An end to floppy bonnets

sdibbers

sdibbers

Well-Known Member
Posted this on my member’s project thread but it might be handy for other folks here. I’ve always noticed the leading edge of my bonnet would move when at highway speeds. Also I felt like the bonnet drooped on one side when on the stay. After looking at the X shaped cross braces I noticed the rivets at the leading edge were pretty loose.

I ground away the heads of the old rivets. Normally I would drill them out but with the outer skin being just above them I didn’t want to risk blowing through and denting the skin. I put in new aluminium pop rivets and it’s amazing how the bonnet stays st
 
I had to remove the cross brace to get the HS8 to clear. I use a central pole to prop the bonnet now ( he moans if Ieave him there for too long ):)
But yes the bonnet is very floppy without the brace. I also noticed the front corners flapping at speed, I think I need to put pins there.
 
In fact, and having in mind Rover's tendency for over engineering, the central locking pin and catch looks somewhat flimsy for such a large and heavy bonnet. I find strange that my Austin 1300 is much more better served in this area, despite having almost half the bonnet area. The pin and spring looks like twice the size of the Rover items, not to mention that the safety catch is not bolted right in the same area with the locking pin, as it is in the Rover.
 
I've had the pleasure of having a P6 bonnet blow open on me, as has a friend of mine. It ruins the windshield and (friend's case --open at highway speeds) dents the roof pretty good, not to mention ruining the bonnet, but you can still see out quite well.

Yours
Vern
 
Vern Klukas said:
I've had the pleasure of having a P6 bonnet blow open on me, as has a friend of mine. It ruins the windshield and (friend's case --open at highway speeds) dents the roof pretty good, not to mention ruining the bonnet, but you can still see out quite well.

Yours
Vern
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Me three with the surprise rover bonnet opening.
 
Demetris said:
In fact, and having in mind Rover's tendency for over engineering, the central locking pin and catch looks somewhat flimsy for such a large and heavy bonnet. I find strange that my Austin 1300 is much more better served in this area, despite having almost half the bonnet area. The pin and spring looks like twice the size of the Rover items, not to mention that the safety catch is not bolted right in the same area with the locking pin, as it is in the Rover.
Click to expand...
I think Rover was thinking this is a lightweight aluminum bonnet and doesn’t need a huge spring.
 
Although the P6 bonnet, complete with the insulation pad, isn't that lightweight, in this case i think that the area is more important, because it increases the pressure that receives from the air at speed, hence the increased frequency of incidences with bonnets opening at speed. I think that the P6 really needs twin bonnet locks like the modern 75 has.
 
hi there,
Perhaps fitting those bonnet straps or fashionable mini cooper wire safety pins would be an idea with 40 + year old cars.
Such a big bonnet is a liability , any bigger and we would need clearance from the tower before take off? :oops:
Peter
 
I think just fixing the flex helps return the safety factor. But now you mention it I do like the idea of leather straps.
 
sdibbers said:
I think just fixing the flex helps return the safety factor. But now you mention it I do like the idea of leather straps.
Click to expand...
thinking about it, there is nowhere to mount the retaining end of a strap on the bonnet, so found this , in aluminum too , so compatible with our bonnets.
ebay number 333188582503
Could also be used if you have a floppy boot? leather straps would suit very well in that location.
Peter
 
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I’m sticking with the Rover center catch for the moment. I greased the cable, catch and central pin. Adjusted both feet on the front corners of the bonnet and the center pin height. No real movement at highways speeds detected and the latch feels pretty positive when you push down on the bonnet. I’m pretty confident she’ll be good going forward.
 
Vern Klukas said:
I've had the pleasure of having a P6 bonnet blow open on me, as has a friend of mine. It ruins the windshield and (friend's case --open at highway speeds) dents the roof pretty good, not to mention ruining the bonnet, but you can still see out quite well.

Yours
Vern
Click to expand...
That would certainly make one sit up and blink in surprise.
I had my Mini's bonnet open on me at highway speed and it wasn't fun.
 
I had a bonnet open on me once on an old Viva HB while driving across Britannia Bridge, 100ft above the Menai Strait. It crashed back down and I managed the next mile to the scrapyard and weighed it in unscathed but rather shaken.
 
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