"Tilt forward bonnet" hold-down question...

[cdsmith]

Hi...
I have a Bugeye and one of the first things I did was convert the hood to tilt forward... Something I always wanted if I got a Bugeye...
So what I'm searching for is a method of keeping the hood in place... I have seen the rubber hold-downs (dune buggy type - which is a possiblility), but would kind'a like something a little "cooler" -- more pleasing to the eye.
Thanks for any and all input.
cd

 

[Tullamore]

What about the leather hood straps, that's what they would have used when your car was new.

https://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=32067

 

[Tom Rynne]

Check out Speedwaymotors.com They are a hot rod parts supplier and have a bunch of hold down types.

 

[Biff]

cd,
check out this method. Scroll down the page and you will see it. I used this on mine.
https://pages.sbcglobal.net/jbcarey/NewJCarey/news.html

 

[kevinjakey]

CD,
I was also trying to figure out a cooler way to hold down a front hinge bonnet. I'm thinking that a possibility may be to make two perches and mount them to the car using the stock hinge mounting points as a mounting point. On the perch mount a light duty hood release from some small economy car on the left and right side. Rig both releases to operate at the same time via a cable release.
Hope this helps....
-Kevin

 

[cdsmith]

HI...
I thank all for the ideas/input...
The spring idea is very cool - even elegant!
I like the leather straps also...
In the past I've given some thought to cable release - what I need to do is go to salvage yard and do some "looking" - that will be fun - might find all kind of treasures!
Thank again.
CD

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Look at latches of SUV hatches as well.

 

[Texas_Cicada]

For the time being, I am planning to stay with my "rear hinged" bonnet, but I am looking at options to replace the struts...especially since mine did not come with any. So far, a length of two-by-four has worked, but it is certainly not very elegant. I was wandering through the auto parts store the other day when I saw the selection of gas-charged struts. Have any of you ever tried using something like that to hold the bonnet up? (I imagine it might take a pretty strong strut to do the job.)