Bonnet catch

[Bernie2015]

Hi, my bonnet catch (pictured) doesn't line up with the arm on the bonnet in fact it looks like it needs to come at least 10mm further forward. Does anyone know why this would be? All shut lines are correct - is there meant to be a plate behind the catch that positions it further forward?

[mgcjag]

Hi Bernie..does the catch on the bonnet not have adjustment (slotted holes)..Steve

[Bernie2015]

It does but not enough to line it up

[mgcjag]

Could be the part you show is bent..i thought the bend was slightly rounded..yours looks sharp....plus all the damage to the body lip probably by someone trying to lever it open....Steve

[Bernie2015]

Thanks it just looks slightly further set back compared to some photos I've seen almost as though the bulkhead it screws into isn't in the right postition. I will have to put some packing behind it to bring it out.

[mgcjag]

This shape looks better

[Bernie2015]

I realy think its more than just reshaping the bracket - in fact I wouldnt mind betting if you compared the photo I have put up with yours you would see more of the catch protruding from under the lip.

[BRM]

Hi Bernie, you might find the problem is with the catch part on the bonnet. Have you recently bought a new one ?

When I bought my car that part was missing so I bought a new one. I couldn't make it work anyhow. I tried bending the bracket on the bulkhead like you but couldn't get close. Then I realised the fault was with the new bonnet catch - the part with the hook on. Have a look at yours. Is it straight ? If so give it a slight bend in the middle so the hook is angled back slightly. The metal is quite soft and easy to bend. I did that and it instantly worked perfectly.

[Bernie2015]

I have bent the receiving bracket out as far as I dare and as you can see the arm (albeit not sprung open) will not go into the receiving bracket. The part on the bonnet is as far forward as the slots will allow. Would be interested to see how other cars look but cant find this view on the internet so it looks like spacers behind the part on the bulkhead is the only option. Thanks for the replies.

[Tony]

Mine is the same. You have to press the lever to bring it out enough to go in.

[abowie]

It does but not enough to line it up

The catch needs to be bent to fit. Often an irritating procedure.

[Mephistopheles]

Hi Bernie, these photos might help.
Best regards
Holger

[Bernie2015]

Thanks Holger that is very helpful - i have posted a photo of bonnet fitting and the arm it is very different. I see you have a Series 3 perhaps the arms on the bonnet fitting are differenrt or i have the wrong one fitted?

[mgcjag]

Hi Bernie...we do have parts catalogues for all the models in the knowledge base section....you could look up if the part numbers are the same across all models or if they differ.....Steve

[Bernie2015]

Thanks Steve I will. If anyone has a Series 1 and can compare my bonnet fitting with theirs it would be very helpful. This car came from the US so its possible it was refitted with an incorrect part at some point.

[mgcjag]

Did you see Tonys post above

[Mephistopheles]

Bernie, the bonnet safety catch did not change during the production of the E type. You may have a repro part installed; the original part has two holes in the latching arm.
Regards
Holger

[Mephistopheles]

just to add: I am not sure if the shape of my bonnet safety catch is original, however without its bent shape it would not match with the catch bracket.

[Bernie2015]

You're quite right it must be an old repro part. An inspection of SNG website shows the repro parts for all models to be identical to mine ie without the holes. I will have to try and locate an original part or continue bending and shaping and hope nothing breaks! Thanks for all the help I imagine this has happened to a few people.

[mgcjag]

Plenty available with 2 holes from other suppliers