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Aww CR@$, Speaking of Hoods not named Robin

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ronzet

ronzet

Jedi Knight
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I was working on my A today happiy checking off item after item in preparation for a parade next weekend... even whistling...

Then... I reached the part of the list that needed the hood open.... I pulled on the ring under the dash expecting the hood to pop open... then pulled again and again...

The hood is closed and latched...

I have NO idea why. Anyone have a similar experience and what did you do???? /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wall.gif
 
Hmmm, large prybar, no guess not.
 
I got mad, said a few choice words and gave it a frustrated yank as hard as I could....miracle, it popped..sometimes the LBC Gods throw in a little luck! That's to make up for the broken bolt that holds the windshield in. I had to tear it apart to get the windshield off (good thing I'm not keeping it) but now I've got to drill out a stripped, broken bolt and re-thread it. Geesh..its always something.
 
Sounds like the latch is out of adjustment. You should be able to tell if it's still even connected or not buy the feel. Worst case, you can gently bend (twist only) a vane or two of the grill to create enough room to get a tool in there and pop it manually.
 
Guys,

EEYYWWWW...

None of these sound like fun.... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/rolleyes.gif

I have been referring to my handy pocket dictionary of popular and/or un-known swear words, jestures, and incantations.... as yet to no avail.... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wall.gif

I gave up this evening and will work on it on the morrow.. Maybe the engine will run forever without checking the water or the oil... uh, maybe not... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/mad.gif
 
To check the latch mechanism, open the hood and pull the rod from inside and look. But I,m guessing the pin is slightly out of alignment. Put paint on the pin head, then lower it into the socket until it just touches,holding the safety catch out of the way.The pin will now have a mark in the wet paint that tells you if it is off centered and by how much.Adjust as needed. If you can, remove the grille first.
 
Shotgun? No wait that's for hubcaps!
 
BOXoROCKS said:
To check the latch mechanism, open the hood and pull the rod from inside and look.
Click to expand...

The problem is first getting the bonnet open to look! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif
Jeff
 
Oppps just checked again a different poster,sorry.

Ok, assuming the latch rod pulls the lever, Have someone pull the lever while you use a long, long, screwdriver and push the pin until it centers in the opining.....like Steve said.

Also while pulling the lever bounce the hood at the latch, almost never works though.
 
I looked at my B to see if I could come up with something for you. I couldn't find a complete picture of the A mechanism but IF they are the same...

I bent a small (1/4" - 3/8") hook into a piece of coathanger. By sliding it into the grill at about 8" to the right (facing grill) of center and using a flashlight for guidance, I was able to hook the hex screw that holds the clevis that holds the pull wire to the latch.

It was as simple as pulling hanger out to the right. That pulled the latch slider all the way clear of the hole so the pin just popped up. If the problem is that the slider is not clearing the hole completely (for whatever reason), you'll be set.

Let us know if you are successful! Adam
 
I'm thinking.....

It must be possible on the MGA for both bonnet, sorry guys, hood, and bootlid, trunk if you like, to rig a bit of wire/cable tie/welding rod etc so that if either of the mechanisms fails you can still get in.

I might have a look into this.
 
well... my thoughts were it should be at least possible to access the latch mechanism from under the car. Never worked on a A myself, but I would think it should be possible...

Anywho, are ya sure you have all the slack taken out of the cable? Are ya sure all the pulling you did wasn't just taking the slack out?

Other than that, I think I'd check the latch and pin for alignment like others have already said, and then grease the release mechanism so it's easier to actuate...
 
You can't access it from under the car. MGAs have a full front shelf which butts right up to the radiator. There are also no cables in the release. It's mechanical.
 
And without a plan aforethought will require some sacrifice. Minimising it is a result of careful consideration. Getting to the release thru the grill is the only way I can think of.

"Waldos" come to mind.
 
Gentlefolks,

Thanks for the notes and the advice..

The weekend was consummed with HoneyDo's.. I really need to get it open this week.. as I mentioned ... Christmas Parade in which I am driving is this coming Saturday Night...

I will plug away this week after work but will, should I not succeed, probably drive it on Saturday with my fingers crossed.....

Stay tuned.. film at 11:00... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/jester.gif
 
Of course you can always remove both front tires, then unbolt the inner fender wells, then remove anything that has a bolt head on it then use the cutting torch.......um, maybe not...... I know.....trade it in??? /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif LoL
 
Silverghost,

I was so frustrated that I had a plasma cutter in my hand to cut the WHOLE front of the car in half...

But then I would have to buy a gallon of JB Weld to glue it back together.. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/devilgrin.gif
 
losmorob,

Now that is a great idea... unfortunately this is one of those 'close the barn door...' situations...

When, and IF, I get the hood open again I'll install a backup like the one you linked to... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cheers.gif
 
Ron,

Through the grill is the only way I can see going.

Had this happen on my 911 once, but on the trunk/boot, now that was a bear I will never want to rassle again.

Pat
 
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