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Bonnet release stuck

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cindy in indy

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Hi, Seems my 75 Midget needs oil (always does until I get those darn gaskets replaced!) but my hood release is stuck. I can't get it to budge! And I used to be able to easily. Anyone know of a way under the hood w/o using the release or tips as to why this might be happening? Thanks, Cindy
 
Hi Cindy,
the end of the release cable toward the inside of the car is in a rather tight spot. Both of the midget i have had, had non working cables.

THe hood side can be undone with someone with a long arm coming from underneath. if your grill is not in place it is much easier. the hood latch needs to be pushed toward the drivers side. it can be reached.

i have heard of a replacement that works differently??

someone that knows will be along shortly

guess i need one too /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

mark /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thirsty.gif
 
You will need long and skinny arms but it can be done with no damage (did I mention that it helps if you have multiple elbows or are a contortionist) Gerry M makes a kit that attaches a remote release to the existing latch it is activated from the fender well be sure to lube the cable and the catch well before you close the hood again unless you are as I said earlier a contortionist
 
Hi Cindy,

It's been about 20 years (literaly) since I owned a Midget, but as I recall, the bonnet release is similar to the B-GT that I have now. (someone correct me if I'm wrong)

I was having trouble with the bonnet release on the '74.5 GT I'm trying to finish, and was not having problems on my '74 parts car, decided to swap them, and found a possible fix for your problem in the process.

Long story short, I ended up swapping only the cables. '74.5 didn't have a knob on the cable end (broke off), '74 did. Couldn't remove the housing without first removing the cable, so I left the housings in place.

Try this:

Once you get your bonnet open, loosen the retainer on the cable at the latch, and unthread the cable from it. Then, pull the cable completely out of the housing.

(The housing is flat wound, and not watertight. Over the years lubrication washes out and rust sets in; especially at any tight turns in the housing or at pinch points.)

Using a Dremel tool or something similar, carefully grind/file/sharpen the end of the cable to a point, being careful NOT to separate the ends of the wrapped individual wires.

Wipe down the cable, cleaning off any old grease, dirt, and apply a thin layer of wheel bearing grease or similar lubricant.

Reinsert the cable into the housing. (here's where that pointed end comes in handy)

All that's left is to reconnect the cable end at the latch, and it should be as good as new.

I did basically the same thing I've just described on my car about two months ago. Before I did this, it took both hands pulling rather firmly to release the bonnet. Now I can release the hood easily with a couple of fingers.



Hope this helps.


Mike /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/patriot.gif
 
Thanks guys! I was able to reach up under the bumper to find the wire to easily pop open the hood. My cable is still stuck inside the car though. So strange -- it was easy as could be up until now. Could it have anything to do with my replacing the front springs? Could I have pinched the cable somewhere?
 
[ QUOTE ]
Could I have pinched the cable somewhere?

[/ QUOTE ]

Cindy,

The housing on the GT can be visibly traced from the latch to the firewall, running along the driver's side of the engine compartment, just below the edge where the fender is boolted in place. Should be a similar installation in the Midget.

While checking the housing along it's path, any pinches should be apparent.

Mike /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/patriot.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
Thanks guys! I was able to reach up under the bumper to find the wire to easily pop open the hood. My cable is still stuck inside the car though. So strange -- it was easy as could be up until now. Could it have anything to do with my replacing the front springs? Could I have pinched the cable somewhere?

[/ QUOTE ]

i wouldnt think so cindy, but anything is possible. like i said earlier the cable runs from the trannytunnel fowardto the latch. certainly a good idea to lubu it well where you can and check it for pinching..
Good luck

BTW do you have a photo of your car?

mark
 
I plan on taking a bunch of photos as soon as I replace the camera that my 10 month old niece broke (good thing she is cute!). Seems something is always broken around my home /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
I would not think that the cable was pinched in a spring replacement. If yiou disconnect the cable at the latch you sould be able to pull the entire length of the cable out then clean and re lube as suggested earlier I would substitute liquid graphine that I have used effectively on M/C cables for years BTW do you belong to the indy MG club?
 
I have a short wire looped around the cable and protruding through the grill that I can tug to open the hood on my B...use it all the time in the shop and it works well /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Bruce /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif

PS...happy Birthday Cindy /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
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