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MG MGA - Bonnet catch

What is the best way to locate the bonnet catch pin assembly over the latch? I was thinking of removing the spring first so it would not jam.
Art Pearse

Art you should fit it all before you fit the grille. Finger tighten all bolts, then you can adjust it to fit correctly.
Barry
Barry Gannon

Art

I think it was a thread from you a while back that discussed elements of the latching mechanism. You need to check that the bottom fixed latch plate is the correct way round. Mine had been assembled the wrong way round. The consequence of this is not the jamming of the locking pin but the possibility of the whole bonnet being pulled very slightly off centre. See my photo and description: http://tinyurl.com/qcwndqw

Steve
Steve Gyles

I have the bottom latch assembly all installed correctly and have tested it with the upper pin assembly, not corrected to the lid. It plugs in and releases OK. All I need to do is find the correct position for the mounting in the lid, ie the slotted holes. So what is the trick?
How about placing the pin assrmbly in the catch, coating the bracket with gasket sealer and lowering the lid to get an imprint?
Barry, I have the grille on and it was a real knuckle grinder. I'm reluctant to undo it, but the bottom assembly is not adjustable I think. Its the bolts to the lid I need to adjust.

Art Pearse

Art

You may be playing with fire if you have already fixed the grille. Despite it being a 'real knuckle grinder' you may be better off removing it. The consequences could be damage to the grille or body or both if that bonnet sticks.

Steve
Steve Gyles

OK, grille off. thx for the warning. I'm gonna cut slots in the ends of the upper screws so I can undo them with a screwdriver for future emergencies.
Art Pearse

Got it!
Removed grille.
Set the bracket by feel to the middle of the slotted holes in the lid.
Installed pin with no spring.
Tested centre with latch pulled - OK first time.
Installed spring and cup and adjusted for height.
I cut a screwdriver slot in the nose of the pin in order to adjust it from below, as the slot at the top is impossible to reach!
Art Pearse

Art,
Remember, when you get to it, that the safety catch is shown installed the wrong way round in the parts book.
Peter.
P. Tilbury

Pete, been there! In fact on Barney's site, mine is posted there as a "wrong" example!
Art Pearse

Art, I replaced all my grille fixing screws with stainless Allan (int: hex) headed screws. Using a ball ended driver it made mine a lot easier to fit.
Pete
P N Tipping

This thread was discussed between 01/11/2013 and 06/11/2013

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