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Post-War Other Safety Tip for Spitfire, GT6 and Herald Owners

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TR_Jim

TR_Jim

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I was putting the radiator shroud back on my GT6 last night and once again (this has happened about 4 times over the years)I bumped into the bonnet stay rod and the bonnet came down on me. It caught my arm between the bonnet and the front valance, and banged my head. I don't know if anyone else has had this problem, or come up with a solution, but I ended up putting two spring clamps on the stay rod joint. I tried hitting the stay rod, and now it would take quite a bit of pressure to move it.

So with a sore arm and a bump on the head, I hope this prevents any more accidents.
 

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Re: Safety Tip for Spitfire and GT6 Owners

I'm glad to hear you're okay. I wouldn't be surprised if someone, somewhere, has been killed by that damned bonnet falling! All it takes is a little nudge, and BOOM! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/mad.gif

Although I don't like the looks of them, and they're not original, I think the gas strut mod for the bonnet on Spits, GT6s, Heralds, etc., is a very wise safety mod. I did it to both of my GT6s and never regretted it.

That bonnet falling could really hurt you. It's happed to me and probably just about everyone else who's worked on these cars enough.

Gas strut mod: A good thing IMHO.
 
Re: Safety Tip for Spitfire and GT6 Owners

I now remember this happened to me once many years ago with my first Spit, and now that I've got a new one I'd forgotten to watch out. Thanks for reminding everyone of the danger!
 
Re: Safety Tip for Spitfire and GT6 Owners

I can't say as I've ever experienced this with a Herald, and goodness knows I've dealt with enough Heralds over the years! But then, most Heralds had springs to help lift (and, to a small extent, hold) the bonnet up. And it's a shorter and somewhat better "balanced" setup than on the Spitfire/GT6.
 
Re: Safety Tip for Spitfire and GT6 Owners

I use a bungie-cord from the bonnet stay to the frame.

A.
 
Re: Safety Tip for Spitfire and GT6 Owners

My stay rods have all been well over center, so it takes a good bit more than a nudge to drop the bonnet.

You could easily put a slip tube down the upper shaft to lock the two pieces together when the bonnet is up.
 
Re: Safety Tip for Spitfire and GT6 Owners

Like everyone else here, been there and done that. I use the clamps as well, keep them in the spit and will soon be in the gt6 too.... That's one lesson I don't want to relearn...
Dennis
 
Foxtrapper, I really like the idea of a slip tube. Perhaps a piece of conduit with some old radiator hose or similar stuffed inside to keep it from rattling when not in use. Thanks for the idea.

(Oh... I like the clamp idea too. However, I know that when I next need to remember the clamps I'll either forget, or be to lazy to hunt them down).
 
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