Proper Bonnet Prop Arrangement

[DAK]

As I restore my car, I am wanting to correct what is currently an incorrect bonnet prop set-up. My car is a 1968 TC and has a receiver for the prop on the left hand top inner wing near the leading edge (photo attached). The bonnet on the car came from an earlier model SC and has the prop hinged down from the bonnet closer to the centre of the bonnet such that the prop will not fit into the receiver (photo attached). As much as I have looked for photos of what the arrangement was originally, I cannot find one clear enough to show the bonnet end of the prop arrangement. Can anyone share a photo of the hinge and the clip that clips the prop to the bonnet when not in use? Thanks.

 

[Vern Klukas]

The proper setup for your car should be the rod mounted across the front of the bonnet. There is tab at one end (driver's side) and a spring clip on the other side. To do that, you're going to either have to find a proper bonnet or do some fabrication. I can get some pictures later if nobody has any to hand.

Yours
Vern

 

[Richard Zahra]

Lately a friend of mine remarked about the bonnet prop set up saying that the central set up as opposed to the left hand side set up is better since the bonnet stays straight when propped up instead of bending towards the right. Mine being a 1969 TC has the prop hinged to the left of the bonnet with the receiver as shown in the pics and have never had any problems.

 

[DAK]

This is my opportunity to do the necessary fabrication, so if someone has photos with enough detail, it would be appreciated. As might be seen in my photo of the existing arrangement, the ugly weld at the hinge point suggests that this set up may not have been original on this bonnet. It would be nice to get this cleaned up.

 

[Vern Klukas]

I'll try and get some pics today to post.

Yours
Vern

 

[DAK]

Thanks.

 

[Vern Klukas]

Sorry, snow is still too deep in front of the car. But it's melting fast, should have pics for you soon.

Yours
Vern

 

[DAK]

Not a problem. The car will be in the welding shop for the next 4 weeks so I have some time to have them do any necessary work. I appreciate you making the effort.
Thanks,
Dan

 

[Demetris]

Right, rather less snow over here (nil to be precise... ) and the car still can't go anywhere ( ) so i have just taken a few shots of the filthy inner bonnet (which reminds me that some time i must really do something about it...).
Hopefully, they will help you. I believe that the arrangement is mostly original, just the prop spacers look somewhat home made to me. If you need any clarification on the arrangement, or measurements, just let me know.

 

[Vern Klukas]

Thanks Demetris. You are right, the bits attaching the rod are not right but everything else is. Note the reddish little foam pad in the middle, right behind the latch. That's important, otherwise the rod will rattle loudly. I'll get a shot of the original attachments to round things out, snow is really going fast today.

Yours
Vern

 

[Demetris]

That would be useful to me also Vern. I would like some time to restore the rod attachment to something resembling the original.

 

[DAK]

Thanks for the photos Demetris. I am looking forward to seeing how the attachment point looks on your car Vern. Also thanks for pointing out the red piece of rubber. I may not have noticed that and traded the rattle I currently have of the rod against the front carb with one from the rod against the bonnet.

 

[Vern Klukas]

Here are some pics. The little cap and washer are not original for this style, but are proper for one of the earlier prop rod arrangements. The previous owner put them on for some reason.
Actually, looking closer the washer isn't right period. The early arrangement with the cap had a two or three turn spring washer.

 

[DAK]

Thank you both! This should give me enough to go by to get mine much closer to the original arrangement.