Thread: Concealed-hinge bonnets

I've got an '87/'88 model with the spring-assisted concealed-hinge bonnet.
Despite owning it for years I've never needed to dig too deeply into its bodywork so I'm not completely familiar with differences from my previous early 2-door.

One of the things that I preferred on the earlier models was the ability to open the bonnet back against the windscreen. Can anyone tell me if an early model exposed-hinge bonnet and hinges can be fitted to the later body? I'd like to avoid removing the panel in front of the windscreen just to check.

In other words, did they significantly change the body where the hinges attach, or is the structure to which the older hinges bolt still in there?

And while I'm asking - What about the tailgate? Can the older type bolt on? I rather like the old lever-operated latch.

Thanks for the quick reply.

I knew it would be a longshot - but I was hopeful.

I guess I should have a wander around some wreckers to see if I can see what the later models look like under that panel. I can then check my old 1977 parts catalogue with all the exploded diagrams.

I plan to get her resprayed later, so I should find out as much as I can before then, and decide if it's all too much trouble or not.

The other thing that I don't like about the later hinges is that there is a big square opening from which they protrude. Every second leaf that lands on the car seems to be drawn magnetically down the bonnet gap into one of those openings, there to accumulate out of reach, and rot.