Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Adjusting bonnet catches

Found the front nearside catch leaves over an 1/8" play at front of bonnet (other side locks down nicely). Pushing down on bonnet takes up play without surfaces touching

Haven't checked what adjustment is available on bonnet and fixed catch, but wonder which side is usually slackened and adjusted to cure this play, assuming its possible.

Richard, usually the factory lads just bend the catch that's fitted to the inner wing, but of safety padding and water pump pliers does it

Thanks Jon - may have a look myself or leave it until 1000 mile service.

No issues with my handbrake BTW other than the stretch. Apparently the builds vary in how much tinware is hanging down from under dash as potential knuckle scraper

I sorted my 4/4 Sport brackets out with a BAHCO adjustable (smooth jaws) when the LHD bonnet popped up on me doing around 60mph, it was the front one out of adjustment and it let go leaving the rear catch to move backwards and release itself.
The car was brand new and the supplying dealer 100 miles away so no option really at the time.

I gave the brackets a "tweek" to improve the fit as outlined above - also the little rubber support bracket ( on the inside of the wing edge - viewed when bonnet up) as one was about 5 cm away from the bonnet when it was shut - not actually doing anything!

As a follow up to this subject, whilst travelling back from the Midlands on a busy, windy M6 this afternoon, the nearside bonnet came completely unlatched at around 75-80 mph It floated gently up and down as I decelerated and eased across two lanes onto the narrow hard shoulder.

Cursory inspection suggests no damage to the bonnet. Unfortunately though whilst both exiting and entering car after securing, the drivers door was yanked out of my hand by the blast from very close passing trucks. This has bent the s/s checkstrap door bracket such that door sits well beyond the original 90° when fully open.

Car booked for first 1000 mile service tomorrow when adjustments/corrections can be made, but obviously miffed at the damage. My concerns (see first post) seem vindicated although the matter had previously been brought to the attention of my dealer. In fact they were the last people to touch the bonnet after which I had travelled 200 miles with a seemingly secure bonnet.

Can I be assured this is not the norm or should I consider a bonnet strap

Richard, I have always had bonnet straps on my cars as, in addition to looking the part, they do add that extra level of security.

Frightening to have bonnet fly over your head as I know from experience. Get a bonnet strap.

Mine are almost to the point of being impossible to release!

I think there is something wrong with the adjustment and if I had that much free play, I wouldn't drive it until fixed.

Mine are more like Dave's in that it needs a good deal of pressure to release them and there is no way I would need an additional strap to secure.

I have mixed feelings about straps but I don't think they should be used to overcome a problem without fixing the problem as well (first)