Setting bonnet height at front?

[Chris_Masucci]

Hi Folks,

What locates the height of the bonnet at the front of the shroud? Is it the rubber buffers in the channel of the shroud or the latching mechanism?

Thanks!

 

[BigGreen]

Both, the mechanism holds it down with the buffers giving some tension

 

[tahoe healey]

This is a good question for me too. If it lines up to; look right it bounces while driving. If tightened to no movement it sits recessed. I have matched the height and drive with dense foam under the front edge of the bonnet, laid in the channel. I have all the proper rubber bumpers in place to their max height. The bonnet is original and no front end damage.

 

[AUSMHLY]

Both, the mechanism holds it down with the buffers giving some tension

Right you are BigGreen.

I'll add, that with some creative MacGyver tweeking, you can obtain the fit you're looking for.

The bonnet has a pair of rear hinges and a front striker pin assembly. You can make most adjustments with those to obtain a good gap fit and a flush alignment to the shroud.

To get the front bonnet flush, adjust the striker pin.

Once you have a uniform gap and everything is flush, then tweek the rubber buffers. You want the buffer to press up against the bonnet to keep it from vibrating or movement.

To adjust them, it may be as simple as having the hole for the split rivet in the right place.

If the buffer is too proud, then either cut the grove deeper to let it sit lower or shave some rubber off the top.

If you find that the buffer just isn't tall enough to make contact with the bonnet, make a spacer out of a thin sheet of aluminum. I just folded it in half and placed over the rain rail. If you're lucky the rivet will hold it and the buffer in place. If not so lucky (welcome to my world) then rivet the shim to the shrould first.

Just in case your wondering, the 3rd photo showing the end result of the shim hidden under the buffer....wait for it....that's not a scratch, it's the edge of the clear bra

Cheers,
Roger

 

[Healey_Z]

Roger,

Every time you post a picture I want to run out to the garage and polish my car....simply incredible.

Ken

 

[Chris_Masucci]

Excellent Roger, that is exactly what I needed. Thank you.

 

[tahoe healey]

Me too.

 

[bighealeysource]

Hey Roger,
Like Ken said, every time I see pictures of your BJ8 I am amazed at the quality. It is a beautiful Healey !!!! Plus like your hint on getting the buffers to sit a but higher as that would help with my BN2 bonnet.
Regards,
Mike

 

[davidb]

As a side note, you might also want to be sure that the bonnet/hood height at the back/windshield is set correctly as well. The previous owner of my BJ8 had it set too low, and with the constant scuttle shake, it actually wore grooves into the shroud. It's one of those things that you notice by accident.

Cheers
DB