Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Classic/Traditional Cars - Bonnet Stays

"Just take it off it's only 2 screws"

...and a lot of fiddling to put it on again - I have only two hands:-)

And besides - the best of all wives doesn't appreciate the bonnet in the sitting room :-)

Frank

I have just bought a new set of 6mm Stainless Steel Bonnet props via Ebay, but before fitting them I am looking to make a couple of modifications. The hinge mechanism looks fine.

1. The outer ends are just fitted with rubber caps - I am thinking that Rubber Suckers such as used on Toy Arrows in the past, would hold them to the inside of the bonnet without any risk to paint or of slipping away if the wind gets up. Does anyone know where I can get some of these 'Toy Suckers'.

2. The retaining clips which hold the outer ends when the bonnet is closed are fine but are only held to the Forward Bonnet Catch Plate using double sided adhesive pads which are unlikely to be durable over time with the under bonnet heat. Are there any better fixings I could use that do not require drilling holes (I will drill if I have to)?

I bought one of those kits, and haven't fitted it yet for exactly the same reasons!

Nigel

Let's see some pictures Frank and Doctor Dave will give an opinion.
Google "Rubber Suckers" - this is the first hit. There are loads.

http://www.acrylicdesign.co.uk/products.php?action=showProducts&params%5Bcat%5D=26

Frank could you not drill the retaining clips to take the bolt that holds the Bonnet Catch plate and bolt your plates on?
I have stainless bonnet stays fitted to RTA (probably from HoE / John Worral) - the forward retaining clips are mounted as I described.
Bought a set of bonnet stays for Tink, but not fitted, so they'll be spare after this week...

Cheers,

Thanks Dave. I will probably have to buy a Cheap Bow and Arrows set as most of those shown have holes right through? odd?

Thanks Graham, the kit comes with the option of the plastic clip and a tiny steel clip. The drilling idea is one I had not thought of but the metal clip is quite narrow.

Dave. Here are some photos from the instructions and of the parts (excluding the 6mm rod). Forgive the quality as I am photographing a paper print.

The attachment.

The Rubber End Cover - can easily slip off in a gust of wind? (thus my rubber sucker idea)

The Self Adhesive Clip.

The four components supplied for fitting.

My apologies in advance to the supplier if he is a Talk Morgan member.

looks more trouble than its worth Frank, I'd bin it before you lose an eye

Never been known to walk away from a challenge Urumph!

Frank - you could replace the end cover with a slightly longer length of fuel pipe and slot it over the protruding catch. I fabricated an aluminium fork on my home made stays for the very reason you mention. I once had the wind lift my MGB bonnet, which was held open by a chromed steel tube on the centre catch. The tube fell to the offside. The bonnet didn't drop because it had a side support, but the tube dropped across the front wing and made a very very slight indentation. Since it was white, it didn't show, but I knew it was there...........
I would drill the front bracket and use a small nut & bolt, or pop rivet. You might also consider sourcing a different fastener. There's a company (advertises in Practical Classics) which specialises in small clips and fittings.
These bespoke stays don't fit the Series1 Roadster on the nearside because of the large intake trumpet being in the way so it won't fold down.