Bugeye hold down brackets not lining up -help

[ichthos]

The hold down brackets will not line up with the locking rods on my Bugeye. My Bonnet appears to be 1/8" too far forward, and 1/8" too high. My bonnet is adjusted as far back as possible. Any ideas on what I can do? I could drill out the holes on my bracket, but I would really rather do it the right way to begin with. What am I overlooking? Any suggestions or tips?
Kevin

 

[Deleted member 8987]

What did you do between the bonnet fitting and not fitting?
What did you change?

 

[ichthos]

I'm not sure. This was a total restoration down to the last nut and bolt. It did work at one point because I made sure everything fit before I took it apart. The front of the locking rods was worn down so I welded and ground it back where it should have been. I also put a gasket between the hinge and bonnet. I added a washer between the locating pins and bonnet - is there supposed to be a washer there?
Kevin

 

[Deleted member 8987]

This is a BugEye?

 

[ichthos]

Yes, it is a Bugeye. I am leaving for a date. My wife has been very patient with me, and I don't want to push my luck. Looks like it is going to be the TR6 tonight. I will be back in a few hours, so I am not ignoring anyone.
Kevin

 

[Deleted member 8987]

Have fun!
Normal bonnet, right?
Not a reverse mount?
Hinges at the back?

If you extended the pin with a washer...maybe.
Cannot recall seeing that done, so not sure.
Take the lock pin out, test the fit of the bonnet, if it closes correctly with proper gaps, at least the fit is right.

The angle of the pin may be off, or just the added length, causing the pin and socket to not line up.

I'd have to see it, I guess.
I'll be at Jaguar of Tacoma in Fife tomorrow for a Jag Club meet and judge's practice.
Closer to you.

 

[Deleted member 8987]

Had a think on this. Reason I asked if you'd removed the pins to see if the bonnet set down right is the problem may be in the hinges.
Been a lot of years since I worked on one that old, but if you had the bonnet off, and hinges off, the hinges may be installed wrong or bent.
By brackets, you mean the latch assemblies?
Or the alignment/guide brackets to the side?
If your bonnet is too far forward, last thing I would do is drill out the holes for the pin or latch assemblies.
I'd be concentrating on the hinges.
PM me, when you get home tonight with contact info, I'll see if I can swing by after the meet.
Dave

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Sounds like a Bungy cord will work at least temporarily. As heavy as the bonnet is you'd need to get up a whole lot of speed in a BE to get that thing to lift.

 

[ichthos]

That was very nice of you to offer Dave, but I am just now seeing your message. I got home a lot later than I thought. I have played with things a little bit more. I got it to the point where I can turn the handle and the rods go in far enough to hold the bonnet. I am going to try some of the other things you mentioned. I will let you know how it turns out. I still have to fix a gas leak and figure out what is wrong with my starter.
Kevin

 

[Deleted member 8987]

Look at the latches, make sure they are on the right side.
Look at the possibility that the front frame section is slightly bent.

I checked the forums from the public computer at the Jag place, no message, so came home.

Dave

 

[leecreek]

Check the bumpers on top of the inner fenders. They might be too tall.

 

[jlaird]

I found the best way to fit a bonnett is with the grill out. Now I can reach in and adjust stuff.

Its all in the adjustments. Never fear it will fit.

 

[ichthos]

Unfortunately Jack, I figured that out after I took the time to install the grill. I am still at it. With all the tips, I am sure I will get there. As I thought about it, there were a lot of small changes I made after fitting it the first time. I Spent most of the day on a few other running details, and then I will be back at the bonnet. I am pretty close to making it fit at this point. I am going to pull the new bumpers as leecreek suggested and see what happens. It is amazing how little changes here and there can have such an overall effect.
Kevin

 

[jlaird]

Grill should be easy, get some plastic hose from Ace that fits tightly over the teets that are on the back of the grill.

Cut in about half inch lengths. Insert grill. Shove hose peices on grill teets.

Oh gosh, all done.