Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Bonnet Catches

Same on my 4/4 sport .I add some grease but it doesnt change a lot.

All this is very familiar. First day I had the car I couldn't open the off side front catch. I pushed so hard it broke off Back to the dealer pronto for a quick repair and he showed me the method that has worked for me ever since. Undo the rear catches first, then the front. Push down parallel to the slope of the bonnet (NOT vertically). Push with the heel of the right palm, at the same time keeping first two fingers of the left hand under the chrome catch, which allows you to pull it away the moment you feel the "push" has been effective,

Agree with all comments but if something is bent or misaligned they are darned difficult and need more than technique to release. Also as springs weaken the bonnets can lift up at the correct speed which is why bonnet straps are added I presume; demonstrating that the catches are far from bomb proof. Until your bonnet/s fly up at speed don't be too complacent about how easy they are to open, unless you have a bonnet strap of course.

Complacent? How can that be inferred? I was trying to be helpful in describing a technique that works for me. I had assumed that all catches were fixed properly and aligned correctly. If not, as you say, that is a different problem. Yes, I have a bonnet strap but those who have had Morgans longer than I tell me they are entirely cosmetic - but I think still nice to have.

I tried all of the methods outlined here today but I still could not get the bonnet open. The catches are just incredibly stiff and will not press down far enough to release. I tried with gloves on and using all the force I could muster and nothing. You need to be Hercules to get them open. I wonder if the dealer can carry out some adjustment, such as filing down the catch on the inside a little - that might give the catches a little more play. I think it could be an alinement issue as Mike suggests or else the springs are too stiff.

What about a block of wood (say 2x1") with a grove in one end. Put the groove over the knob and tap the other end with a mallet.

I found my Aero stiff at first and used to use gloves, but have gradually got used to it,worn it in, had it adjusted and greased, or just got bit more used to it. All comments seem fair, try to fiddle with bonnet open (if you can....)

St Eve. 'Complacent' was a reference to catches which generally open very easily but could result in 'flying bonnets' (see comment from this weekend's racing). I was merely suggesting that caution is needed if assuming all is well just cos they open easily. Certainly not a personal slight just trying to be helpful, based on my own experience on the motorway when my catches were 'too easy to open' having previously been 'too difficult to open'. Now 'just right'.

As I said the factory sorted them. I bent, greased and fiddled but left it to them in the end. Springs can stretch too, had one new front one.

I have checked my service invoice and apparently it is the design of the inner wing that has changed so that the bonnet catches now sit at a different angle and this means there is no adjustment on the catches !!