Removing front bonnet - MKII Austin Healey?

[Jersey]

I started to just get the car painted...but like pulling a thread on a sweater I quickly found myself pulling the fenders and once I saw bare metal under the front bonnet I knew it had to come off too!

I have removed all the bolts in the front, the sides and the dash, but it still seems to hold fast along the firewall area...I removed the small screws in the gutter in front of the firewall, but it seems like it is firmly affixed somewhere between the cabin and the firewall.

I see some adhesive in the area and perhaps that is all there is that is holding it in place, but I am hesitant to put too much pressure to break the bond.

Can anyone tell me if I am missing something...the dash is disconnected, two bolts on either side of the heater module,
and I cannot see anything on either side of the firewall that is holding it in place.

Was adhesive layered on thick above the firewall in a typical installation? I would think that appropriate to prevent fumes from leaking into the cabin, but how to break the bond
is a little intimidating.

Please advise ... give me courage.


Jersey

 

[roscoe]

Sounds like you are removing the front shroud, the bonnet being the hood. Yes there is probably some sort of adhesive holding it onto the scuttle framework. Depending on what it looks like under the dash area, you may be able to slip a thin blade between the skin of the shroud and some of the substructure, but there might also be adhesive or sealer in areas you cant't get to. Be careful as the shroud is aluminum and quite soft. If you are sure you have all the screws out, you might try some gentle heat with a heat gun to possibly soften old adhesive. Try working one area at a time until you see some movement, then go to another area and try. Eventually you will get it moving. Be patient. I've only done this with my BN-2, but I don't think there are any major differences. Take a good look at the diagrams in the Moss catalog to see how it all goes together.

 

[JamesWilson]

The front shroud is also pop riveted to the scuttle. I forget the exact number but there are several.

Those need to be drilled out or else you'll damage the shroud.

There was a coating applied between the top of the scuttle and the shroud but I think that was more for soundproofing and isn't that strong, but my shroud was loose so I'm not the best reference on that point.

 

[Lin]

My guess is that your problem is the pop rivets that run along the front face of the shroud under the dash pad. There are also 2-3 pop rivets and some copper split rivets under the rubber scuttle seal between the front door edge and the shroud. Peel back the rubber and take a look.

Lin

 

[Jersey]

The adhesive was the problem...heavy duty stuff...with patience and a putty knife I got it off..thanks