MGB MGBs for Dummies: How to open the hood/bonnet

[cheekygeek]

The good news is my '79 was trailered home successfully. Also, overall, it is in better shape than I was fearing. I'm knocking the big storage dust off of it and then I'll take some pics.

Anyway, help me write my book "MGBs for Dummies" /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif and tell me the trick to opening the hood. I see a latch under the front lip (center, behind bumper/grill) and it moves freely, but it doesn't appear that IT actually releases the hood. I've seen references to a hood release cable, but I have no idea where to find the handle that is allegedly attached to this cable. It doesn't appear to be in any of the placed that I'd put it. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif Getting under the hood would sure be handy!

Thanks to any who take pity on my newbie soul.

 

[Steve_S]

Similar to where you find it in modern cars. Look under the dash on the left side. There will be a pull handle on the bulkhead above where your legs go.

 

[Steve]

The factory put the bonnet release down on the drivers side, way down to the left and below the steering column. Should be a T-handle.

 

[cheekygeek]

Hmmm. All I have in that area is a big panel that is upholstered in butterscotch colored vinyl (same as the door panels). I think someone has done some reupholstery work, but there is no hardware anywhere on it. I will remove it and see what's behind, but it would seem very odd to me that they would cover up the hood release.

 

[ccougill]

look up in the left wheel well and see if they converted it to a cable

 

[Banjo]

BFH and a crow-bar. That'll get it open /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif

 

[kennypinkerton]

Crap... I totally meant to take a picture of the realease, and the underhood part... just in case the cable had been removed and the hood closed. :whoops:

Maybe tomorrow night if no one else posts any /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

 

[cheekygeek]

Ah, Google is your friend. Found this: https://www.mgb-stuff.org.uk/bl.htm
and it did the trick (once you got the right hole in the grill and the proper angle).

The cable is still attached and I can see it go back through the fender/firewall into the "cockpit" but darned if I can see where it is from inside. I think I'll see if I can rig up a 2nd cable, as suggested on that page.

More pictures to take now! : )

 

[cheekygeek]

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif

 

[ccougill]

Can I get that on Amazon?