TR4/4A Bonnet release on a TR4

[joejoecat]

My bonnet (hood) kept popping open so I put on a new latch. I guess I didn't adjust it enough now I can't open it.An easy job gone wrong !!! Any ideas on how to get it open?

 

[TR4]

You might be able to jack the car up so you can get at the latch from below. There is an arm that your release cable is attached to that you might be able to push with a stick to manually release the latch.

 

[Lou Metelko]

Worked for me a couple of times - press down on the bonnet above the latch while someone else pulls the knob under the dash. Good luck

Lou Metelko
Auburn, Indiana

 

[TonyPanchot]

Pull of the front passenger tire
and if you can find a piece of conduit of similar thin tubular stock
put a bend on the end
use a light to locate the offending latch hook and pull

worked for me when my cable broke
then I installed RFT 123 on this page with the new cable

good luck
https://www.zeni.net/trf/TR6-250GC/index.php?menu=B&page=201

 

[TonyPanchot]

Or you can try this method
https://www.buckeyetriumphs.org/technical/Bonnet/Bonnet.htm

 

[Geo Hahn]

In case a couple of pics will help:

This is what you'll be looking for if you can get under the car with a broomstick. The arrow shows the direction you want that lever to move:

This photo shows the grommet hole mentioned on the webpage that describes the bent metal tool for levering the latch:

Possibly a little different on yours as my TR4 does not have a heater.

In both photos you can see the auxillary back-up cable I have added -- comes in thru an unused hole in the passenger side foot well. Cable is a simple generic one from the auto store 'Help!' section.

 

[martx-5]

Of course, if all else fails, you can use one of these! :laugh:

 

[joejoecat]

I'm not sure what happened. I don't believe the cable is broken, as I have a back-up cable also. Neither cable will release the hood and neither cable has very much "travel" to them.The hood fastener is hung up on something ?? Next week I'll have to take to a lift and see "what's-up".Keep that can opener handy !

 

[KVH]

If you can't get it from underneath, which would seem quite difficult, I'd definitely try what Tony shows there. That method appears in numerous TR Websites. Be sure not to blow any fuses or to short the battery terminals. You might first disconnect the ammeter gauge wires.

It sounds like something is jaming the latch arm. You know there is a small nub on the other side that might be jammed, too.

I like the idea of someone putting a towel or blanket on the bonnet, and then pushing down, maybe pulsating a bit over the latch pin like CPR, while you pull those cables.

I'd be very patient, consume a few beers, and tell yourself it will be all afternoon and maybe then some.

 

[KVH]

I could also imagine the angle of your new latch not aligning correctly with the pin. In that case, things could be more difficult, and I'd guess in that case that some extra force (maybe from below) might be needed to dislodge the pin.

 

[tdskip]

Related to this I just checked Macy's Garage and they aren't able to accept PayPal for the release latches any more. Any idea as to what gives?

Joe - once it is open this is your next stop of business.

And for those here, like me, that haven't installed the secondary release let's get on it.

 

[Geo Hahn]

...Keep that can opener handy !

If it is really hung up and the latch inoperable then your solution may be to undo the bonnet hinges. Obviously a lift will make this much easier.

I think it would have to be the bolts (2 on each side) that hold the hinges to the inner wings.

The bolts that attach the hinges to the bonnet may look easier to get at but there are 4 -- 3 in plain sight and 1 that is around the corner and accessible only when the bonnet is up.

 

[joejoecat]

Thanks guys !! I'll let you know how I make out. If its like everything else it won't be an easy or cheap fix.