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Aww CR@$, Speaking of Hoods not named Robin

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I doubt the cable in the link above will work for MGA. As mentioned above there is no cable in the MGA system. It's mechanical and the spring tension is very high. I suppose you could rig something up but honestly this is the first MGA bonnet I've ever heard of that wouldn't open.
 
Dont' know about MGAs but can you reach up from under the engine and get ahold of the wire or what ever.
 
Speaking of Grilles...

I had just installed a new, aftermarket grille on the A and it was a real BEAR to install.... the mismatch of the mounting tabs and the 50 year old body necessitated some creative installation techniques.... WITH THE HOOD OPEN... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wall.gif

HOPEFULLY I can de-install the grille with a minimum of damage to the grille....or my sanity...or my checkbook... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/nopity.gif

Film at 11:00...

Times like this make me wish I had a Miata instead of an LBC.. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/rolleyes.gif
 
Steve,

This is a first for me too... and it had to be mine.. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/rolleyes.gif
 
Jack,

The A was engineered with a hermetically sealed engine compartment... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/jester.gif

'You can't get there from here...' so to speak.. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wall.gif
 
Reaching up in the engine bay will sometimes work on a B, but the release rod is a solid piece on the A from the cockpit all the way to the grill opening. The only way to release it without the rod is to go through the grill or cut an access panel in the front shelf. Since the shelf is structural, and visible through the grill, I'd prefer to twist a couple vanes and grab the release with something. It really shouldn't be difficult unless the latch is stuck.

Regarding the grill... If it's any consolation, grills always require hand fitting just as they did at the factory. It's worse now that the cars are so old, but it's just part of the game. This is just one reason I prefer to restore an old grill that will fit right back where it came from!
 
Steve,

Thanks for the advice... I am going to work from the grille inward this evening... Hopefully any bends that I inflict will be minor...

One of these days I must take a drive north and visit you to see your stable in person.... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cheers.gif
 
Steve S is correct, but you do have another alternative that can be lemonade from lemons. But, being the kinda guy I am,...I ain't gonna tell ya.
 
OK, my mean streak is over... I am betting that your problem is the pin and not the latch, but either way here is my idea.

Beg borrow or steal an oil cooler, and make a cardboard template of the oil connections.Trace these on the bottom of your radiator panel,cut the holes for the oil fittings,then run your long tool to the pin or latch. When you have gotten the hood open,buy the necessary parts and install your new oil cooler on the panel. Lemonade from lemons.
 
I was in your area a couple days ago Ron, but I didn't have the A with me and I didn't have much time anyway. Feel free to give a call any time you're up this way.
 
BOXoROCKS,

That is a great idea... however I think my idea <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:] a plasma cutter in my hand to cut the WHOLE front of the car in half[/QUOTE]
might be a little less work... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/devilgrin.gif
 
Just opened the hood on my MGA to look - about the only way to open one of those things if the latching mechanism isn't working is to somehow get your hand through the grille.
 
Ok all.....it is Christmas and in the spirit of the holiday, I have established an account for us all to donate funds to get Ron a new grill and plastic surgery on his knuckles after he wrecks them getting his hand THROUGH the old grill....

"Can I buy this grill, for my Daddy please? You see he's been struggling with his hood for a long time now and Mommy says there isn't much time before he goes insane.....so I need to buy this grill so my Daddy won't go crazy tonight......" <My DEEPEST apologies to the original version of this song>
 
Silverghost,

How can I add to that???... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/lol.gif

As a footnote.. The grille that I bought must have been made by a Knife shop... I lost a quart of blood putting the darn thing in... I am really looking forward to taking it back out.... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/rolleyes.gif
 
You don't have to put your hands through the grill. twist a couple vanes near the right (when looking at the front of the grill). Have an assistant pull the bonnet release. Get something through the vanes and grab the release lever, then pull to the right (your right) as hard as possible without slipping off and ruining the grill vanes. Remember that the lever moves side to side and is very stiffly sprung.
 
Actually, I am going to try to unbolt the bottom of the grille and try to reach the top bolts and remove the grille completely...or, if possible, reach up to try to move the latch from the bottom of the grille. I have looked at it and think, at the moment, that it will be possible... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/rolleyes.gif

As I said earlier... film at 11:00... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif
 
Simon!!!

Thanks for the offer.... I will likely be working on it Saturday morning with a gaol of getting it open, re-installing anything that I have uninstalled in the process, and driving to OB for a parade at 2:30..... whew...

Call me if you can come by... ALSO... you might want to attend the Christmas Parade in OB on Saturday night....The MG Club is participating with a beavy of beautiful MGs cruising down the parade route.
 
So OK Guys...

Just to close this out... I have the hood open... After much effort in trying to get it to pop I ended up removing the grille as was suggested. I removed the three bottom bolts a gently prised the bottom up enought to get my arms behind it and fiddled woth the latch, the latch knob, all to no avail. I finally decided to remove the three top bolts of the grille and remove it.

Once inside I examined the linkage and the latch mechanism finding no faults.

With a small ball pean hammer I ever so gently tapped the bottom of the latch bulb and presto the hood opened!!!

Just a little bit of rust or paint along with the ever so slight misalignment was the problem...

It's not the mountain that wears you down.. It's the pebble in your shoe /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/rolleyes.gif

THnaks again for all the suggestions and the help.. YOU are a great bunch-o-friends.... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cheers.gif
 
/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thumbsup.gif /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thumbsup.gif Congrats - and I am sorry that I missed all the fun.
 
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