Bonnet catch worn.

[mudnut]

The bonnet catch, or loop, has worn though, almost a third of its thickness, and the bonnet used to squeak like crazy. I have adjusted the latch and the rubbers on each side to compensate, but the bonnet sometimes pops when I am driving over rough stuff. Has anyone got any suggestions on what to do to fix it?

[threedogs]

Can't build it up with weld ??

[mudnut]

I thought of that, 3D, but I'm guessing that it is a hardened steel, which will crystalize with the heat.

[BigRAWesty]

Yea mine is the same mate. I was going to build it up with a bit of hard facing rod.

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

[threedogs]

wouldn't think it would cystalize, hit it with a file see if it marks up, that'll tell you if hardened or not.
I'm thinking not, Kallen??

[BigRAWesty]

Yea maybe not mild steel, I'd think its a extruded shaft or of the likes.
I think hard facing would be overkill for sure.. but the latch is replaceable, the bonnet part is not..

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

[threedogs]

Case harden quickly after building it up

[mudnut]

I might sit back and see how Kallen's hard face rods go. I wonder if that epoxy stuff that gets as hard as steel would go?

[growler2058]

Go to the wreckers and get one

[mudnut]

I would if I could find a wrecker within 300k of my place that had a remote chance of having a Q bonnet in as good as nick as mine. (Apart from the loop).

[threedogs]

That loop is part of the bonnet eh , Grab some stellite rods and go for it
Or you could fit GT style bonnet clips, look good on a GQ ,

[growler2058]

Good excuse for a road trip I rakin HAhahahahahaha

[04OFF]

Could you pack the bonnet catch out about 5mm with some washers, that way it will sit/catch on a untouched part of the bonnet loop ?

Or heat up the bonnet loop with a oxy, and bend its mounting points a little ,so it will hit the catch on a fresh spot ?

[threedogs]

BA has a donor car as well not sure if selling bonnet or not

[happygu]

Mudnut,

There will be no harm in welding it up, and even if it is softer it may wear a little quicker than before, but I am guessing that your bonnet is original and has lasted this long....

Better than you bonnet flying up at you when you are cruising along - trust me on that one......bent my bonnet over the windscreen, with a huge fold over the roof. Not great when you suddenly can't see anything at all, but a huge grey piece of metal.

Mic

[BigRAWesty]

Yea I reckon weld the bonnet and if this wears it'll save the latch, and just put a small dot on it each 5 years..

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

[threedogs]

X 3 build it up with weld mild steel , fit some new bonnet rubber adjusters, should last for years IMO
Or for added security fit bonnet rally lock pins .

[mudnut]

Thanks, blokes for all of the replies. I was thinking of the post and pins. Years ago, I made a stainless steel set for my Fairmont, and they worked a treat.

[mudnut]

I have ordered some lock down devices, (Rubber which stretches to rest in cups on front of the bonnet) for under $20 a pair.

[threedogs]

Ala FJ45 style I was thinking the rally style you bolt to Radiator support panel , And use an :R: clip to secure

[mudnut]

The rally style looks way better, but I used to lose the R clips all the time.:1087: