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MG MGA - MGA Bonnet installation

Does anyone have any tips on installing the bonnet. When I received my car the bonnet was duct taped on with no hinges attached. I installed the hinges that came in the parts box and attached the bonnet. When I close it, it sits about 1/2 inch to far forward and scrapes at the back when opening. There are elongated holes on the hinges and I have in as far back as possible. Any suggestions?
G Needham

The hinges are "handed", that is, there is a right and a left side hinge, they are not interchangeable (but they can be used on the boot lid). Try swapping around and see if that helps.
G Goeppner

Not sure I would advocate reversing the hinges, this would cause severe damage either to each hinge or possibly rip the hinges out of the bonnet mountings.

Mr Needham are you saying the bonnet is actually too long? or does it simply need moving back towards he windscreen?
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

No, I am pretty sure the bonnet is the correct length. Before I installed the hinges I set it in position and it fit perfectly. When I close it the distance it overlaps at the front is the same as the gap it leaves at the back toward the windscreen.
G Needham

If I remember correctly the mounting plates in the bonnet are capable of sliding are these set as far as they can to move the bonnet rearward? I suppose it is possible that the hinges have been strained and perhaps the arc is now not correct?
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

I will check to see if the plates will move. The bonnet was painted and maybe they are stuck. Are the hinges marked left and right?
G Needham

If the hinges are wrong they will not fit to both the bonnet and scuttle. the angles will be wrong.
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

OK will check all this out tomorrow Thanks
G Needham

The hinges are probably not marked RH or LH, but it is easy to tell when you know what to look for, See here: http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/body/bd119.htm
Same hinges for bonnet and boot lid. If the boot lid works you might try swapping hinges from back to front.

The floating captive square caged nuts have only limited travel for fine adjustment of position. I suspect your bonnet hinges are bent. They are quite easy to bend, and maybe not much problem to "adjust" the shape. See here: http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/body/bd117.htm
Barney Gaylord

This thread was discussed between 21/02/2012 and 22/02/2012

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