bonnet adjustment latch

[Mbgardner]

I've read the articles that appear with the above-referenced search terms at least twice. I'm still not clear what to do about my problem, which is that the bonnet pops open when i hit a bump like a bridge expansion joint.
It closes tight. the bumpers seem adjusted properly; it opens easily enough; the safety catch/latch works. A pull on the release while driving after it has popped releases the safety catch and the hood will rise a little scarily with a cross wind at speed..

The closest thing I've read that could lead to my problem was the tech bulletin which suggested grinding or filing the flat side of the male cone latch pin that could get rounded shoulder. And perhaps, maybe cleaning and lubricating the female, semi-circle release catch. Some confusing / unclear terminology between what is the latch and what is the catch.

Any real intelligence that could summarize the right approach to the cause and solution would be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Toyanvil]

Mine did the same thing, and it was the male cone latch pin had rounded off the shoulder a little where it hits the female, semi-circle release catch. I just turned the male cone latch pin a half turn so the worn out side was not being used.

 

[DanR]

Here's a PIC from the SAOC - Alpine Guide that has some info on repairing the Bonnet striker....

 

[Toyanvil]

If you are going to repair it, it wound be better to weld up the worn area and then reshape it on a lathe. That's what I will do next time to mine. If you don't add weld the cone latch pin will be smaller.

 

[Mbgardner]

Thank you. So I found out that a PO had welded the male cone latch bolt to the mounting bracket and so I couldn't remove it to work on the flat side of the cone.. Not to be deterred, with vise grips, c-clamps, and a vise and a pinch of finger skin, when the spring sprung, I was able to work a file around the flat edge. Not perfect, but a little crisper edge. I also found the latch not perfectly centered in the catch hole, Adjusted the latch 1/16" to center. And problem seems fixed. Not sure what to attribute it too. but defer further worries about where to find a replace latch pin and bracket assembly to another point in time. I also lubed the cable and catch mechanism, so I really don't know what did the trick. But good advice here.

 

[Tim R]

Don't forget to fit a safety wire when you are messing around with adjustments otherwise you might end up with the bonnet (hood) stuck down and that is not fun!


Tim R