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Bonnet adjustments

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A

aroostok

Jedi Hopeful
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Having a real problem adjusting the bonnet (American = hood!) to fit properly and close properly. Always seems out of alignment. Any suggestions as to the route I should go or send me to a resource?
I have replaced all the seals around the engine compartment but it all seems out of wack when I try to shut it.
 
One thing I do when I first start instlling a bonnet is to loosley install the bolts holding the bonnet to the hinges - then, run a nail through the small hole in the bonnet/hinge between the bolts to get the hinges closely aligned..then tighten & remove the nail....from there, any adjustments are pretty easy.
 
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Yup, it's the easiest way!
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Tony,

Does that work only if the original bonnet and hinges are present? Were the holes drilled after intallation at Abingdon or are they universal?

Jim
 
Jim - I've used it when switching hoods from one car to another.
 
Shinsen774 said:
Tony,

Does that work only if the original bonnet and hinges are present? Were the holes drilled after intallation at Abingdon or are they universal?

Jim
Click to expand...

The holes appear to have been drilled at the factory to facilitate later hood/bonnet re-installation.
I had the same question myself and examined a bunch of MGBs at a show. Every single car had the holes; early cars late cars, all of them had two 1/8" holes through each hinge arm and the bracket on the hood.
However, in my mind the jury is still out as to whether the positioning of the holes could be slightly different car-to-car, which would mean that if you switched hoods, lining up the holes would no longer position the hood correctly.
hingeholes.jpg
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]However, in my mind the jury is still out as to whether the positioning of the holes could be slightly different car-to-car, which would mean that if you switched hoods, lining up the holes would no longer position the hood correctly.[/QUOTE]
I can't remember how many I've swapped but its a bunch - steel & aluminum - & never had a problem - & never had any alignment problems....try it with the nails, you'll be surprised how easy it makes aligning.
 
My car has an aluminum hood, at least magnets won't stick to it so I figure it's aluminum. Aside from the lighter weight, what is the advantage to either? I know alum won't rust.
 
Lighter weight & rustfree - you named 'em.

I try to make sure every MGB GT I redo for my collection has an aluminum hood just because of weight.
 
tony barnhill said:
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]However, in my mind the jury is still out as to whether the positioning of the holes could be slightly different car-to-car, which would mean that if you switched hoods, lining up the holes would no longer position the hood correctly.
Click to expand...
I can't remember how many I've swapped but its a bunch - steel & aluminum - & never had a problem - & never had any alignment problems....try it with the nails, you'll be surprised how easy it makes aligning.
[/QUOTE]

Sounds like the jury has returned a verdict.
I used nails, too, and they worked great.
P8180179.jpg
 
Any value in using a cotter pin in the holes after hood is finished? I used some 1/8 inch pins and things worked out fine. Thanks much.
 
Don't see any value once the bolts are tight.
 
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