Discussions board for the classic MG MGA.
On a previous MGA I had an occasion where I could not get the hood open. Years ago and I cannot remember how but I finally got it open. On my current project, I recently put the grill in and now I am reluctant to fully latch the hood ( not driven obviously). I have read in Barneys site about an emergency release mod but cannot find a description of what it consists of. What have you done?
Of course, having put this in, the bonnet latch will now never fail.
I used aircraft cable with a crimping tool. An eye bolt was used on one of the extra holes on the latch slider.
Looks like that would work if some part of the pull rod linkage came apart, but that seems unlikely if the cotter pins are properly installed and checked every five years or so.
A more likely cause for a stuck hood(bonnet) is misalignment of the latch(ask me how I know). If that happens, about the only way is to go through the grill. At the bottom of this page on Barney's site is a suggestion of how to mount the grill so that it can be removed with the hood closed which would allow a stuck hood to be opened no matter if it was caused by misalignment or by a disconnected linkage.
http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/body/bd101a.htm
I drilled a hole in the pan directly beneath the locking mechanism. I plugged the hole with a left over rubber grommet that I painted the body color. It can't been seen behind the grill anyway. Now in the event I can use a long screw driver to hopefully open the bonnet.
Cheers.
Thanks guys for the ideas. I like the idea of being able to take the grill out ( Barney tech) but I dont understand the description. Slow today. Has anybody done this or can better explain the mod?
Top bolts for the grill normally go in from the top through large clearance holes in on the body and thread into captive nuts in the grill top flange. The trick is to install those top bolts from the bottom, threading then into the grill flange. The tip of the bolts then stick out the top where then cam slip through holes in the body. Put plastic or rubber hose over the bolt threads to closely fit the holes in the body, then holding it secure with no rattle. Install the grill by engaging the top studs into the body, then push the bottom of the grill in and install the lower bolts from underneath. The grill can then be removed by removing three bolts underneath and just pulling it out. If anyone has done this,or will do this, I would appreciate pictures to add to the web page.
Barney - Thanks - Your description I understand. I may give this a try although my grill did not go in easily the first time. I remember having alot of difficulty getting tabs and holes to line up. If I do I will document.
The emergency cable is perhaps a better option on the coupe, as it is sometimes convenient to pop the hood without unlocking or having to maneuver around the doors.
John L.