Removing and handling the bonnet

[kingzetts]

Living out in the country it is not always convenient for me to enlist assistance when heavy and bulky objects need to be moved.

So, with e-type bonnet removal looming once winter arrives in earnest, I wondered what bright ideas you guys have used for single-handed lifting, storing and moving around your bonnets?

I've seen a couple of rather "Heath Robinson" methods mentioned in blogs, but I'm sure we can do better. All ideas welcome.

[Heuer]

Two pounds of best back bacon, fresh baps and a bottle of HP sauce usually works

[harryetype]

Or get a few boys down your local beered up and convince them it's a good idea.

[kingzetts]

Hmmm....drunken local yokels used to repairing farm machinery with hammers, and delicate e-type bodywork.....not an attractive mix. I suppose my son and his mates from the school rugby team is another option.

[Heuer]

John

In all seriousness you ideally need four people to remove the bonnet safely, two if you have plenty or room to work, as it is very heavy. I am sure I read somewhere in the Service manual, Jaguar said as much. You can store it vertically in bubble wrap as long as you cover the paintwork in a cotton cloth first (plastic can react and stick itself to the paint). Two people can move it around if required.

Jerry Mouton has a great pictorial guide which may help: http://moutons.org/Jaguar/Photos/Bonnet%20Removal/

[Moeregaard]

Bear in mind that the bonnet is nose-heavy. It's been some time since I've removed one, but I recall the center of gravity being at the front of the wheel arch. I always placed a pillow or rolled-up padded shipping blanket under the nose during removal. Two guys can do this, but having a third to remove the pivot bushings makes things easier.

[harryetype]

In the ideal world you have four people holding with bonnet slightly open so you don't catch it on bodywork. and you unbolting and removing the bushes.

It's worth removing the main bolts before hand andy slacken the bonnet support bolts so their hand tight which makes it a 5 second job when your mates are holding it.

I also spray a bit lube around the bushes and turn them before the final removal ( dont pull them out at this point )

If there are only two others then lay some padding under the front, the open the bonnet with your helpers holding it up whilst you remove the support bolts, then carefully open the bonnet further until the nose is resting on the padding. Now it's time to remove the bushes making sure they take up the load. once both bushes are out just lift it up and stand it on it's end on a bit of carpet.

p.s. dont forget to disconnect the wiring harness and if it's V12 the washer pipe before removal.

[andyp]

And check that the bolts / bushes will come out before you drag those four helpers round.

Andy