the rubber "feet" you find on electronic equipment). The original part was a rounded button. VBs part is closer to the original.

Cheers,
Paul Kile
Paul Kile

This thread was discussed between 01/06/2001 and 14/06/2001

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