• Hi Guest!
    You can help ensure that British Car Forum (BCF) continues to provide a great place to engage in the British car hobby! If you find BCF a beneficial community, please consider supporting our efforts with a subscription.
    There are some perks with a member upgrade!
    **Upgrade Now**
    (PS: Subscribers don't see this gawd-aweful banner
Tips
Tips

Which bonnet style is best for working on the car?

Share this page

kindofblue

kindofblue

Jedi Warrior
Offline
My Triumph TR250 has what I would call a "classic" clamshell style front hinged bonnet (hood). I love the access it gives to all the parts on the engine, the plugs, wires, carbs, and valve cover. Very easy to see and work on. However, I have noticed that you have to be on one side or the other of the car. Rear hinged hoods allow you to make minor adjusments in your position when working under the hood. You can't access things in the back as easily, but you aren't jogging from side to side all the time. I find this particularly true when working on the front of the car, i.e. the radiator and belts. Its definately different.
 
Re: Which bonnet style is best for working on the

Clamshell, as on the Spit/GT6/E-Type. Raise the bonnet, then sit on the front tire for tinkering. Granted, on an E you'll need to drive up on some blocks to get the bonnet very wide open, but its far and away the most civilized engine access. Not too good for structural rigidity 'tho...
 
Re: Which bonnet style is best for working on the

Guess it depends on the vehicle type and whether or not it came that way. But I always thought that my dad’s old the E-types Clamshell bonnet looked pretty cool.

The only down side I see is the cost of replacement. I think I saw the Roadster Factory wanted almost as much for one of their Spitfire clamshell as I’ve seen some whole cars selling for.

Regardless of the cost, I still think they are cool looking.
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
 
Re: Which bonnet style is best for working on the

I voted, for the front hinge for the ease of working on my spitty. I really have to admit I like the hood on my pick-up though, just because it opens from either side, and if you unlatch both sides it can just be lifted off, to give complete access to the engine bay.
 
Re: Which bonnet style is best for working on the

Normal, scuttle hinged. Mostly to ease access at the front of the engine. Ive never had any real difficulties accessing the back of the engine. Of course, in an ideal world, it's removable and held on with pins.
 
Re: Which bonnet style is best for working on the

My "other" vote is for complete removal if it is going to be a lengthy period spent under the bonnet.
 
Re: Which bonnet style is best for working on the

After thinking about it a few more days, I like scuttle or rear hinged the best. You get full 180 degree access to the front of the car.

However, clamshell style is the coolest, and preferred for any "proper" English vehicle. It definately adds to the charm. More character, slighly less practical. The usual tradeoff, ay old chap.
 
Re: Which bonnet style is best for working on the

What is "top hinged"

Bruce
 
Re: Which bonnet style is best for working on the

[ QUOTE ]
What is "top hinged"

Bruce

[/ QUOTE ]

I think they mean like a Ford Model T or old 30's International's (sorry, I should know ancient British cars but I don't. I'm so ashamed. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cryin.gif)
 
Re: Which bonnet style is best for working on the

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
What is "top hinged"

Bruce

[/ QUOTE ]

I think they mean like a Ford Model T or old 30's International's

[/ QUOTE ]


THat is exactly what I mean. Each side of the bonnet opens up. I think MG T-series have this style.

I changed my mind, I think I like front hinged better after spending time in the garage today.
 
Re: Which bonnet style is best for working on the

I voted other because I like the removability of my Midget's bonnet. I have pins front and back. The rear pins are attached at the old hinges so if I'm just adding oil, I have a prop-rod and I can open it up from the front but if I need to tinker, off comes the whole thing so I'm not breaking my back leaning into the engine bay for long periods of time. Best of both worlds

JACK
 
Back
Top