16 replies to this topic

[BTA168]

Hi, this is my first post on here and already have had my first major incident with my mini! (Apart from that one break down).

Basically, I have bought my first Mini (Rover Mini City E 1275 [metro engine - stage 1]) for three weeks now. And today, driving down the dual carriageway today. My bonnet decide to pop open and fly towards the windscreen! I was going about 50-55mph and luckily it did not smash the windscreen but did damage the scuttle panel a tad, but the bonnet did not go down as was caught underneath wipers and needed a pulling and has been quite a bit!..
I'm 90% sure that the bonnet was shut correctly prior to driving off and heard a click (bonnet open) before it did so. This was the second time I have been on dual carriageway independently and that happens! (I'll admit, I didn't panic at all and hazards on, rear view mirror and pull over hard shoulder but did c**p myself as I'm only 17...).

But to the main point, I'm not sure if I am to get a internal bonnet catch to make it safer at all for the time being? (As my friends also popped open on the road, but he had another catch to stop it from opening). But this has put me off the mini completely (Which I purchased for insurance purposes really) and consider selling the mini after this incident as I miss the features of a modern car also!

Thanks!

PS: Image of mini underneath after incident (Damage not visible at all on it for some reason?)

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[Rabtmac]

As you look at the bonnet from the front on the right hand side there should be a "hook" that once you pop the bonnet you need to push away from you to release the bonnet to open.
Did yours dot have one?
Is it broken or maybe damaged in some way?
Check the bonnet catch while repairing the bonnet and check the hook is operating properly as this would totally stop your bonnet opening.

[BTA168]

As you look at the bonnet from the front on the right hand side there should be a "hook" that once you pop the bonnet you need to push away from you to release the bonnet to open.
Did yours dot have one?
Is it broken or maybe damaged in some way?
Check the bonnet catch while repairing the bonnet and check the hook is operating properly as this would totally stop your bonnet opening.

No, I don't have the bonnet catch on the right hand side. I believe this was released in the later models? But, that is what I was asking about, if purchasing an internal release with catch would be worthwhile?

[mister bridger]

a lot of folks, me included, have the small leather straps fitted to the front of the bonnet, for extra security and "the look".

[Kam]

No, I don't have the bonnet catch on the right hand side. I believe this was released in the later models? But, that is what I was asking about, if purchasing an internal release with catch would be worthwhile?

The bonnet hook is on the right hand side attached to the bonnet itself

The catch is in the center where your bonnet pin sits in, earlier ones were operated externally by hand through a cut-out in the grille and later had an internal release via a cable which is operated just above your right knee under the dash

When you release your bonnet does it get stopped from moving any further which needs you to do anything to lift it or can you lift it straight up? Basically you need a hook as thats what this does - prevents your bonnet from going any further up after you 'pinged' it open

[BTA168]

No, I don't have the bonnet catch on the right hand side. I believe this was released in the later models? But, that is what I was asking about, if purchasing an internal release with catch would be worthwhile?

The bonnet hook is on the right hand side attached to the bonnet itself

The catch is in the center where your bonnet pin sits in, earlier ones were operated externally by hand through a cut-out in the grille and later had an internal release via a cable which is operated just above your right knee under the dash

When you release your bonnet does it get stopped from moving any further which needs you to do anything to lift it or can you lift it straight up? Basically you need a hook as thats what this does - prevents your bonnet from going any further up after you 'pinged' it open

Sorry, that is what I meant. I do not have the hook on the right hand side and mine is an external bonnet release. When releasing the bonnet, there is no hook and I can lift it straight up with nothing limiting it/ stopping it. Do earlier models have a hook as standard (external release)? Or do only later models with an internal release have them?

[Deathrow]

It should have a hook.

My '88 had one. Plus, it's a safety feature for this exact reason.

[Brams96]

Dont sell your mini just because of 1 incident! This is an easy fix.

Just fit a bonnet hook, they are cheap from mini spares (or other suppliers), or a leather bonnet strap.

[Deathrow]

We need to see under his bonnet really. If the base for the hook is there, it's easy enough to install one. However if the base plate is missing then it needs welding and the cost is going to rocket when you take in to account the part, having it welded in place and then respraying the bonnet.

Although, if it attaches to one of the cross member of the bonnet rather than the outer skin, it may be possible to pop rivet the base in place.

[BTA168]

We need to see under his bonnet really. If the base for the hook is there, it's easy enough to install one. However if the base plate is missing then it needs welding and the cost is going to rocket when you take in to account the part, having it welded in place and then respraying the bonnet.

Although, if it attaches to one of the cross member of the bonnet rather than the outer skin, it may be possible to pop rivet the base in place.

Hi, I will try and get some pictures of the bonnet, but I don't think it would be much use as I would need to change it regardless. I will try and get some pics tomorrow, but I know for a fact that I do not have the hook (not so sure on base plate).
Also, by any chance if anyone will read this know of someone selling a red bonnet? (red prefered as respray will cost a bit)!

[Kam]

Ok, heres mine, have you got this base plate which holds the safety hook on your right hand side as you lift the bonnet, its number 2



This is my MPi bonnet (1997 onwards) so ignore number 1, also ignore the actual position of the base plate in number 2, they placed it here on the MPi's but all models before this had it on the right hand side as you look head on

Unfortunately I threw my base plate away when I cut it off otherwise I would've popped it in the post to you

[BTA168]

Ok, heres mine, have you got this base plate which holds the safety hook on your right hand side as you lift the bonnet, its number 2



This is my MPi bonnet (1997 onwards) so ignore number 1, also ignore the actual position of the base plate in number 2, they placed it here on the MPi's but all models before this had it on the right hand side as you look head on

Unfortunately I threw my base plate away when I cut it off otherwise I would've popped it in the post to you

Hi, I do not have the base plate under my bonnet. I only have the catch holding it down in the middle (or needle). But is the hook something I need to look out for with the addition of the base plate on a bonnet I'm going to buy next?

[Kam]

The base plate (which holds the safety hook) is always on the bonnet whether you buy a bonnet brand new or a secondhand one, one of the previous owners has decided to cut it off which is fine but something needs to go in its place otherwise.......well you know the rest

With a brand new bonnet you will get the base plate, with a secondhand one you should get the hook aswell as theres no reason for someone to sell a bonnet with a base plate and no hook?

Have a word with Josh to see if he's got anything CLICKY HERE

Hth

[BTA168]

The base plate (which holds the safety hook) is always on the bonnet whether you buy a bonnet brand new or a secondhand one, one of the previous owners has decided to cut it off which is fine but something needs to go in its place otherwise.......well you know the rest

With a brand new bonnet you will get the base plate, with a secondhand one you should get the hook aswell as theres no reason for someone to sell a bonnet with a base plate and no hook?

Have a word with Josh to see if he's got anything CLICKY HERE

Hth

Hi Kam, sorry for the hassle. I found this bonnet on ebay (http://www.ebay.co.u...c#ht_500wt_1065).
I can see that the plate is there and these look nothing like mine as you mentioned, someone must have taken it off.
Do you think this one is reasonable (additional work may need to be done for rust), and how much do you think it's worth approximately alone?

Thanks again!

[Kam]

Sorry mate I'm not clued up on prices, have a look on the classifieds here to get an idea if there are any or try the link I gave before and see if Josh has one

Heres your ebay link, I know its ended now

Ebay link

Its hard to see on the picture but the hook is on there.....aswell as a bit of rust

See if you got a local breakers to you, check the regional sections on here to see if any are near you, this is one big thing to post!