Bonnet wheel mount question

[Ranga]

A common problem with a spare mounted on the bonnet is the inability for one person to open the bonnet without someone pulling the cable at the same time. The spring simply isn't strong enough to lift the bonnet and wheel.

There apparently is a mythical stronger spring you can buy, but I can't find one. Another solution I read about is a locking cable, that when pull can be lock open to allow the bonnet release.

Anyone know of the spring and/or locking cable?

[ted44]

Hi Ranga, I fitted a spare wheel to the bonnet of a 1996 Defender 110, for a trip to the Simpson, just got back and the wheel on the bonnet wasn't a problem although I renewed the bonnet release cable before going. Not had a problem opening at all. Hope this helps.

[isuzu110]

I don't have a spare on the bonnet, but I do have a pull cable behind the radiator grill that allows me to open the bonnet from the front of the vehicle. I agree it's not very secure, but love the ease of opening.

[86mud]

Hi Ranga, never had a problem with mine when I use to have the wheel there. I did also install a pinch weld rubber seal along the side edges of the bonnet to help to reduce it vibrating on the guard tops. This helped the bonnet to spring open as well. I just a pinch weld rubber seal from Clark rubber.

[dero]

I also have a spare on my bonnet , no problem popping the bonnet .

[Ranga]

Interesting. I have no problem popping the bonnet, but the spring simply doesn't lift the bonnet when I do it due to the weight of the wheel.

[dero]

I have used mine with 15 & 16" wheels , the only problem I have is getting the bonnet support rod unclipped to hold it up. But I have pretty well mastered that now with a bump of the other hand .

[Coxy]

I was thinking about putting a spare on the bonnet, sounds like all you guys are happy enough with it there, guessing you need to checker plate the bonnet then get a mount, where do you get the mounts from ? Thanks

[weeds]

Shouldn't need checker plate as mine doesn't have it......

[87County]

I was thinking about putting a spare on the bonnet, sounds like all you guys are happy enough with it there, guessing you need to checker plate the bonnet then get a mount, where do you get the mounts from ? Thanks

I used the wheel mount off a Series bonnet. :)

[Orkney 90]

This may be a silly question, but how does one get the wheel on and off the bonnet without scratching the paintwork to buggery?

[dero]

I don't have a bonnet protector [ it would be nice ] the only marks I get are rubber , and they wash off . pretty hard to get any contact with the bonnet other than the tyre . I have steel rims and the tyre bulge is enough to stop any other contact . no idea where to buy the mounts .

[marting]

I got a bonnet from an earlier defender (95 I think) with the factory bonnet mount on it. The bonnet frame was cracked in several places and required removing from the bonnet and repairing. I re-assembled the bonnet with a chequer plate bonnet protector to help spread and support the load. (I carry a 255/85/16). The plate also helps to protect the bonnet when getting the spare on and off.
The bonnet mount is only used for extended trips when a second spare is required.
Cheers, Martin

[Bazzle218]

When I use my Bonnet mount, I have a small set of vice grips in the dash which I fit to the cable once I pull it out. Nil issues don't have to gorilla grip the cable just hold it out. once bonnet is open I walk around and remove grips. :p

[Carslil Jim]

G'day,
Maybe the secret is to remove the spring. On my machine, I pull the bonnet release cable, and it stays out. I then can upen the bonnet from the front of the LR.

Then I push the cable back in, inside the cab, and drop the bonnet which now locks.

its a bit of a bugger, because i usually forget to push the release back in, in the cab, drop the bonnet, and then have to go push the lever in, and go out and lift the bonnett a few inches and drop it again. No big deal really.

You will loose visibility of the LH mudguard with a tyre on the bonnet if you are seated low. I only have the tyre on if really in expedition mode, and I remove the tyre attachment doover when not in use so i dont have a pedestrian striking hazard to argue about. (God help the pedestrian that gets smacked by my bull bar before they slide onto the bonnet)

Regards

Jim

[lebanon]

My trick is to use a series III choke cable that locks. That way you pull it and lock it in the open position.
Some types are long enough to suite the defender. (If I recall well it was an aftermarket)
If you can’t find one long enough to reach the bonnet lock make an extension from the bonnet lock side.