Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[alec.elliot]

Hello Gents

Can anyone let me know if the centre hinge pin (the hinge in the centre of the bonnet) should float in both parts of the bonnet or is it fixed in one part and floating in the other part?

Sounds an odd question I am sure but I have some problems with adjustment of the bonnet to get decent parallel clearances between the rear of the bonnet and the front of the scuttle and also the front of the bonnet and the rear of the radiator cowling.

I will try shifting the radiator assembly forward and also altering the tie rods but being able to shuffle the bonnet along on its hinge pin would be helpful also.

All the best

Alec

[welder]

Hi Alec, I've just been out to the garage to check on mine and the centre pin is fitted as a loose item so you should be able to achieve your aims.

I well remember that it took me several attempts to get a decent fit as there are so many variables. Fortunately the whole radiator/cowl assembly is mounted using slotted holes so I slackened the fixings and, using the adjustment on the tie rods, eventually managed a decent fit along the scuttle as well as the front end interface with the rad cowl/grill.

Good luck.

Ian

[alec.elliot]

Thanks Welder. Looks like my hinge pin is sticking in one half of the bonnet so I cannot move it forwards or backwards on its shaft. Looks like I have some playing around to do.

All the best.

Alec

[goneps]

Alec,

The jamming is probably caused by wear forming steps in the pin.

Some time ago someone on the 8MVS suggested gripping the hinge pin in the chuck of a cordless drill to rotate it while withdrawing. Simple and ingenious.

Richard

[petermeachem]

My Ruby is exactly the same, the hinge pin doesn't move one iota in either direction even if I try hard. Can't rotate it either. One side of the bonnet pivots freely, the other turns with the pin. I can't see anything that holds it.

[bjacko]

The bonnet hinges are like normal hinges. They have a long pin which is a neat fit but due to rust and wear it can be tight. sometimes it is held by paint. Use some WD40 or similar to lubricate it over the full length ensuring you wipe off the excess straight away and move the bonnet sides up and down a few times to get the hinge pin lubricated and it should come out. To use a drill you will need some hinge hanging out of the front or rear of both sides of the bonnet. A soft drift of aluminium or brass could be used between a hammer and the hinge pin to get it started.
All three hinge pins are the same.